The Ultimate Guide to Styling Korean Traditional Hair for Women

[Body]

Well, let’s talk about them Korean hairs, you know, the way they do it up on their heads. I’ve seen some pictures, and let me tell ya, it’s somethin’ else.

Them old-timey Korean hairs, they got all sorts of meanings, I hear. Like, if a gal ain’t married, she wears her hair one way, and then when she gets hitched, it’s a whole different story. That daenggi thing, it’s a ribbon they tie in their hair, all fancy like. Makes it look pretty, I guess. They braid it all down their back, one long braid, and then tie that ribbon at the end. Real colorful, too. Now, I reckon that takes some time to do, not like my ol’ bun I just twist up in a jiffy.

I heard tell that them Korean folks got thick hair, lots of it on their heads. Must be nice, not havin’ to worry about it lookin’ thin and scraggly like mine. They say it’s in their blood, somethin’ they get from their mamas and papas. Genetics, they call it. Sounds fancy, but I guess it just means some folks are lucky that way.

Braids and Ribbons: Like I said, the young’uns, they wear them braids with the ribbons. Real pretty, but I bet it gets in the way when you’re workin’ in the fields.
Knots for Married Folks: Once they get hitched, they tie their hair up in a knot, men and women both. Guess that’s one way to show you’re taken.
Protecting that Hair: I also heard they use them fancy silk pillowcases and wraps to keep their hair nice. Silk, can you believe it? I just use an old cotton rag, but I guess they got their ways. They say it keeps the hair from breakin’ and gettin’ all split at the ends. Makes sense, I guess. Less tangles too. My hair, it’s always a mess when I wake up, but who has time for silk when there’s chores to be done?

Now, some of them older ladies, they got this hair that looks kinda like a big puffball. They call it sangdo or somethin’ like that. They perm it all up, makes it real big and round. I seen pictures, and it looks right strange to me, but I guess that’s their style. Maybe it’s comfy, keeps your head warm in the winter. Who knows? I ain’t one to judge.

It’s all different from how we do things around here. We just keep it simple, you know? Wash it when we can, tie it up, and get on with our day. But them Koreans, they got their traditions, and they stick to ‘em. Good for them, I say. Everyone’s got their own way of doin’ things, and who am I to say what’s right or wrong?

I saw this one picture, a real old one, with all these fancy ladies with their hair done up in all sorts of ways. Some had big ol’ hairpieces, and some had jewels in their hair. Must’ve weighed a ton! I can’t imagine wearin’ somethin’ like that all day. I’d be worried about it fallin’ off or gettin’ caught on somethin’.

Anyways, that’s what I know about Korean hair. It’s different, that’s for sure, but it’s their way, and they seem to like it. And that’s all that matters, ain’t it?

So next time you see a picture of them Koreans with their fancy hair, you’ll know a little bit about it. And you can tell your friends, “Hey, I heard about that from an old woman who knows a thing or two.” Not that I’m that old, mind you. Just… experienced.

And remember this, it don’t matter how you wear your hair, long or short, fancy or plain, it’s what’s inside that counts. But if you can make it pretty, well, there ain’t no harm in that, I reckon.

Just don’t go spendin’ all your money on silk pillowcases, unless you got plenty to spare. Cotton’s good enough for me, and it’s good enough for most folks I know.