
Korean hair care: What the scalp and lengths need
At the top the roots are already greasy again, at the bottom the tips are stuck to the comb. When you reach for the shampoo, the question arises as to which part of the head the bottle should actually fit.
This juxtaposition can be taken into account when making your selection. Scalp and hair lengths can pose different challenges to a routine. If you want to try Korean hair care, start right there: with what’s on your mind when washing, combing, or styling.
First look at your own hair
You don’t need a particularly precise type description for this. Instead, write down an observation that you recognize. You may want to wash the roots after exercise while the lengths are doing well with your previous conditioner. Maybe detangling after showering is the hard part.
This turns “I need better hair care” into a manageable question. When selecting products, you can look specifically for application and task instead of having to buy an entire series.
The time required is also part of it. A treatment that you’re supposed to leave on for twenty minutes might not suit your morning. Read this before purchasing; it is often more helpful in everyday life than the biggest word on the front.
Shampoo starts on the scalp
According to the recommendation of the American Academy of Dermatology, shampoo belongs primarily on the scalp. The foam that runs off gets into the lengths when you rinse it out. How often you wash depends on how dirty and greasy your hair is: Oily scalps may need more frequent washing than dry or curly hair.
A fixed washing day can be organizationally convenient. But if you regularly think on this day that it was actually necessary yesterday, it’s worth making an adjustment. Conversely, you don’t have to change an interval that is still suitable because five steps are shown in a care routine.
When it comes to shampoo, the choice starts with the scalp: Does it tend to become greasy quickly or does it become tight after washing? Conditioners and hair masks then take care of the lengths. Names like “Cooling”, “Protein” or “Thickening” do not promise new hair growth.
The lengths get their own care
After washing, conditioner follows. For fine, straight hair, the tips may be sufficient as an area of application; dry or curly hair may need care along the lengths. Follow the product instructions.
The name “Treatment” alone leaves open whether something is rinsed out or remains in the hair. Therefore, check this information first. An additional treatment must also have a purpose: for example, to take care of damaged lengths. If your current conditioner works well, you can continue to use it.
An example from the Korean range
The Elizavecca CER-100 Milky Piggy Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment is offered as a rinse-out hair treatment. According to the shop instructions, it comes after shampooing in lengths and ends after squeezing out excess water. Five to twenty minutes of exposure time are given; then rinse thoroughly. Your package instructions take precedence.
This means that it can be selected primarily based on its place in the washing process. It is not a substitute for cleansing the scalp. You can judge whether you like the way your hair feels after you use it: when detangling, drying and later when wearing your usual hairstyle.
For an initial comparison, it would be helpful not to change shampoo, treatment and styling product at the same time. Otherwise it will be difficult to see what you are doing well with. A short note on your cell phone is enough: What was used, where was it applied, what was pleasant or annoying afterwards?
Allow some time after rinsing
Gently absorb moisture with a towel and select a low heat setting when blow-drying. Straight hair may dry a little before being carefully combed; It is best to detangle very curly hair while it is still damp with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid strong pulling.
Maybe it’s easier to wash your hair in one evening than before the first appointment. Then also plan on rinsing and drying. Especially with long hair, it’s nice to have some air for it.
Read more for your skin care evening: The Korean skin care routine organizes the steps for the face. Our articles Skincare in the morning and evening and sleep is skincare go well with this.
If your hair is visibly thinning or hair is falling out, a dermatological examination makes sense. A cosmetic hair treatment does not answer the question of the cause.
What we know for sure
- Shampoo is mainly distributed on the scalp.
- Depending on the hair structure, conditioner can be used on the ends or over the lengths.
- The linked Elizavecca treatment is intended for rinsing.
- High heat and rough pulling can damage hair.


