Puffy side hair without a down perm: four alternatives from a Korean hair forum
In DCInside's hairstyle gallery, a well-upvoted post laid out ways to tame sticking-out side hair without a 'down perm', the chemical flattening treatment many Korean men get every few weeks. The writer, who says their own hair is very straight and stiff, suggested four routes: (1) grow the front, sides and back long enough that volume and length balance out, so the sides stop looking puffy on their own, with thinning and blow-drying as part of the deal; (2) go properly long, which barely puffs even without styling but suits fewer faces and takes upkeep; (3) a strong curl perm that turns the bulk into intentional volume, again needing length; (4) a textured, piecey wax finish, the only option that works without growing out, but hard to style. Their favourite was option 1.
What the replies said
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Someone said three months of growing out an undercut only made it puffier; the writer replied that's far too short, and that side hair should cover at least half the ear.
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A back-and-forth followed over whether the example photo was really an 'inner' down perm in disguise.
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One reply said down perms are hard on the scalp and recommended pressing hair down with styling products instead.
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Another tip: if the crown is flat, the sides look wider, so add crown volume with a round brush.
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Some were sceptical that most people could pull these styles off without a perm at all.
Desk note: Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety warns that perm solutions (reducing agent and neutraliser) can inflame skin on contact, so keep them off the scalp and face and stick to the timing on the product. Whether you keep getting down perms or take a break, if your scalp has ever stung or turned red afterwards, tell your stylist before the next one. The writer also admitted the grow-out route means more frequent salon visits than a down perm.
Puffy sides: are you team down perm or team grow-it-out?
Original thread: DCInside hairstyle gallery — alternatives to a down perm · Source: CosInKorea — MFDS advice on perm products
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