What Is Korean Down Perm & How To Use It At Home?

korean down perm

It is common with short hair, especially among Asian men, that it sticks out from the sides and top of the head. This hair is also called porcupine or poofy hair and is very hard to lay down. Men employ various tactics like getting a side faded hair cut, Korean down perm, or gels to slick these hair strands.

Hair sticking outwards is common among Asians and a few other ethnicities because of its growth pattern. In Korea, a down perm was formulated to smooth down the hair that grows out straight from the side of the head.

The down perm is now very common at salons in Korea and other countries. But not every one of us can afford or visit these salons. Fortunately, the down perm kits are available online, which you can buy and use at home without any expertise.

This article will take a closer look at down perm and explain how you can use it to lay down your hair at home. So, let’s get into it!

What Is A Korean Down Perm?

Korean down perm is a simple and affordable solution for hair that sticks out from the sides of the head. The chemicals of down perm relax the stiffness of hair strands and prevent them from sticking for almost four weeks.

Asian hair generally grows straight out from the sides and top of the head when short. It doesn’t have the weight that can lay it down.

Many men try to solve this problem by getting a side faded hair cut or completely shaving off this hair. While this technique removes stubborn hair, it limits you from wearing different hairstyles.

However, the Korean down perm not only relaxes the puffy manes but also allows you to style your hair in any way you want.

Why is the down perm the best solution for poofy Asian hair?

The hair on the sides of your head is the strongest and can easily withstand the chemicals of down perm. The Korean down perm is a lot gentler than other usual perms.

It can lay down straight hair for more than a month. In this time, you can moisturize and nourish your hair. So, when you again perm down your Asian hair, it will be strong.

How Long Does Korean Down Perm Last?

The down perm solution is mild; therefore, it lasts for three to four weeks compared to usual perms that last for three months. The kit contains enough perm lotion that will be enough for four-time use.

If you want more lasting results, you can use any good-quality perm. The acid perms are milder and best suited for thin and fine hair, while alkaline is stronger and works best on thick hair.

2 Best Down Perms For Asian Hair

The down perm is quite different from the typical perm. It has a gentle formula, so it might not work on curly, coarse, or thick hair. However, the following down perms are useful for European and Asian hair types.

1. DPERM Serum Concentrate Kit

This down perm kit from a Korean brand allows you to wear different hairstyles by holding down your hair from the side for more than three weeks. It has a gentle formula that doesn’t cause any hair damage. Instead, it comes with ingredients that moisturize your hair.

The serum in the down perm kit is enough for four applications, so you won’t have to buy it for 3-4 months. The amazing thing about this product is that it contains seed extracts to nourish and moisturize your locks.

Results with using Korean dperm
Picture Credit: Dpermco

There are a few downsides to this perms as well. It doesn’t work well on thick and textured hair and is smelly. So, it’s not made for everyone. Give it a chance if you have Asian hair!

2. Dashu Premium Fast Down Perm

This perm kit is from a Korean brand named, Dashu. It not only sleeks down Asian but also the European shot poofy hair on the sides. The premium down perm has a moisturizing formula and doesn’t irritate the skin.

It smells slightly and may not work on curly and textured caucasian hair. You can opt for a usual alkaline perm if you have thick hair with a strong formula.

How To Use Korean Down Perm At Home?

Using a down perm is a lot easier than a curly perm. You don’t have to use the curling rods or wouldn’t need any expertise. 

After buying a Korean down perm, just put it on a brush that comes with it, and move the brush in the direction you want your hair. Within minutes, you will have slicked-down hair on the sides of your head.  

You can perform a Korean Down perm by following these steps.

  • Use vaseline near the sidelines of your hair if you have very sensitive skin.
  • Generally, the Korean down perm doesn’t cause any irritation because it is gentle.
  • Put the perm lotion on the brush.
  • Move the brush downwards for two minutes in the hair.
  • Put the sheet that comes in the box of down perm on both sides of your hair.
  • Wear a headband to keep the sheet sticking to the hair.
  • Or lay down on the side of your head for 15 minutes.
  • Take a shower and rinse the down perm with normal water.
  • Don’t use shampoo for the first 12 to 24 hours.

What else do you use to lay down Asian hair?

Gorilla snot hair gel is very famous for laying down edges and hair on the sides of the head. This affordable gel has a thick consistency and a firm hold. Gorilla snot can smooth the sticking out hair and keep it in place for a long time.

However, the gorilla snot gel is too sticky and can build up in the hair if used too often. Also, it contains alcohol that may dry out your hair. So, if you want to employ the gel, try not to use it more than twice a week.

Bottom Line

Korean down perm is formulated to smooth down the Asian hair that sticks out from the sides or top of the head. It has a gentle formula; therefore, it usually lasts for a month, unlike typical perm. Also, a Korean down perm may not work if you have coarse and curly hair.