Layered perm and root volume at a Paju Unjeong hair salon: Tthe Art

(The before photo is a bit further down!) I'm not really the type to fuss over my hairstyle, haha. So here's the criteria I used to look for a salon.

• ✅️ A light cut > layered cut
• ✅️ Easy to style > perm
• ✅️ A natural look > layered perm
• (+ and someone who just gets it right without me having to explain too much...)

I wanted a hairstyle change for fall, so I went to Tthe Art Hair, which I'd heard is great at layered cuts + layered perms!

Where is Tthe Art Hair Unjeong Station Branch, and where do you park?

• 🚩 Right across from Starfield Village at Unjeong Station
• ⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (closed Tuesdays)
• 💇 Designer Seunghwan (off every Tuesday and Wednesday)

Tthe Art Hair Unjeong Station Branch is on the 2nd floor of the Aju parking building. Being inside a parking building felt a little unusual at first, but it was so convenient since the salon is right there as soon as you park!

Parking was very spacious, and there were even reserved spots right in front of the salon for customers. You can walk straight in after parking, which is really convenient.

The interior is clean overall! Since coloring or perming means sitting there for a long time, I really appreciated the floor-to-ceiling windows — it never felt stuffy.

How the layered cut was done at Tthe Art Hair

First we had a consultation, and after being shown a few photos, I decided on a layered cut + perm. I especially loved Designer Seunghwan's cutting technique — this is the first time in Paju I've had someone cut this carefully. Genuinely felt like each individual strand was being cut. It takes longer because of how meticulous it is, but the satisfaction level is top tier.

Root volume treatment: does it hold with a plain blow-dry?

Why does root volume die out more and more as you get older... Anyway, here's the treatment lifting the roots first.

It's backlit so it's a bit dark, but can you see the root volume being brought back? One of the things I'm most satisfied with is that I used to make such a fuss trying to lift my roots every time (bending my head down while drying, using the curling iron right at the roots, etc.), but now I can just dry my hair normally and the root volume is still there. Yay 💃

Why an S-perm instead of a C-curl perm

I didn't go with a C-curl, I went with a regular S-perm. C-curls are easier to maintain, but if you cut length off later, the C-curl part just gets cut away entirely. With an S-perm, though, usually only about one curl's worth gets cut off. So naturally the next section ends up becoming a C-curl on its own? So you get to enjoy the S-curl feel at first, then it settles into a calm C-curl later — that's the hairstyle trick I've picked up from experience, haha.

Come to think of it, this was my first time with a male stylist, but he was even more attentive from the cut through the perm, and genuinely so kind — I loved it!

As the curls were being released, little changes kept showing up, and I already loved it so I snapped a photo, haha. I was there for almost 3 hours, but thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, it didn't feel stuffy at all and the time went by fine.

Finally, the neutralizing step!

During neutralizing you lie down for a bit. This happens at a spot by the wall, and they thoughtfully lowered the blinds for me. I got to rest so comfortably 🍃

Drying the layered perm at home in three steps

• Divide your hair into four sections.
• Dry the scalp first.
• From above the ears, rotate the dryer outward.

Layered perm results: styled without even trying

Ta-da! Finally done ✨ Going from plain straight hair to this, I love how it looks put-together even without any styling effort. I used to be too lazy to care, but getting my hair done like this once in a while makes me feel like I'm actually taking care of myself!

I went from my usual calm vibe to a livelier one. It kind of reminds me of the lovely perm from back in my day. Ah, the lovely perm was so trendy back then.... I was worried it wouldn't suit me, but personally I'm really happy with it (blushing). It has such a lovely, sweet feel ♥️

I washed my hair the next day and dried it at home, and I love how natural the curls look. If you're like me and don't use a curling iron or air wrap, I think a layered perm is perfect. It gives you that effortlessly styled look. Most of all, Designer Seunghwan was so kind and attentive throughout — thank you so much! 👍