Korean Hair Color Trends 2024
Table of Contents
1. Warm “Bronde” – Natural Elegance
IU popularized the warm, low-maintenance “bronde” look—this natural blend of brown and blonde offers a sun-kissed, subtle glow that flatters a range of skin tones and brings a touch of K-pop soft glam to everyday style.
It’s both elegant and easy to wear.
2. Reverse Oreo Hair – Bold Edge with Subtle Contrast
This trend turns traditional “Oreo” hair inside out—light (e.g., blonde) on top, with a darker underlayer peeking through.
LE SSERAFIM’s Hong Eunchae is a notable example, delivering a striking yet wearable contrast that adds personality while remaining surprisingly versatile.
3. Rich Reds – Seasonal Vibe and Statement Color
K-pop icon Nayeon of TWICE debuted a vibrant, all-over red hairstyle in summer 2024, sparking a wave of red-oriented inspiration across fans and followers.
The hue—a vivid, classic red—stands out while syncing with broader trends of warm, expressive colors.
4. Soft Browns with Warm Undertones – Everyday Sophistication
Emerging tones like plum brown, cherry-tinted brown, and caramel brown bring dimension and warmth without going overboard.
These shades complement natural textures and are ideal for a polished, youthful look—especially with layers or waves.
5. Earthy Trends – Caramel Blonde, Icy Lavender & Peachy Pink
Hints of pastel and warm blends are gaining traction.
Caramel blonde offers a radiant, sunlit finish; icy lavender adds a cool, ethereal twist; and peachy pink provides a soft, romantic edge—perfect for those seeking playfulness with subtlety.
Context & Commentary
In online discussions, many K-pop fans reflect that idol hair colors are trending back toward natural, wearable tones:
“It seems like more idols are leaning more natural in terms of hair colors… I do see some reds here and there…”
Another adds:
“Now it seems they only really do natural colours such as blondes and various shades of browns … at most a dark shade of red or milk tea shades.”
These observations echo the industry’s shift: toward enhanced natural tones, nuanced warming, and occasional bold statements.
Summary: At a Glance
| Trend | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Bronde | Subtle brown-blonde blend | Easy, flattering, minimal upkeep |
| Reverse Oreo | Light top layer with darker undercolor | Bold yet accessible K-pop twist |
Korean Hair Color 2023
2023 Korean hair color trends were all about experimentation, bold choices, and vibrant shades while also embracing soft and natural looks.
Here’s a breakdown of the key trends that stood out:
2023 Korean Hair Trends #1: Blonde Shades
Blond hair remained a popular choice, especially with cooler tones like platinum and icy blonde.
The trend focused on creating bright, clean blonde shades, often paired with dark roots for a more effortless grow-out look.
Korean Hair Color Trends 2023 #2: Ashy Colors (e.g., Ash Grey Ash Brown Korean Hair Color)
Ash tones, particularly ash brown and ash grey, were hugely popular in 2023.
These shades offered a cool, sophisticated vibe and were often combined with darker roots to create a subtle ombré effect.
Korean Style Hair Color #3. Vibrant Pastels
Pastels like lavender, mint, and peach were among the most playful trends.
Korean Hair Color 2025
Here’s what’s trending in Korean hair color for 2025 — and how you can adapt it to your style or hair health:
Key Themes & Aesthetic Directions
- Soft, Muted Tones Over High Contrast
Rather than bold, vivid shades, there’s a shift toward muted, low-saturation colors that harmonize with natural hair and skin tones. Think ash beige, mushroom brown, champagne beige, and gentle rose-lavender blends.
These shades help the hair look elegant and wearable rather than striking or high drama. - “Hyper-Natural” & Neutral Balances
The idea is subtle, elevated color that looks like a more polished version of your natural hair. Neutral hues (not obviously warm or cool) are especially in, as they provide flexibility across skin tones.
For example, “mocha bronde” (a creamy, coffee-toned neutral blend) is gaining attention as a nuanced, modern bronde. - Hint of Pastel & Blush Undertones
To freshen up neutrals, stylists are adding soft undertones — blush, lavender, or pink. These aren’t strong or pastel-bold, but more like tonal glazes layered into a base.
It gives visual interest without veering fully into fantasy color territory. - Charcoal, Cool Neutrals & Urban Tones
For those seeking a cooler or moodier aesthetic, deep charcoal blues or muted slate/ash tones are emerging. These offer a contrasting option to the warm/mixed neutrals trend. - Rooted & Soft Transition Colors
Harsh regrowth lines are less desirable. Instead, styles that incorporate soft root smudging, color transitions, or shadow roots help maintain a more natural, forgiving grow-out phase. - Dimensional & Blended Techniques
Balayage, babylights, tone-on-tone layering, and fine weaving are preferred over chunky color blocks. The goal is depth and dimension without obvious striping.
Popular Color Ideas by Tone & Undertone
| Base Vibe | Examples / Names | When It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-neutral | Cherry mocha, hazelnut brown | For skin tones with warm or olive undertones |
| Neutral / beige | Champagne beige, soft taupe, nude brown | Great for balancing warm or cool tones |
| Cool / ashy | Ash beige, mushroom brown, charcoal | For cooler skin tones or those who prefer subdued coolness |
| Soft blush / tonal | Rose ash, lavender glaze, dusty rose | For a subtle pop of color without going too bold |
Practical Considerations & Tips
- Hair Health First: Because many of these colors require toning or lightening, salons in Korea often use gentler formulas (bond repair, acid-balanced) to minimize damage.
- Maintenance: Use color-safe shampoos, toning masks, and UV protection. The softer, muted shades tend to fade gently, but losing vibrancy is still a concern.
- Consult Your Skin Tone & Eye Color: Even neutral shades look different depending on your skin’s undertone. Bring reference photos, and ask your stylist to do a strand test before full application.
- Use Layering: Rather than one flat shade, demand dimension—fine highlights, glazed overlays, or low-contrast shifts—to keep the color lively.
- Avoid Harsh Contrasts: Strong roots or stark base-to-tip transitions are less in favor; smooth, blended gradients win.
Rose Gold Korean Hair Color
Photo Credits: Kimemily Pham