Buzz
Mastering this K-pop inspired hairstyle
If you're into K-pop or Korean fashion, you’ve probably seen the viral “comma hair” making waves. But what exactly is it, and how can you style it yourself? If you're curious about these questions, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we'll explain the comma hairstyle, how to achieve it, and who it suits best. Plus, we've included some styling tips and expert advice from hairstylist Frankie Sanderson, so read on for all the details!
What is the comma hairstyle?
The 'comma hair' look is a trendy men’s hairstyle where the bangs are styled to curl inward, forming a shape reminiscent of a comma. This style begins with a two-block haircut, where the hair on top is longer and the sides and back are kept short. To complete the look, the front strands are curled inwards using a straightening iron to achieve the signature comma shape.
How to Style the Comma Hair
What exactly is the comma hairstyle?
The comma hairstyle features inward-curling bangs that mimic the shape of a comma. Typically, the sides and back are trimmed short, while the top is kept longer and fuller. To create the look, the front strands are curled toward the face with a straightener, forming a shape similar to a comma.
- Originating in South Korea, this hairstyle became a global sensation after being adopted by Korean celebrities, including BTS members.
How to Achieve the Comma Hairstyle
- Much like the comma hairstyle itself, the two-block cut comes from South Korea and gained international fame thanks to K-pop stars and Korean celebrities.
Begin with wet hair and create a middle or side part. To ensure your style stays intact, start by wetting your hair. You can either wash it in the shower or simply mist it with water. After that, part your hair in the middle or on the side, based on your personal style preference.
Spray texturizing product for added volume. Mist a texturizing spray onto your hair, focusing on the front, face-framing sections. While any texturizing spray will work, Sanderson recommends using sea salt spray to create extra volume and texture for a fuller look.
Blow dry your hair downward. Begin by blow-drying both sides of your hair in a downward direction to begin forming the signature comma curl. As you move toward the back, continue blow-drying downward, gently pushing the hair slightly backward.
Use a straightener to curl your bangs inward. For a more defined comma shape, gently run a straightening iron through the front strands of your hair in a curved motion. Start at the pieces near your ears and work your way forward to your bangs.
- And that's it! You've got the basic comma hairstyle. However, there are many different ways to style it, and we'll explore a few variations below.
Leave your top hair wavy and tousled. While the classic comma hairstyle features sleek, straight hair that curves into the comma shape, you can achieve a more relaxed, tousled look if your hair is naturally wavy or curly. Just follow the steps outlined above, but skip the straightener for the curve.
- Use products designed for your waves or curls, like mousse, gel, or styling wax.
- If you have straight hair but want to achieve the wavy look, a perm might be an option. Sanderson suggests that although a perm can dry your hair out slightly, it will also provide the desired tousled texture.
Incorporate subtle highlights. For a fresh, youthful touch, consider adding some delicate highlights to the longer sections of your hair. Then, simply follow the steps above to create the comma hairstyle. The highlights will add dimension and depth, enhancing the overall look.
Go bold with a fun hair color. Want to make a statement? Try dyeing your hair a striking color like red, blue, or platinum blonde, and then follow the steps for the comma hairstyle. This is a perfect way to make your look uniquely yours and show off your personality!
- For an added twist, you could color the longer top section one shade and leave the shorter sides and back in your natural color, highlighting the contrast between the two blocks of your haircut.
Incorporate comma bangs into your existing hairstyle. Not ready for a full two-block haircut? No worries! You can still experiment with the comma bangs. Simply wash and dry your hair as usual, and then use a straightener to curl the front sections inward. It’s a great way to test out the look before committing to the full style.
Is comma hair right for me?
Comma hair suits most face shapes. The two-block cut is adaptable and can be tailored to flatter different face shapes, whether oval, square, heart-shaped, round, or otherwise!
- Sanderson mentions that when you visit a skilled barber or hairstylist, they’ll evaluate your facial features and hair texture to create a style that complements you perfectly.
What to pair with the comma hairstyle
Elevate your look with a tailored suit. The comma hairstyle pairs beautifully with a sharp, tailored suit, as seen on Korean celebrities and K-pop stars on red carpets. If you're heading to an important formal event or simply want to look your best, a sleek suit is the perfect complement to your comma hair.
Go for a polished, preppy style. For a slightly more casual yet still refined look, try embracing a preppy style. Items like knit sweaters, blazers, button-down shirts, and tailored trousers work perfectly with the comma hairstyle, offering a stylish and sophisticated vibe.
Choose a laid-back, trendy look. If you're aiming for a relaxed and tousled appearance with your comma hairstyle, pair it with casual, trendy items like bomber jackets, T-shirts, jeans, or looser-fitting trousers for a cool, effortless style.
