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Jungkook from BTS’ flying perm, Chen from Exo’s front frizz: the latest permed hairstyles of K-pop idols taking Asia by storm

  • Jungkook sent fans crazy with his transformation from an adorable, fresh-faced idol to a sultry, charismatic singer when he got his flying perm
  • The messy curls of the illy perm remind one of a toy poodle and suits clean-cut fashion including smart glasses and button downs

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BTS’ Jungkook is one of many K-pop idols rocking the latest perms, with the hairstyle a growing trend among Asian boys. Photo: Lovesince1997

From fashion to beauty, South Korea is the source of many of the latest trends for teens around the world. When it comes to hairstyles, the hottest new looks often originate on the heads of K-pop stars. The current permed hair trend among young people in Hong Kong and China is a direct reflection of the popularity of South Korea’s top boy bands.

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Chahong Room, a popular hair salon chain in South Korea, made choosing perms easy for young men by coming up with a perm catalogue. The names for the perms are simple and romantic, such as “Halo Perm” and “Harry Perm”, while the catalogue showcases the various styles with photos.

The salon’s perming methods have spread overseas as well, with many Korean-style salons using the names created by Chahong Room for the services they offer.

Here’s a round-up of some of the styles favoured by young permed boys in Asia and around the world.

The illy perm. Photo: Chahong Room
The illy perm. Photo: Chahong Room

The Illy Perm

Often a shade of light to medium brown, these messy curls remind one of a toy poodle. The soft vibes and warmth it radiates make it a popular choice for those who are fond of playing it safe.

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