Why we love it: Cho, Lee, and I are all in agreement that Mise en Scène’s hair serums have remained iconic for years for good reason. On my first trip to Seoul, I saw shelves of small orange bottles at every supermarket and beauty retailer I entered, which I soon learned were the famous Mise en Scène Perfect Serum Original. The nourishing leave-in serum smooths hair cuticles and split ends in half a pump and smells like warm, tropical flowers.
Cho says the brand stocks her go-to products for getting the glass hair look. “I personally love the Perfect Serum and the Perfect Serum Treatment,” she says. “Your hair needs topical nourishment and hydration, especially if you colour it and get regular sun exposure.” Lee also recommends the Perfect Serum. “It’s one of the original K-hair products that crossed over into Western beauty consciousness,” she says. “It’s really nice and lightweight, helps to smooth frizz, and it smells great.”
AccordionItemContainerButtonBest for: The famous Perfect Serum, which comes in multiple options.Pros: Excellent lightweight treatments for dull, dry, and damaged hair.Cons: Nothing of note.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Korean hair care stand out?
Korean hair care stands out for two reasons: Its innovative formulas and delivery systems, as well as its layered, routine-focused approach that may remind you of your skin care. “Korean hair care takes a very similar approach to Korean skin care, prioritising long-term hair health (such as scalp health) over quick cosmetic fixes,” says Cho. “There are several steps you can take to have a foundation for healthy hair, such as hydration, exfoliation, and treatments that don’t weigh hair down.”
What ingredients should you look for in Korean hair care for hair health and growth?
Look for the same ingredients in Korean hair care products that you would in your Korean skin care— hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, peptides, green tea, cica, snail mucin, and PDRN. Because many of the best Korean hair brands are formulated with a hydrating, soothing approach in mind, you’ll find plenty of crossover with ingredients you’re already familiar with from your Korean skin care routine.