Newsflash: Korean hair-care products and their skin-care counterparts aren’t much different. Packed with powerful ingredients like cica, peptides, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and ceramides, their formulas often look like they could belong in your skin-care lineup. But why are Korean skin-care and hair-care products so similar?
In short, K-beauty prioritizes scalp care just as much as facial care—especially during the colder winter months when dry air and low humidity can wreak havoc on both your skin and scalp. Many view the scalp as an extension of the face, and keeping it hydrated and nourished is essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. In fact, scalp care is “ultimately what will save your hair,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Cherin Choi. Paying attention to your scalp’s needs is key to maintaining overall hair health, particularly in the drying winter months.
Our Top Korean Hair Treatment Products
- Best for Dry Hair: Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask, $27
- Best for Oily Scalps: A’pieu Mint Hair Vinegar Rinse, $15
- Best for Damaged Hair: CosRx Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Trio, $55
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, $19
- Best for Scalp Buildup: Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scrub, $19
- Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo, $33
- Best Overnight Treatment: Anillo Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence, $18
So, what are the best Korean hair-care products worth adding to your routine? We tapped Charlotte Cho (co-founder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam), along with other K-beauty insiders, to share their favorites.
Best for Dry Hair: Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask
Why it’s worth it: Think of the Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask—known overseas as the Deep Damage Treatment Ex, but identical in formula—as Korea’s answer to the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. It’s a top seller at Olive Young (basically Korea’s Sephora-meets-Ulta), and the hype is well earned. The formula packs 31 bond-building proteins and amino acids sourced from milk, wheat, corn, and soy to help smooth frizz, reduce breakage, and leave hair noticeably silkier after just a few uses. “This works really well for dry, color-treated, or heat-damaged hair,” says Choi. “It’s lightweight but deeply reparative, focusing on ‘injecting’ liquid nutrients inside the strand—so you get that silky, ‘glass hair’ finish without losing your natural bounce or volume.”
Unove comes from the Korean hair-care brand Dr.ForHair, which is known for its rigorous research conducted at its own scalp-care clinic, Choi adds. To make it feel even more luxe, the brand worked with a perfumer to create the treatment’s soft floral scent, layered with warm notes of amber and sandalwood.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
"Korean skin care and makeup have been staples in my beauty routine for years but hair care is a category I'm eager to familiarize myself more with. Therefore, buying Unove's uber-popular Deep Treatment EX during a recent vacation to Seoul was necessary and justified. The moment it touched my extra-dry, tangled hair in the shower (seriously, I was struggling to rake my fingers through my hair after shampooing), I literally felt my strands glossing over and instantly softening…like magic. I really appreciate that this mask only needs one to three minutes to do its thing—I'm far too impatient to be standing in the shower for a full 10 minutes. My hair always feels reborn after I use this Unove treatment…especially when I've waited a week to wash my hair, and I'm convinced my blow-dryer brush glides through my freshly-washed hair more effortlessly. (Also, for context, I refreshed my pink with a toning shampoo. The mask didn't do that on its own!) —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: hydrolyzed keratin, proteins, amino acids, plant-based oils (olive, macadamia, argan, sunflower seed, and camellia)
- Who it's for: those with dry, damaged hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Scalps: A’pieu Mint Hair Vinegar Rinse
Why it’s worth it: A’pieu’s Mint Hair Vinegar is a Korean take on the traditional vinegar rinse, blending mint extract and vinegar to gently exfoliate the scalp while restoring pH balance and shine. Unlike standard apple cider vinegar rinses, this K-beauty favorite is infused with vitamin-rich ingredients like vitamin C, B3, and magnesium to nourish both scalp and strands. Its lightweight, watery formula is meant to be used after shampoo as a clarifying rinse that sweeps away buildup, calms irritation, and rebalances the scalp—perfect for oily roots, sensitivity, or flakes and dandruff.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“Depending on the weather, hormones, and my sheer luck, my scalp can either be flaky, itchy, both, or neither. (Very cool!) On days when it's acting up, I reach for this rinse, which instantly cools it on the spot with mint. The chill sticks around, making it especially nice to use on a hot summer day, and the itchiness is pretty much nonexistent.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: mint extract, phyto-keratine
- Who it's for: those with scalp imbalances
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Damaged Hair: CosRx Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Trio
Why it’s worth it: You probably know CosRx for its viral skin care (hello, snail mucin), but their hair care is just as smart—and just as gentle. The Peptide-132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment brings the same skin-loving philosophy to your strands, using a proprietary peptide-132 complex to help repair broken bonds from the inside out. It’s creamy but lightweight, making it perfect for dry, damaged, or bleached hair that needs extra care. With added keratin, collagen, and amino acids, it smooths frizz, boosts shine, and leaves hair noticeably stronger and silkier.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
“I absolutely love the CosRx Peptide 132 hair system. The shampoo is a gentle but effective cleanser—almost like a detox shampoo that really lifts product buildup, dandruff, and oil from your scalp. I would only use it every other shower because of how effective it is! The CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bond Repair Treatment is an interesting, thick, almost coagulated texture, and a little bit goes a long way. The oil serum has also been great with extra dry ends and doesn't leave your hands feeling super greasy.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
- Key ingredients: peptides, collagen, biotin, panthenol, niacinamide
- Who it's for: people with damaged, tangle-prone hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Frizzy Hair: Mise En Scene Perfect Serum
Why it’s worth it: Mise en scène in the film industry means “setting the scene,” and the fan-favorite Perfect Serum understands the assignment: smooth, glossy hair that pulls your entire look together, so you’re starting the day in your best light. The formula pairs lightweight, fast-absorbing silicones with a multi-oil blend—argan, jojoba, coconut, apricot, olive, marula, and camellia—to soften rough ends and boost shine without a greasy, weighed-down feel. “This serum has lived on my vanity for years and is a classic hair serum that everyone in Korea is using,” says Cho. “It’s lightweight, smells amazing, and smooths out my ends after heat styling.
Best for Thinning Hair: Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment
Why it’s worth it: You might be used to seeing collagen and ceramides on your skin-care labels, but true to Korean beauty philosophy, ingredients traditionally used in skin care aren’t just for skin. Here, collagen helps improve hair’s elasticity and strength (so strands are less prone to snapping), while ceramides smooth and seal the cuticle to lock in moisture and keep flyaways in check. It’s no surprise this K-beauty favorite has earned popularity points in both South Korea and the U.S. “This intensive rinse-off hair mask strengthens weak, thinning, dry, damaged hair,” says Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlos, California. “It also reduces frizz, adds shine, and gives a soft texture—in as quick as five minutes.” The protein-packed formula reinforces compromised strands from the inside out, making it especially beneficial for hair that’s been bleached, permed, or heat-styled.
Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman
“One of the first K-beauty hair products on my radar back in 2016 was the CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment, but I only tried it recently. I have no idea why I waited so long, but now I get what all the hype is about. My hair, which I dye ruby wine once a month, was a dry, tangled mess when I hopped in the shower. After shampooing, I saturated my hair in this protein treatment, and it effortlessly unraveled every knot in about a minute flat. I rinsed it out after about three minutes, and my hair felt like cashmere.” —Devon Abelman, contributor
More to know
- Key ingredients: keratin, ceramides, and hydrolyzed wheat, corn, soy proteins
- Who it's for: color-treated hair and those who have dry, damaged hair that needs detangling
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Scalp Buildup: Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scrub
Why it’s worth it: As soon as you use Aromatica’s Rosemary Scalp Scrub, you’re greeted by a fresh, herbal scent that reflects the brand’s aromatherapy roots—plant-based essential oils instead of artificial fragrance for a calming, therapeutic feel. The rosemary aroma isn’t just pleasant; the oil is prized for its antioxidant and circulation-boosting benefits, which help energize the scalp. “Mineral-rich Dead Sea salt gently exfoliates buildup, excess oil, and dead skin, while salicylic acid (BHA) helps clear congestion around hair follicles,” says Choi. “This is the gold standard for clean scalp care. It detoxes the scalp from buildup and allows the follicles to breathe, which is essential for the scalp-first philosophy,” she says. Cooling menthol adds a refreshing tingle, while niacinamide, panthenol, and moringa seed oil help soothe, rebalance, and hydrate. Use once or twice a week in place of shampoo for a calmer scalp and healthier-looking hair.
More to know
- Key ingredients: sea salt, rosemary leaf extract and oil, ginger, basil, salicylic acid, caffeine, niacinamide
- Who it's for: people with scalp buildup
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: Rather than relying on heavy film-formers to deliver instant fullness, Dr. Groot’s Hair Thickening Shampoo takes a scalp-first approach, helping hair feel thicker over time. It’s designed for fine, fragile, or limp hair, with biotin to support keratin and strengthen strands as they grow. Caffeine helps stimulate the scalp by encouraging blood flow, which studies show supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles—key for healthier-looking growth. The formula also includes Bifida ferment lysate and Lactobacillus ferment lysate, probiotic-derived ingredients that help reinforce the scalp barrier and maintain balance, which creates a better environment for stronger hair. Rosemary extract gives the scalp a refreshing tingle, while Korean skin-care staples like Centella asiatica, ginseng, ginger, and mugwort (artemisia) help calm and rebalance. It’s also gentler than many Western thickening shampoos, so you can use it daily without worrying about residue or buildup.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
"Nothing makes me more excited to test a shampoo or conditioner than seeing the word ‘thickening’ on the bottle—so I was immediately drawn to Dr. Groot's Scalp Revitalizing line. I love the way the shampoo lathered, and the zesty scent of both formulas. After shampooing twice and applying conditioner from my mid-lengths to ends, I heat styled my hair as normal without using any other products—and was very impressed with the oomph I got from merely washing with this duo." —Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
- Key ingredients: biotin, Bifida ferment lysate, Lactobacillus ferment lysate, rosemary oil, caffeine, Centella asiatica, ginger, ginseng, mugwort
- Who it's for: people with fine or flat hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Shampoo for Scalp Irritation: Dr.ForHair Folligen Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: Dr.ForHair’s Folligen Shampoo is a go-to for irritated, sensitive scalps—especially if thinning or excess shedding is part of the picture. Built around the brand’s scalp-as-skin approach, this daily shampoo focuses on calming oil imbalance while creating a healthier environment for hair to grow. It features proprietary Folligen Complex, a blend of caffeine, biotin, peptides, and panthenol that supports hair right at the root. Caffeine promotes scalp stimulation and enhances nutrient flow to hair follicles, while biotin boosts keratin production for stronger strands. Peptides reinforce the hair fiber and improve elasticity, and panthenol (vitamin B5) hydrates and soothes, helping reduce dryness and irritation that can interfere with growth. Niacinamide strengthens the scalp barrier, while gentle exfoliating agents clear buildup that can trigger itchiness. Tip: Take your time massaging it in and let the lather sit briefly so the actives can really sink in.
Tester feedback from Han
“I'm slowly finding out that hydrating shampoos aren't doing my hair much favor—well, that and after a week of procrastinating wash day, my scalp is in need of a deeper cleanse than what the former is capable of. I first found out about Dr.ForHair through its sub-brand Unove (which makes the fantastic hair mask you see in this very story!), so I went into this shampoo trial with high hopes. I love how gentle it feels, despite being a clarifying formula, and it really gets to the roots of my excess oil and dead cells. By the second shampoo (which I always do, especially given my wash cadence), the shampoo forms a gigantic cloud of foam basically as soon as it touches my hair—so satisfying and so indictative of how well it's working. My scalp always feels lighter, softer, and refreshed.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: caffeine, biotin, peptides, panthenol, niacinamide
- Who it's for: people with scalp irritation, thinning hair, or excess shedding
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Conditioner: RYO Strengthen & Volume Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: RYO Strengthen & Volume Conditioner is a true reflection of Korean hair-care philosophy, where scalp health is seen as the root of strong, beautiful hair. “I was first introduced to RYO in Korea last year, and was very impressed at the level of hair loss research and Korean traditional ingredients they infused into each product,” says Cho. “The philosophy behind this prestige hair brand is that they consider scalp care as the foundation of hair care.” Formulated for thinning, aging, or limp hair, “their herbal, ginseng-rich formulas to stimulate the scalp are rooted in hanbang tradition and help reduce shedding and strengthen hair from the root,” Cho adds. It also features antioxidant-rich rice extract from Korea’s Yeoju region (renowned for its nutrient-dense soil) to fortify strands, enhance resilience, and boost natural shine.
More to know
- Key ingredients: ginseng, caffeine, soybean extract, Yeoju rice
- Who it's for: anyone with thinning hair or loss of volume
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Hair Oil: British M Annatto Hair Oil
Why it’s worth it: Fun fact: Annatto is best known for giving cheeses and butters their golden color—and it’s the same antioxidant-rich ingredient that gives British M’s Annatto Hair Oil its sunlit hue, along with its protective, shine-boosting benefits. Annatto oil is rich in carotenoids (including bixin), which help shield strands from UV damage, support elasticity, enhance softness and shine, and prevent dryness and dullness over time. “I was introduced to this oil at a celebrity hair salon in Korea,” says Cho. “British M is the brand I reach for when I want that shiny, glossy hair.” Even the scent feels elevated, with subtle notes of white cedarwood, musk, and rose that linger beautifully—doubling as a hair perfume and oil in one.
More to know
- Key ingredients: annatto oil, pumpkin seed oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean oil
- Who it's for: people with dry, frizzy hair
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Leave-In Conditioner: Growus Damage Therapy No Wash Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Rooted in thalassothérapie—a French wellness philosophy that taps into the healing power of the sea—Growus focuses on strengthening hair weakened by stress and hormonal changes, and this no-wash treatment brings that nourishing approach into your everyday styling routine. The Damage Therapy No-Wash Treatment is a weightless, shake-to-mix leave-in spray that forms a lightweight thermal barrier, helping protect strands from heat damage caused by blow dryers and straighteners while keeping hair resilient during styling.
Its proprietary “8+4 complex” delivers eight types of protein and four types of collagen via an ultra-fine mist, helping fill in damaged cuticles and restore strength. Marine collagen, mineral-rich seawater, Himalayan pink salt, and a seaweed complex reinforce the hair fiber while boosting shine. “It’s significantly lighter than Western leave-ins and focuses on mineralizing the hair rather than just coating it,” says Choi. Along with Growus’s signature rose-musk fragrance, there’s also a purple version with the same formula, scented with soft notes of violet and ylang-ylang.
More to know
- Key ingredients: pearl extract, salicylic acid, marine collagen, squalane, panthenol
- Who it's for: anyone with frizzy hair; those who heat-style their hair or want to add extra shine and hydration
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Overnight Treatment: Anillo Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence
Why it’s worth it: Anillo Rosy Night Repair Hair Essence is part fragrance mist, part serum, and all-around hair treat. “Anillo’s hair essences are what set them apart,” says Cho. “They’re lightweight, nourishing, and smell like a calm day at a spa.” This overnight essence features skin-care-inspired ingredients like rose extract, panthenol, and peptides to smooth frizz, add shine, and support healthier strands over time. “I love using them post-shower as a hair fragrance boost, and to smooth flyaways and give my hair a subtle, healthy sheen,” says Cho.
More to know
- Key ingredients: rosa canina fruit oil, peptides, damask rose extract
- Who it's for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: no
Beauty Images:
Photographer: Anairam
Stylist: Rachel Gilman
Hair: Lauren Berrones
Makeup: Kuma
Manicure: Leanne Woodley
Models: Xun Seon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Korean hair care as good as Korean skin care?
Korean hair care is as advanced and thoughtful as its skin-care counterpart. “La’dor is an example of a brand that feels like skin care for your hair,” says Cho. “I remember trying their snail treatment for the first time and being shocked at how soft and silky my hair felt.” Like Korean skin care, many K-beauty hair brands focus on long-term health, using lightweight, nourishing formulas packed with ingredients like ginseng, mugwort, and fermented extracts. “Anillo’s hair essences are lightweight and nourishing,” says Cho.
Rooted in hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) and backed by serious research, brands like RYO are leading the way. “I was very impressed at the level of hair loss research and Korean traditional ingredients they infused into each product,” Cho notes. “The philosophy behind this prestige hair brand is that they consider scalp care as the foundation of hair care.” In other words, it’s not just about achieving shiny glass-like hair—it’s about healthy hair from the root.
What do Koreans use for hair care?
Koreans take a holistic, skin care-inspired approach to hair care, prioritizing scalp health and gentle, nourishing ingredients. Their routines often include shampoos formulated with traditional herbs like ginseng, green tea, and fermented extracts to support healthy roots and reduce shedding, along with multitasking treatments like lightweight hair essences, masks, and ampoules for added shine and softness. “While many Japanese brands are traditionally well regarded in hair care, even in Korea, I’ve seen more Korean hair care brands like British M rising amongst the ranks in terms of popularity in Korea and beyond,” says Cho.
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, is based in New York City
- Cherin Choi, a hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles
- Mujin Choi, a Seoul-based hairstylist and colorist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body washes for dry skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More hair-care options, you asked? We're here to deliver:
Now, watch Dove Cameron's “less is more” beauty routine:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
