Poongsan-dong hair salon for taming frizzy curly hair: Hair Onsae

© Kang Cream

Location and hours: Hair Onsae right by Poongsan Station Exit 2

Hair Onsae is located just a short walk from Poongsan Station Exit 2, so it's easy to reach by public transit. Beyond the convenient location, the overall vibe — the interior, the shampoo area, everything — makes for a comfortable salon experience.

• Hours 10:00 - 20:00
• Parking: building parking available

Following the sign, you'll find the entrance to Hair Onsae. It's set up as a semi-basement, so you head down a short flight of stairs to reach the entrance.

Private rooms, the shampoo area, and the overall interior vibe

I didn't expect much before walking in, but the interior turned out to be much more spacious than it looked from outside, giving off a relaxed feeling. The whole space felt clean and tidy — from the private single rooms where you can get your hair done privately, to a shampoo area where you can wash your hair comfortably. The whole salon felt quiet and pleasant.

Once you sit down, there's a sign letting you know Hair Onsae also runs a membership program — worth checking out if you plan on visiting often.

Who is special magic straightening for?

The salon recommends special magic straightening for anyone with curly or wavy hair who struggles with frizz and finds daily blow-drying a hassle and wants easier upkeep. That description fit me perfectly — my hair tends to stick out and frizz easily, so I visited hoping to escape the styling stress. (Note: there's an extra ₩20,000 charge for long hair.)

From chemical application to heat treatment: the straightening process

After putting on a gown and settling into a comfortable seat as instructed, the treatment began in earnest. First, the chemical solution was applied evenly throughout my hair, then my whole head was wrapped in film and heat-treated to help the solution absorb well into the strands — that's how the process started. In a quiet, calm atmosphere, designer Yena handled my hair thoroughly and carefully.

Going through each step methodically made the whole experience feel steady and comfortable, so I'd definitely recommend designer Yena ✂️ Partway through, there was a step to neutralize the chemical, so I moved to the shampoo room where my hair was washed — the shampoo they used smelled great, which put me in a good mood, and they even covered me with a blanket so I could relax comfortably during the treatment. These aren't big, flashy extras, but as someone receiving the service, these thoughtful touches made the whole experience more comfortable and pleasant. After all the steps of the straightening process were finished, here's how the result turned out.

The result and how to maintain it afterward

I loved going from hair that used to stick out badly due to heavy curl to hair that's neat and tidy. They also told me it's best not to shampoo for a day or two after the treatment to help it set. My hair also felt noticeably healthier than before, and seeing my hair fall calmly and smoothly, after leaving behind my usually messy texture, was honestly such a relief.

Once you get the straightening treatment, the style is much easier to manage, which makes upkeep a lot simpler. Especially since I don't have to straighten every strand with a blow dryer or flat iron every time I head out, it cuts down on prep time too, which is great.

Getting this treatment and seeing the results firsthand reminded me all over again why hair care matters. I was really satisfied with the neatly finished result thanks to designer Yena's work at Hair Onsae. If you're like me and spend a lot of time on styling because of curly or wavy hair, this straightening treatment might make managing your hair a whole lot easier.