Adventures We Seek

Getting Your Hair Colored in South Korea: Our Honest Review of Hair Tokyo Gwangju

 

Getting your hair colored in a foreign country is an act of pure faith.

You do not speak the language. They may not speak yours. And you are about to hand over your hair — and your dignity — to someone armed with bleach and good intentions. As a brunette living in South Korea surrounded by beautiful black haired locals I had one very important question: can anyone here make me blonde?

The answer, it turns out, was Hair Tokyo in Gwangju. And after four hours, three stylists, two phone calls to my Korean friend Giana and one very tense blow dry — I can say yes. Yes they can.

Sdc10640This weekend I decided I needed a change. After much debate I decided on Hair Tokyo as my place of attack. Being in Asia, with mostly black hair’d natives, how on earth do you trust anyone to add a little blonde to you? Well, at work I work with a few Foreign teachers who all swear hair tokyo can do the job. So, armed with a picture saved on the new ipod touch, I went in.

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They got straight to work, three of them on my hair. At one point, I had to call a Korean for translation help, it seems they were concerned as to how the dye would work on my black dyed hair and my brown natural roots growing in. Seeing as though they didn’t strip the color out or tone the bleach after, I was a little nervous. But, after they blew dried my hair, I was a bit disappointed because there was really no change in my hair color, except right around my face…so once again, phone a Korean.
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Between Giana (my phone a friend) and I, I asked, more please. So, two more hours later, I had more. I had three girls straightening my hair at once. I don’t think I have had hair this light since I was 21. While this was all taking place, the manager snapped a few photos for their website. They said nice color. So, I think it more meant, foreigner getting their hair done here…photo op!
Although in the picture it appears a bit orange, I love it, it looks fantastic. So, ladies in Gwangju, I highly recommend hair tokyo. (ignore the strange faces they are making, it is very common for no smile, cute face when a camera is in play)

Q: Is Hair Tokyo in Gwangju good for foreigners? A: Absolutely — it is actually recommended by the expat and foreign teacher community in Gwangju specifically because they are experienced working with non Asian hair types. Go armed with a reference photo and a patient friend who speaks Korean just in case!

Q: Can you get your hair colored in South Korea as a foreigner? A: Yes! Korean salons are generally very skilled and surprisingly affordable compared to Western prices. The language barrier can be a challenge so bring a photo of exactly what you want and be prepared to use translation apps or phone a Korean friend.

Q: How do Korean hair salons compare to Western salons? A: The skill level is high and the attention to detail is impressive — we had three stylists working on hair simultaneously which felt incredibly luxurious. Prices are very reasonable and the experience is genuinely enjoyable even with the language barrier.

Q: What should you bring to a hair salon in South Korea as a foreigner? A: Bring a clear reference photo saved on your phone, a translation app, and if possible the name of a Korean speaking friend you can call. Be patient — the results are worth it.

Q: Where is Hair Tokyo salon in Gwangju South Korea? A: Hair Tokyo is located in Gwangju South Korea and is popular among the expat and foreign English teacher community in the city. It is worth seeking out if you are living in or visiting Gwangju and need a reliable English friendly salon experience.

What is it like living in Korea as an expat family?

Remarkably livable once the initial adjustment passes. Korea is safe, efficient, and welcoming to families. The food culture is extraordinary. Kids adapt faster than adults. Most expat families describe Korea as having raised their standard for what a city should offer.

What are the best things to do in Korea with kids?

The children’s museums in Seoul are world class. Korean street food is an adventure for kids of all ages. Palaces and traditional villages give history a physical form that works for children. The playgrounds and outdoor spaces in Korean cities are genuinely excellent.

Is Korean food good for kids?

Korea is excellent for adventurous young eaters. Korean fried chicken is universally beloved. Kimbap rice rolls are approachable for most kids. Street food culture especially tteokbokki corn dogs and hotteok pancakes is a huge hit with children.

How do you learn Korean as an expat?

Apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur help with the alphabet and basics. Koreans are generally patient and appreciative of any effort. Kids pick up Korean in school environments much faster than adults do in language classes.

What are the pros and cons of living in Korea?

Pros: extraordinary safety, excellent public transport, amazing food, strong medical system. Cons: language barrier for adults, air quality issues in spring, and the social insularity that can make deep friendships slow to develop.

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2 comments

  1. With a snip snip here and a comb comb there and a couple of tra-la-las. That's how it goes in the fun fun throes of Nicole in S Korea. xxoo The hair is Mahvelous, dahling, simply mahvolous! xxoo

    Reply

  2. I got all my haircuts at Hair Tokyo in Bongseun dong. I had a good miming ritual with a girl there and always walked out feeling good because it wasn't the disaster it could have been!

    Reply

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