Incorporating K-beauty practices in your beauty routine is no easy feat — the multiple steps involved in this popular regime takes commitment. These steps are planned to tend to all your skin and hair needs in one go and trust us when we say that they are oh-so-effective. Given that Korean skincare has already caused quite a stir among beauty enthusiasts, their hair care routine is gaining momentum too. And much like the skincare regimen, the Korean hair care routine is equally *extra* and consists of 10 steps. Here’s everything you need to know about it the elaborate Korean 10-step hair care routine for a lustrous mane.
PS You don’t need to follow these steps every single time you wash your hair; we suggest doing this one a week to give your mane in a nice detox!
Step #01: Scalp scaler
Working as a hair prep, the scalp scaler is a salicylic acid formula that is massaged in your scalp to dissolve dead skin cells, dirt and oil buildup. This step helps soothe an extremely dry or oily scalp, plus boosts blood circulation for healthier hair growth.
Step #02: Shampoo
Lather the product in between your palms and massage it on your scalp with your fingers. Choose a product that is gentle on your scalp as the rest of the steps require the use of potent ingredients to be layered on top of this one.
Step #03: Scalp massager
Bring out your hair massaging tools for this step! Once you’re done shampooing, use a hairbrush or wide-toothed comb to gently massage your scalp and get rid of any product residue that may have remained.
Step #04: Scalp scrub
Once you’re done with massaging the scalp, apply a grainy and dense scrub on your scalp using your hands. Then gently scrub your scalp to unclog your pores of dirt and impurities.
Step #05: Deep conditioning
Next, hydrate your mane with a deep conditioning mask. Apply your chosen formula on towel-dried hair and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Step #06: Scalp mask
The K-beauty routine encourages you to treat your scalp the same way you treat your skin. Using a scalp mask will soothe your scalp, moisturize it and strengthen your roots to reduce hair fall. Follow this step after washing off your conditioner.
Step #07: Vinegar wash
Once you have the hair mask off, help restore the pH balance of your scalp with a vinegar wash. Dilute one tbsp of apple cider vinegar with water and rinse out your hair and scalp with it. This step also inhibits bacteria growth on the scalp and seals your cuticles to protect it from environmental damage once it dries.
Step #08: Hair sleeping mask
Apply a leave-in conditioner or an overnight treatment on your towel-dried hair to keep it tangle-free in between washes. Do not apply on roots; just stick to applying it from mid-lengths to the tips.
Step #09: Scalp tonic
Apply a scalp tonic that helps solve issues like thinning or dandruff. The previous steps make your scalp super receptive of these treatments and can show better results.
Step #10: Scalp essence or serum
Lock everything in with a hydrating scalp essence or serum at the end of the routine. Choose a water-based formula that is easily absorbed and won’t weigh your hair down while wearing it naturally.
Written by Sumona Bose on Jul 08, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!