Hongdae hair salon: thick-wave setting perm after 2 years, Juno Hair

Why a build perm after two years?

I went in for my first perm in two years, and specifically the natural-looking build perm I'd always wanted to try. It was a real change of mood, and I was excited from the moment I set off for the salon, since it had been a whole two years.

I'd been too busy and had basically neglected my hair. The ends were badly damaged, and even when I styled it every morning it never settled the way I wanted. So this time I decided on a natural-feeling build perm.

Juno Hair Hongdae Entrance Branch: location and how to get there

Juno Hair Hongdae Entrance Branch (준오헤어 홍대입구역점) is right there after a 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Hongik Univ. Station. It had been so long since my last perm that I agonized over where to go. After reading plenty of reviews, I kept seeing Juno Hair recommended as a Hongik Univ. Station salon, so I paid a visit.

The location was really convenient too. It's close to the subway station, so it's easy by public transport, and even though it was my first time, I found it easily without getting lost.

What's the salon atmosphere like?

The salon is spacious and pleasant, with green plants and warm lighting that make it feel like a café. The stylish, clean interior caught my eye as soon as I stepped in. It's roomy, so I felt comfortable and never cramped the whole time.

I also liked that I could set aside complicated thoughts for a while and just relax during my appointment.

On one side of the salon, a variety of hair products were neatly displayed. I'm pretty into home care, so my eyes naturally went to what they use. Browsing was fun, and the display was so tidy that it felt like the salon is well managed.

Seeing this kind of attention to small details, I could see why it's mentioned so often as a recommended Hongik Univ. Station salon.

Layered hair: do you need a cut before a perm?

My stylist, Sujeong (수정), said that perming layered, light, thin hair as it was could make the curls look wispy and blown away, so she suggested tidying the ends with about a 5cm cut before the setting perm. Before the actual treatment, I had a thorough consultation with her.

When I said I wanted a build perm with a natural, flowing feel, she carefully checked my hair's current condition. She advised that trimming the bottom a little would give a much fuller, prettier result, and I trusted her expertise and agreed to cut about 5cm.

We decided to leave the ends with a fair amount of weight and then do the setting perm. She explained everything in detail based on my own hair condition, which made me trust her even more.

After the consultation, while I waited, they brought me a cold iced coffee. And it wasn't just a drink: they also gave me a snack pack with an assortment of biscuits. I hadn't expected such a thoughtful touch and it made me really happy. It's a small thing, but I could feel they care about their customers, and it left an impression.

The setting perm process: from detox shampoo to massage-chair neutralizing

Detox shampoo and the shampoo room

The Juno Hair setting perm started with a detox shampoo. After I put on a gown and sat down, the first step was the detox shampoo, and they washed every corner of my scalp so refreshingly that it felt like all my built-up fatigue was being rinsed away.

They kept checking the water temperature and pressure, and the shampoo room itself was cozy and comfortable. The lighting was soft and easy on the eyes, and the chair was so comfy I almost fell asleep. This pleasant environment is one of the reasons I recommend Juno Hair as a Hongik Univ. Station salon.

Reducing damage with a protein ampoule

Before the setting perm, they applied plenty of protein ampoule to reduce damage. With a perm, the design matters, but minimizing hair damage matters a lot too, right? I was impressed by how carefully Sujeong managed the condition of my hair throughout the treatment.

The thickest rods and massage-chair neutralizing

For natural, thick waves, she rolled my hair on the thickest rods, and I had the neutralizing step lying in a warm massage chair. I wanted naturally flowing thick waves rather than artificially frizzy curls, so she used the thickest rods and rolled my hair with great care.

Waiting with the rods in, looking out the window, was more relaxing than I expected. It felt like time purely for myself for the first time in a long while.

Once the perm process was done, the neutralizing was a really special experience. Usually you sit in a chair for neutralizing, but at Juno Hair Hongdae Entrance Branch I got to lie back in a plush massage chair. Getting a full-body massage while lying in the warmed-up chair, I felt all my built-up fatigue melt away. It was as relaxing and satisfying as being at a spa.

After neutralizing, they cared for my hair once more with a nutrition pack.

How did the build setting perm turn out?

Even though it was a heat perm, my hair felt soft and smooth, and I got exactly the natural thick waves I wanted. When everything was done and they dried my hair, I was genuinely surprised. I could tell right away how much care they'd taken to reduce damage throughout.

After the blow-dry, the moment I saw myself in the mirror, I smiled without realizing it. It didn't look over-curled; I loved the voluminous, silky line of the hair falling down. Just from one perm, my whole look felt much softer and more feminine.

Best of all, I no longer need a curling iron every morning. Just drying it lightly brings the curls back naturally, so upkeep should be much easier.

What if you have to wash your hair within 24 hours of the perm?

I was told it's best not to shampoo for 24 hours to make the perm last, but when I said I'd have to wash the next day, Sujeong set aside a special shampoo and treatment for me. And the thoughtfulness didn't end there. I'd mentioned that I had an important appointment the next morning and would probably need to wash my hair.

I was really touched by how she understood my situation and looked after me. If you're looking for a Hongik Univ. Station salon that does hair well, I'd confidently recommend Juno Hair.

I'm happy with my new hairstyle, but I think the attentive service from the moment I arrived to the very end will stay in my memory even longer. Thanks to it, I got a proper change of mood and a happy time. From now on, I'll keep this hair Sujeong made so pretty looking good and enjoy my mirror every day.

If you're worried about your hairstyle, I recommend Sujeong at Juno Hair Hongdae Entrance Branch. She's really kind and great at creating a style that suits each customer.