30 Trending Asian Hairstyles for Men (Korean, Japanese & More)
Trending Asian hairstyles for men blend precision cutting with texture-adding perms, creating looks that hold shape and movement without heavy daily styling.
Korean and Japanese men’s hairstyling in particular has driven a lot of what’s popular in barbershops worldwide right now — the two-block cut, the various perm styles, and softer, face-framing fringes all originated from or were popularized through K-pop and J-fashion influence.
This guide covers 30 of the most requested styles, what makes each one distinct, and exactly what to say when you sit down in the chair.
What Are “Asian Hairstyles” for Men?
“Asian hairstyles for men” generally refers to a set of cutting and perming techniques popularized in Korean and Japanese men’s fashion — most notably the two-block cut (short sides, longer textured top) and various perm styles (C curl, S curl, wave, down perm) that add movement to naturally straight, thick hair.
These styles work on any hair type, but they were developed specifically around East Asian hair texture, which tends to be straighter and thicker, making cuts and perms behave differently than they would on finer or more textured Western hair types.
How to Choose the Right Style
A few practical factors will narrow this list down fast.
- Hair thickness: Thick, straight hair (common in East Asian hair types) holds two-block cuts and perms especially well since there’s enough density for the style to have visible structure.
- Perm vs. no perm: Perms add texture and volume that’s hard to replicate with straight hair and product alone, but they’re a bigger time and cost commitment than a standard cut — factor in 2-4 hours in the chair and a higher price point.
- Styling time: Perm styles generally require less daily styling since the texture is already built in; straight-cut styles like a two-block or center part need more daily product work.
- Formality: A clean two-block or center-part cut reads more professional than a heavily permed or bleached style — think about your workplace culture before committing to something bold.
If you’re trying a perm for the first time, a down perm or loose wave perm is the safest entry point — subtle enough that it won’t look drastically different day to day, but it makes styling noticeably easier.
Korean-Style Cuts
1. Two-Block Cut
The foundational Korean men’s cut — the top is left noticeably longer and heavier while the sides and back are cut short in one clean step rather than a gradual fade. The top is usually styled down and forward or in soft waves.
Best for: Thick, straight to wavy hair, oval and square faces
Ask for: “A two-block cut — keep the top long and heavy, cut the sides short in one clean step, not a gradual fade”
Style with: Light wax or cream for a soft, natural finish Maintenance: every 6 weeks
2. Comma Hair
Named for the way the front section curves like a comma across the forehead, this style features a longer, side-swept fringe with soft volume, usually paired with a two-block underneath. One of the most recognizable K-pop-influenced looks.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “Comma hair — a swept fringe that curves across my forehead, two-block sides”
Style with: Light-hold wax and a blow dryer for the curved shape Maintenance: every 5-6 weeks
3. C Curl Perm
A perm that curls the ends of the hair inward, toward the face, resembling the shape of the letter C. It softens straight, blocky hair and adds a rounded, youthful finish without much added volume at the roots.
Best for: Straight, thick hair
Ask for: “A C curl perm, curl the ends inward toward my face”
Style with: Light curl cream, scrunched in rather than combed Maintenance: perm lasts 3-5 months; trim every 6 weeks
4. S Curl Perm
Similar to a C curl but with an alternating wave pattern that creates an S-shape through the length of the hair rather than a single inward curl at the ends. It gives more texture and movement throughout, not just at the tips.
Best for: Straight, medium-to-thick hair
Ask for: “An S curl perm, I want wave movement through the length, not just the ends”
Style with: Sea-salt spray to enhance texture Maintenance: perm lasts 3-5 months; trim every 6 weeks
5. Wave Perm
A looser, broader curl pattern than a C or S curl, giving a beachy, textured look rather than defined curls. It’s the most versatile of the Korean perm styles since it works with almost any cut length.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, guys wanting a relaxed, textured look
Ask for: “A wave perm, keep the curls loose and broad, not tight”
Style with: Texturizing spray, scrunched into damp hair Maintenance: perm lasts 3-4 months; trim every 6 weeks
6. Down Perm
Rather than adding curl, a down perm relaxes and flattens naturally thick, voluminous hair so it lies closer to the head and is easier to style. It’s popular with guys whose hair is too thick or puffy to manage with cutting alone.
Best for: Very thick, voluminous straight hair
Ask for: “A down perm — I want my hair to lie flatter and be easier to manage, not curlier”
Style with: Light cream, minimal daily product needed Maintenance: perm lasts 4-6 months; trim every 6 weeks
7. Two-Block with Perm
Combines the classic two-block cut with a C curl, S curl, or wave perm on the longer top section, giving the structural short-sides-long-top silhouette extra texture instead of relying on straight hair and product alone.
Best for: Thick, straight hair wanting more texture
Ask for: “A two-block cut with a wave perm on top”
Style with: Light curl cream or texturizing spray Maintenance: cut every 6 weeks, perm redone every 3-5 months
Japanese-Style Cuts
8. Japanese Mullet
A shorter, more tailored take on the mullet trend — tapered or faded sides with textured length left at the back, generally less exaggerated than Western mullet interpretations. Popular in Japanese street style and androgynous fashion circles.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, guys wanting an edgier look
Ask for: “A Japanese-style mullet — tapered sides, keep it tailored, not exaggerated at the back”
Style with: Light texture paste Maintenance: every 6-7 weeks
9. Center-Part Volume Cut
Hair is parted in the center with deliberate volume and lift at the crown, a staple of Japanese men’s fashion editorials. It relies on a blow-dry technique as much as the cut itself to hold the shape.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, oval and round faces
Ask for: “A center part with volume at the crown, blow-dry it up before styling”
Style with: Volumizing mousse, blow-dried with a round brush Maintenance: every 6 weeks
10. Japanese Quiff
A softer, less structured version of the Western quiff — height at the front is more relaxed and swept rather than sharply defined, often left slightly messy rather than combed into place.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “A soft quiff, don’t make it too sharp or structured, keep some movement”
Style with: Light wax worked in with fingers Maintenance: every 5-6 weeks
11. Soft Textured Crop
A gentler, less choppy version of the Western textured crop, with softer layering and a rounder overall silhouette rather than sharp, spiky pieces. Common in Japanese street style for its low-effort, natural look.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, round and oval faces
Ask for: “A soft textured crop, round the edges off, don’t make it too spiky”
Style with: Matte cream rather than a stiffer paste Maintenance: every 5-6 weeks
12. Modern Bowl Cut
A reinterpreted, more textured take on the traditional bowl cut — softer, longer fringe with less of a hard, uniform edge than the classic version, popularized in Japanese and Korean street style over the last several years.
Best for: Straight, thick hair
Ask for: “A modern bowl cut, keep the fringe soft and textured, not a hard uniform line”
Style with: Light cream, air-dried rather than heavily styled Maintenance: every 5 weeks
Perm & Texture Trends
13. Textured Perm Crop
A textured crop cut first, then permed to add extra movement and volume that a cut and product alone can’t achieve — especially useful for very straight, flat hair types that resist holding texture.
Best for: Straight, fine to medium hair
Ask for: “A textured crop with a light perm to add volume”
Style with: Texturizing spray for daily refresh Maintenance: cut every 5-6 weeks, perm redone every 3-4 months
14. Perm Buzz Cut
A very short buzz cut with a light perm added to the top section only, giving subtle texture and movement to what would otherwise be completely flat, uniform short hair.
Best for: Straight, thick hair, guys wanting texture with minimal length
Ask for: “A buzz cut with a light perm on top for texture”
Style with: Minimal product — a small amount of matte cream if any Maintenance: buzzed every 3-4 weeks, perm redone every 3-4 months
15. Loose Curl Perm
A gentler version of a wave perm with fewer, larger curls rather than an all-over wave pattern, giving a more relaxed, natural-looking result. Works especially well on medium-length cuts.
Best for: Straight, medium-length hair
Ask for: “A loose curl perm, fewer and larger curls rather than an all-over wave”
Style with: Light curl cream, minimal manipulation once dry Maintenance: perm lasts 3-4 months; trim every 6 weeks
16. Spiral Perm
Tighter, more defined spiral curls throughout, giving a bolder, more dramatic texture change than a wave or loose curl perm. It’s the most visually distinct perm option on this list.
Best for: Straight, thick hair, guys wanting a dramatic change
Ask for: “A spiral perm, tight defined curls throughout”
Style with: Curl-defining cream, scrunched in on damp hair Maintenance: perm lasts 3-4 months; trim every 6 weeks
17. Textured Spiky Perm
A shorter cut permed to hold a spiked, separated texture without needing heavy gel or wax to force the shape — the curl pattern itself does the styling work.
Best for: Straight, thick hair, guys wanting a low-effort spiked look
Ask for: “A perm that holds a spiky, textured shape without needing much product”
Style with: A small amount of matte wax to define pieces Maintenance: perm lasts 3-4 months; trim every 5-6 weeks
Read also: 10 Best Haircuts for Men with Big Foreheads
Fringe & Bangs Styles
18. Curtain Bangs
Hair is parted in the center and falls to both sides in soft “curtains,” a widely popular style across Korean, Japanese, and Western men’s fashion alike. Simple, low-effort, and flattering on most face shapes.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “Curtain bangs, center part, let it fall naturally on both sides”
Style with: Light cream for soft, non-stiff hold Maintenance: every 6 weeks
19. Side-Swept Fringe
A longer fringe combed or blow-dried to one side rather than falling straight down, giving a slightly more polished, deliberate look than curtain bangs.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, professional and semi-formal settings
Ask for: “A side-swept fringe, longer on one side”
Style with: Light-hold pomade, combed to one side Maintenance: every 5-6 weeks
20. Textured Bangs
Shorter, choppy bangs cut with texturizing shears rather than a blunt line, giving a lived-in, less deliberate finish than a full or curtain fringe.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “Textured bangs, point-cut them so they’re not a hard blunt line”
Style with: Matte texture paste Maintenance: every 5 weeks
21. Blunt Bangs
A straight-across, uniform fringe cut just above the eyebrows — the most direct, structured version of a fringe style, often paired with a two-block or center part underneath.
Best for: Straight, thick hair, tall foreheads
Ask for: “Blunt bangs, straight across, just above my eyebrows”
Style with: Light cream to keep the line soft rather than stiff Maintenance: every 4-5 weeks
22. Wispy Fringe
Thin, light pieces of fringe left loose rather than a full, dense section — a subtler alternative for guys who want some forehead coverage without a heavy fringe.
Best for: Fine to medium straight hair
Ask for: “A wispy fringe, keep it thin and light, not a full dense section”
Style with: Light cream, minimal product Maintenance: every 5 weeks
Trending Cuts & Combos
23. Wolf Cut
A shaggy, heavily-layered cut blending elements of a shag and mullet — choppy layers on top with more volume at the crown and slightly longer pieces at the back. Trending globally, including across Korean and Japanese street style.
Best for: Wavy to curly hair, guys wanting an edgy, low-structure look
Ask for: “A wolf cut, heavy layers, more volume at the crown”
Style with: Texture spray and a light matte paste Maintenance: every 7-8 weeks
24. Undercut with Slicked Back Top
Longer hair on top is combed straight back over a fully undercut or faded side, creating a sharp, formal-leaning look that’s popular across East Asian business and fashion circles alike.
Best for: Straight hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “Slicked back on top, undercut or fade on the sides”
Style with: Water-based pomade with high shine Maintenance: every 5 weeks
25. Man Bun / Top Knot
Hair is grown out long enough to be gathered fully into a bun or top knot at the crown, with the sides left natural length or tapered. A longer-term style commitment more than a specific cut.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, guys growing hair out long-term
Ask for: “I’m growing this out for a man bun — keep the sides tapered while it grows”
Style with: A hair tie and light pomade to smooth flyaways Maintenance: trimmed every 8-10 weeks to maintain shape
26. Half-Up Man Bun
A partial version of the man bun — the top section is gathered up while the rest is left down, giving a style that works with shorter overall length than a full bun requires.
Best for: Medium to long straight or wavy hair
Ask for: “A half-up bun, just gather the top section, leave the rest down”
Style with: Small hair tie, light pomade for the gathered section Maintenance: matches overall length maintenance, every 6-8 weeks
27. Layered Shag
Heavily layered throughout with choppy, undone texture and no defined part, closer to a Western shag but frequently styled with East Asian perm techniques to add texture without excessive length.
Best for: Wavy to curly hair, guys wanting low structure
Ask for: “A layered shag, keep it choppy and undone, no defined part”
Style with: Texturizing sea-salt spray Maintenance: every 6-7 weeks
28. Faux Hawk with Fringe
Height is styled down the center of the head with a longer fringe left at the front, tapering out toward the sides without shaving them completely. Combines an edgier silhouette with forehead coverage.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, guys wanting an edgier everyday look
Ask for: “A faux hawk, but keep a longer fringe at the front instead of pushing it all back”
Style with: Strong-hold gel or wax Maintenance: every 5-6 weeks
29. Crew Cut with Textured Fringe
A short, tidy crew cut on the sides paired with a slightly longer, textured fringe at the front rather than the traditional uniform length throughout — a lower-maintenance alternative to a full two-block.
Best for: Straight to wavy hair, most face shapes
Ask for: “A crew cut, but leave the fringe a bit longer and textured at the front”
Style with: Light matte cream Maintenance: every 4-5 weeks
30. Middle Part Straight Cut
A clean, no-fuss center part with straight, unpermed hair left at a medium length on both sides — a simpler, lower-commitment alternative to the more elaborate perm and volume styles on this list.
Best for: Straight, thick to medium hair
Ask for: “A middle part, keep it straight, no perm, medium length on both sides”
Style with: Light cream, minimal product Maintenance: every 6 weeks
Style Comparison Table
| Style Type | Perm Required? | Daily Styling Effort | Best Hair Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Block Cut | No | Medium | Thick, straight |
| C/S Curl Perm | Yes | Low | Straight, thick |
| Down Perm | Yes | Very low | Very thick, voluminous |
| Comma Hair | No | Medium-high | Straight, wavy |
| Wolf Cut | No | Low | Wavy, curly |
| Man Bun | No | Low (once grown) | Straight, wavy |
| Center-Part Volume | No | High | Straight, wavy |
If you’re deciding between a full perm commitment and a cut-only style, our guide to fade haircuts for men is a useful comparison point for how much contrast you want at the sides regardless of what you do on top. And for a broader look at how these trends stack up against classic Western cuts, check our full best haircuts for men roundup.
How to Ask Your Barber or Stylist
Perm styles especially need precise language, since “curly” means different things to different stylists. Use this script:
“I want a [two-block/textured crop/center part] cut. On top, I’d like [a C curl / S curl / wave / down perm / no perm]. Keep the sides [short and clean / tapered / faded], and I want the front to be styled [forward / swept to the side / with volume].”
If you’re getting a perm for the first time, ask to see reference photos of the specific curl type (C curl vs. S curl vs. wave) before starting — the terminology isn’t always standardized between salons.
Styling & Product Guide
- Light wax or cream — for two-block cuts, comma hair, and soft, natural finishes
- Curl cream — essential for maintaining C curl, S curl, and spiral perms between washes
- Texturizing spray — for wolf cuts, layered shags, and textured perm crops
- Volumizing mousse — for center-part volume cuts that need lift at the crown
- Water-based pomade — for slicked-back tops that need shine and hold
Perm styles generally need a sulfate-free shampoo to keep the curl pattern from breaking down prematurely — regular shampoo can strip the perm faster than expected.
FAQ
What is a two-block haircut? A two-block haircut is a Korean-style cut where the top is left long and heavy while the sides and back are cut short in one clean step rather than a gradual fade, creating a distinct length contrast.
How long does a Korean perm last? Most Korean perm styles — C curl, S curl, wave — last 3 to 5 months before the curl pattern loosens significantly, though a down perm can last up to 6 months since it relaxes rather than adds curl.
Do these hairstyles only work on Asian hair textures? No — while these cuts and perms were developed around typically straight, thick East Asian hair, the techniques work on other hair types too, though results and maintenance may vary based on natural texture.
What’s the difference between a C curl and S curl perm? A C curl perm curls only the ends of the hair inward toward the face, while an S curl perm creates an alternating wave pattern through more of the hair’s length.
Is a perm bad for hair health? A perm involves chemical processing that can dry out hair if not cared for properly, so using sulfate-free shampoo and regular conditioning treatments is important to keep hair healthy between perms.
What’s the most low-maintenance trending Asian hairstyle? A down perm or a simple two-block cut without a perm are the lowest-maintenance options, since a down perm reduces daily styling effort and a plain two-block just needs a light product touch-up.
Final tip: If you’re considering a perm for the first time, get it done at a salon that specializes in perms specifically — not every barbershop does chemical texture work regularly, and the technique matters as much as the cut.
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