Wish you could look as fabulous your favourite K-pop idol, actor or actress? The next time you’re in Seoul, why not book an appointment at one of the many beauty salons that the celebrities go to?

With clientele lists that read like a who’s who in the K-pop and K-drama world, these are seven of the most popular salons in Seoul for an authentic K-beauty makeover. And who knows, you just might find yourself seated next to someone famous when you’re getting your hair or makeup done.

1. BIT & BOOT

Where: 49 Dosan-daero 81-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Celebs spotted: BTS, EXO, Le Sserafim, TWICE, NCT 127, Jeon So-mi, The Boyz, Monsta X, Ji Chang-wook, Park Bo-gum and Lee Jae-hoon

From replicating how your favourite oppa or noona looks in their music video to just wanting a fresh and you-only-better look, the team will make your dreams come true.

2. KITTS

Where: 13 Dosan-daero 59-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Level 3)
Celebs spotted: Aespa, Red Velvet, Suzy, Sunmi, Choi Ye-na, Lee Young-ji and Girls' Generation's Tiffany Young

Ready to take the plunge? Ask for hairstylist Yoon Seo-ha, the talented hands behind both these trendy looks.

3. OUI OUI ATELIER

Where: 12 Seolleung-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Celebs spotted: IVE, NMIXX, ITZY, Billlie, Kep1er, Kim Se-jeong, IU, BoA, Girl’s Generation’s Taeyeon and Yoona, and actresses Seol In-Ah and Roh Yoon-seo

But that’s not all. The team at Oui Oui Atelier also takes care of these celebrities’ hair too, offering hair services from styling to colour and cut as well.

4. HOLY

Where: 642-9 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Celebs spotted: NewJeans, Lee Hi and Crush

Transforming hair into art, the Holy hair team keeps things artistic, fun and in-trend. After all, the salon’s owner Park Ji-hee regularly works with one of the hottest K-pop groups, NewJeans. If you’re looking to achieve those Y2K styles that the girls spotted in their OMG music video or are just wanting to change things up with a strong, eye-catching colour, this is the place to go.

5. NAILTAM2NA

Where: 666 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Level 2); 7 Seolleung-ro 153-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Level 2)
Celebs spotted: Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, Sistar Soyou, Ailee, ITZY's Yuna and Oh My Girl's Arin

But not everyone wants those full blinged-out 3D manicured designs. Not to fret because the team does gorgeous delicate flowers or playful emojis too. Whatever your style, there’s sure to be something for everyone. 

6. UNISTELLA

Where: 19-30 Cheongdam-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Celebs spotted: Blackpink's Jisoo and Lisa, Mamamoo's Hwasa, Jeon Somi, Makeup YouTuber Risabae, BTOB's Peniel, DPR Ian and actor Song Kang

And though the nail salon’s social media account has some truly OTT designs, the nail artists here are equally happy to do minimalistic, yet always interesting and unique, options if that’s more your cup of tea.

7. WOOSUN

Where: 84-15 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Celebs spotted: Blackpink, Red Velvet’s Irene, model Irene Kim, Girls Day's Hyeri, Girls' Generation's Sooyoung, Sandara Park, former Apink member and actress Son Na-eun, Zico and Park Min-young

EXTRA TIP

Don’t worry if you’re not fluent in Korean as most of the hair, makeup and nail places have stylists who speak basic English. It also helps to discuss what you might want to do – be it a specific colour, certain makeup look, before your appointment. But if all else fails, make your Google Translate app your bestie and use that to help communicate with the stylist.

The original version of this story first appeared in CNA Lifestyle.
For more CNA Lifestyle stories, visit https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/.