Why we love it: Out of all the brands on this list, Kundal easily offers the best value. “Kundal is the accessible, everyday workhorse of K-hair,” says Lee. “The shampoos and conditioners come in a huge range of scents, the formulas are solid, and the price point makes it super easy to try. It’s genuinely one of my favorite recommendations for someone who wants to dip into Korean hair care without a big investment.” The product assortment offers plenty to try, from Korean shampoos and hair mists, to biotin formulas and protein treatments, to curl creams. I’ve liked everything I tried from the brand while I was in Seoul, and always overnight the shampoos and conditioners when my Airbnb toiletries just aren’t cutting it.

  • Best for: Affordable Korean hair care
  • Pros: A wide range of options and great value
  • Cons: Great for shampoos, conditioners, and treatments, but not our top pick for scalp care

Frequently asked questions

Why does Korean hair care stand out?

Korean hair care stands out for two reasons: Its innovative formulas and delivery systems, as well as its layered, routine-focused approach that may remind you of your skin care. “Korean hair care takes a very similar approach to Korean skin care, prioritizing long-term hair health (such as scalp health) over quick cosmetic fixes,” says Cho. “There are several steps you can take to have a foundation for healthy hair, such as hydration, exfoliation, and treatments that don’t weigh hair down.”

What ingredients should you look for in Korean hair care for hair health and growth?

Look for the same ingredients in Korean hair care products that you would in your Korean skin care—hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, peptides, green tea, cica, snail mucin, and PDRN. Because many of the best Korean hair brands are formulated with a hydrating, soothing approach in mind, you’ll find plenty of crossover with ingredients you’re already familiar with from your Korean skin care routine.

Tips for getting Korean glass hair
“To achieve true glass hair, you need the perfect balance of hydration, smoothness, and shine,” says Kiu. “Otherwise, it won’t last and will simply look like temporary styling.” He recommends a two-step approach to get the look: “It actually starts while the hair is still wet. Apply a cream-type essence first on damp hair. Then, after blow-drying, apply an oil essence before styling.” This makes a huge difference in getting the ultra-shiny, perfect hair you’ve seen on social media. “A lot of people only use hair oils, but the key is to first strengthen and hydrate the inside of the hair with a cream hair essence, then seal the outer layer with oil,” he explains. “That’s how you get hair that looks glossy and healthy while still feeling light and soft.”

How we chose the top Korean hair brands

As a beauty editor since 2013, I’ve had a firsthand look at the most iconic Korean hair launches, including the best shampoos, hair treatments, scalp ampoules, hair oils, and masks. For this story, I started by reviewing my personal trend research on noteworthy K-beauty products from past trips to Seoul. I then interviewed a celebrity hairstylist and trusted K-beauty experts for additional insights on emerging hair brands. I tried a range of products from their top brands and evaluated each based on innovation, value, results, range of products available, and more. When reviewing each brand, I always take tester experience, expert insights, and my own research into account in order to help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.

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By Sarah Y. Wu

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