Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

1. Haircut

Q1. What is the trendy Korean ‘Hushcut’?
The Hushcut is a highly sought-after Korean layered cut that emphasizes a lightweight texture and airy volume. It naturally frames the face, creating a flattering, face-slimming effect.
Q2. Who does the ‘Butterfly Haircut’ suit best?
The Butterfly cut features voluminous, elegant layers on medium to long hair. We highly recommend it if you want beautiful face-framing pieces when you tie your hair up, or if you desire overall bouncy volume.
Q3. How is a women’s short cut different from a men’s short cut?
While a women’s short cut has a stylish boyish charm, the technique is entirely different. We focus on building a rounded, feminine volume at the back and leaving soft, delicate details around the ears and neckline to ensure an elegant finish.
Q4. Can I get a Korean layered cut if I have very thick or heavy hair?
Absolutely. The Hushcut and our Korean texturizing techniques are perfect for removing bulky weight, making thick hair feel incredibly light and much easier to style at home.
Q5. How often should I visit the salon to maintain my haircut?
To keep the beautiful shape and detailed layers of a Hushcut or a short cut, we recommend visiting our Takapuna salon every 6 to 8 weeks for a trim.
Q6. Can I get a consultation for a haircut that suits my face shape?
We don’t have a separate booking just for a consultation, but once you book a haircut, we will provide an in-depth consultation during your visit to recommend the most flattering, customized Korean hairstyle for you.
Q7. Can I book an appointment just to get my bangs cut?
We do not take bookings for just a bangs cut; it is strictly a walk-in service. However, please note that depending on our hairdressers’ schedules for the day, we might not be able to accommodate you, or you may experience a long waiting time.

2. Hair Color & Bleach

Q8. Is there a pre-booking checklist before I get a color or bleach service?
Yes, for a successful color transformation, please let us know your hair history. Checking our Pre-Booking Checklist before booking is highly recommended.
Q9. I previously dyed my hair dark/black. Can I still go blonde or light?
You cannot lighten previously darkened hair with just regular hair dye. Bleaching is required, but even then, it may not lift to your desired lightness level, and there is a high chance of severe patchiness or uneven tones.
Q10. Should I wash my hair before my coloring appointment?
We recommend not washing your hair on the morning of a full bleach or color service. Your natural scalp oils act as a protective barrier against the chemicals.
Q11. How do you minimize hair damage during bleaching?
We prioritize your hair’s health by using premium bonding treatments (clinic products) mixed directly into our lighteners. This significantly reduces breakage and protects the hair bonds during the lifting process.
Q12. How can I make my new hair color last longer?
Basically, hair color applied over bleached hair does not last very long. However, to extend its life as much as possible, use color-safe shampoos and avoid washing with hot water or frequently using heat styling tools.
Q13. Can I get a Digital Perm and full hair color on the same day?
Even if you don’t do them on the same day, having both chemical services will leave your hair very dry and frizzy. To protect your hair health, we strongly advise leaving a gap of 1 to 2 weeks between the two services.
Q14. If I bring a reference photo, can you match the color exactly?
The final result depends heavily on your current base color and hair condition. However, our top Auckland colorists will formulate a custom color recipe to get you as close to your dream color as possible while complementing your skin tone.
Q15. How long does a full bleach and color session take?
It varies depending on your hair length, thickness, and target shade, but please allow anywhere from 3 to 5 hours for this meticulous process.

3. Highlight, Balayage & Peek-a-Boo

Q16. What is the ‘Peek-a-Boo’ hair color trend?
Peek-a-Boo is a popular two-tone design where a contrasting color is hidden underneath the top layer of your hair. The vibrant color playfully “peeks” out when you run your fingers through your hair, tie it up, or curl it.
Q17. Is Peek-a-Boo color suitable for office workers?
Yes! The amount of color hidden by the top layer can be adjusted to your needs. However, please keep in mind that even when covered, the bleached sections will still show slightly as you move.
Q18. What is the difference between Balayage and standard highlights?
Standard highlights are uniform from the root, whereas Balayage starts as highlights at the top and transitions into a full-color gradient towards the bottom. It allows your roots to grow out without a harsh line.
Q19. Will I need frequent root touch-ups with Balayage?
Not at all. The biggest advantage of Balayage is that it grows out beautifully without leaving a harsh line of demarcation at the roots, making it a very low-maintenance color option.
Q20. Do I absolutely need bleach for Peek-a-Boo or Sombre styles?
If you want high-contrast colors like pastel pink, ash grey, or icy blonde, bleach is necessary. However, if you prefer a subtle, natural contrast, we can achieve beautiful results using high-lift hair tints without bleach.
Q21. Does Balayage look natural on dark Asian hair?
Absolutely. As a premier Korean hair salon in Auckland, we specialize in neutralizing brassy orange/red tones. We use gorgeous ash, milk tea, and mushroom blonde shades to create a flawless, natural Balayage for Asian hair.
Q22. What should I be aware of before getting highlights or Balayage?
If you have a history of dark dye, bleach, or previous highlights, you may not achieve the exact style you want, or severe patchiness may occur. Additionally, lightened hair gets dry easily, so regular home care with oils and treatments is essential.

4. Korean Digital Perm

Q23. How is a Korean ‘Digital Perm’ different from a traditional cold perm?
A traditional cold perm looks curliest when wet. A Digital Perm uses heat, resulting in waves that become more prominent as they dry. However, for a Digital Perm, you must always use your hands to shape and dry the curls to maintain the beautiful style.
Q24. What is the trending ‘Build Perm’?
The Build Perm is a signature Korean Digital Perm style. It combines volume-boosting C-curls at the roots and mid-lengths with soft, elegant S-curls at the ends, creating a sophisticated and feminine look.
Q25. Can I get a Digital Perm if my hair is bleached?
Because a Digital Perm relies on heat, performing it on highly damaged or bleached hair carries a severe risk of breakage or melting. A strict in-salon consultation and strand test are mandatory before proceeding.
Q26. What should I check before booking a Digital Perm?
Please review our Pre-Booking Checklist. We need to know your chemical history over the past year and your current hair condition before proceeding.
Q27. How long does a Korean Digital Perm last?
While it depends on your hair texture and home care routine, a well-maintained Digital Perm can last beautifully for 3 to 6 months, even with large, loose waves.
Q28. Do I need a curling iron to style my Digital Perm at home?
While it may not look exactly identical to a salon blow-dry, with a bit of practice twisting and drying your hair outwards with your hands, you can fully enjoy your beautiful curls without needing a curling iron.
Q29. When can I wash my hair after getting a perm?
Shampooing right after isn’t a major issue. However, after washing, you MUST twist and shape your hair with your hands while blow-drying. This step is essential to ensure your curls last long and stay bouncy.
Q30. My hair is fine and flat. Will a Digital Perm work for me?
Basically, a perm relies on the physical properties of your hair. If your hair is fine and thin, its strength to hold a curl is relatively weak. This often results in stretched-out or very small curls. While there are various perm styles, achieving a bouncy, “blow-dry” look is extremely difficult on fine hair.

5. About Salon de Seoul

Q31. Where is the salon located?
We are located in Takapuna. You can find us in the alleyway next to the Takapuna Starbucks. If you are coming from the Anzac Street Car Park, just look for the “Parkway Arcade” sign.

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Q32. Where can I park my car?
There is a convenient paid parking lot right next to the salon (Anzac Street Car Park). Alternatively, you can park at Shore City Mall, which offers 2 hours of free parking.
Q33. How can I book an appointment?
The fastest and easiest way to book is online. You can simply click the ‘BOOK ONLINE’ button on our website to see available times and secure your spot.
Q34. Do you accept walk-in customers?
We currently do not accept walk-in customers. To ensure the highest quality of service and to manage our schedule effectively, our salon operates strictly by online appointments. Please book your spot in advance through our website.
Q35. Who are the hairdressers at the salon?
Our salon is led by Director Nick, bringing over 20 years of refined hairdressing experience. Along with our highly skilled team, including Miran and Kelly, we provide premium Korean hair services tailored to you.