18 Korean Short Hairstyles You Need to Cop Right Now
Some may say that Korean short hairstyles have been one of the dark horses of this year in terms of trends, but honestly, we kind of saw this coming. After years of super long extensions, over-the-top blowouts and waves and curls as far as the eye can see, it was certainly prime time for a palette refresh. We first flirted with the concept with some bangs, where we were able to play around with length without really sacrificing all that much. Then came that now-ubiquitous messy lob. Then came the ’90s redux—a wispy, staticky fringe, minimal layers—and then here we are, in blunt bob central. And you can believe that South Koreans, being the lightning-quick trend-adapters they are, were definitely one of the first on this retro-charming bob train.
Not to say that bobs are the only Korean short hairstyles making the hot circuit right now: several iterations of cropped cuts have gone wildly viral, thanks in part to Korean dramas and idol groups sporting the look. Scroll on to see if this trending look is one you’ll be bookmarking soon.
Gorgeous Korean Short Hairstyles
1. Wavy Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob that has a bit of an air-dried curl at the ends is another characteristic that Korean short hairstyles have. Hair hack: use a small round brush and a tiny dollop of mousse to create that undercurl while blow-drying.
Editor’s tip: Use TONI&GUY Volume Plumping Mousse when you’re going for a curly hairstyle. This backstage essential well-loved by professionals has a root targeting nozzle to get body, bounce, and movement right where it matters most.
2. Medium Bob with See-through Bangs
When a Korean trend goes viral, it goes viral—so much so that you actually get a weird sense of FOMO if you don’t jump in. See-through fringe, particularly when paired with Korean short hairstyles, is one of those super-fashionable looks that has overtaken the landscape in a major way.
Editor’s tip: Start with soft and healthy hair by using DOVE Oxygen & Nourishment Shampoo and DOVE Oxygen & Nourishment Conditioner. These products help nourish your hair while helping boost its volume for that natural bounce.
3. Bob with Beach Waves
Complement your wispy bangs with an equally relaxed hairstyle. Flirty, beach waves on your medium bob will certainly help you nail a chic Korean look.
Editor’s tip: Nail your beach waves and make them last long by spritzing TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray on your hair.
4. Peach Lob
Koreans are adept at experimenting with new hair colors and trends. A peach-colored lob is one of those Korean short hairstyles you can sport that’s both feminine and still rather ahead of the curve.
5. Concave Bob
Got a round face shape? You can play up your aegyo (winsome cuteness) factor with a youthful—and still somewhat slimming—bob.
6. Bob with Headband
Nothing spells “cute” better than a printed headband worn around a chin-length bob. Position the bow at the side to amp up the cuteness, and loosen some strands for a more casual and chic look.
7. Bob with Loose Waves
If you don’t have a curling iron, go for a tousled look to sport Korean-style waves. Just pin small sections of your damp hair into small buns, leave for an hour and two, and unravel. You’ll get loose, natural-looking waves sans heat-styling.
8. Bouncy Center-part Bob
This charmingly simple, low-key bob harks back to the ’90s when symmetry is key. You can have your tips slightly layered so you can shape your hair more easily using a blow dryer.
9. Asymmetrical Bob
A bob where one side is marginally longer than the other is ideal for those flattering, tilted-angle “selcas,” a.k.a. Korean selfies.
10. Bowl Cut
Edgy, directional and unironically retro, a bowl cut is a gender-neutral hairstyle that highlights your hair’s shape and texture. Maintain this textured look by spritzing dry shampoo on your roots to absorb excess oil.
11. Shag
Alternatively, you can also show your individuality with a bright blonde shag—a super hot look that hits two trends at once.
12. Stacked Bob
A stacked bob is similar to the concave bob, but with a tad bit more layering at the back. Add oomph to your ‘do with a fluffy fringe.
13. Blunt bob with Bangs
Youthful looks reign supreme when it comes to Korean short hairstyles, and this school-girlish concept of blunt bangs paired with a bob is still quite popular even among those who have long graduated from school.
14. Curved Classic Bob
This Korean short hair is so simple yet elegant and makes you look years younger. The inward curve gives it a nice and relaxed finish. If you don’t have a blow dryer or if you don’t like to use heat to achieve this hairstyle, then, you can simply use your hands and shake your hair till it dries and curves.
Editor’s tip: You don’t want this hairstyle falling flat and limp. So, keep that from happening with the help of some VO5 Extra Body Mousse. No matter how you move or how the wind tries to mess up your hair, it will always go back to this shape. Don’t you just love it?
15. Lob with Uneven Bangs
Bangs will never go out of style, but you can always make it more unique by going uneven. Yes, uneven bangs are intentional and they look great, especially with a lob haircut. You can even choose the length but make sure the longest parts don’t reach the eyes or you’ll end up going ‘blind’ at the end of the day.
16. Simply Straight
Don’t be surprised to see this straight hairstyle among the Korean short hair options because most Koreans are really naturally straight. In fact, they have one of straightest hairs among Asians. So, if you love this hairstyle, go ahead and go for it. It’s sleek and perfect even for work.
Editor’s tip: Achieve super straight hair with Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight. You don’t have to go to a salon to get the benefits of keratin as this conditioner keeps your hair straight and frizz-free even after one wash.
17. Messy Shoulder-length with Semi-See-Through Bangs
Want to look and feel relaxed? Then, you should go for this Korean short hair. It gives you that ‘woke up like this’ look, especially that your tresses are kept a bit messy. You can wear this to a romantic date, a fun day at the beach, or to a night out. Wherever you go, you’ll surely turn admiring eyes to your direction.
18. Wavy Bob with Side Bangs
This is absolutely one of our favorites! The gentle waves, paired with side bangs, really look gorgeous. Part it at the side and bring out your sweet feminine side. It goes really well with any OOTD and ups it when you need a little bit more sophistication.
Ready to make waves with your K-wave look? With these trendy Korean short hairstyles, we bet you can’t wait to rock one now!
