South Korea has long been at the forefront of global beauty trends, influencing skincare routines and makeup products worldwide. Known for groundbreaking innovations such as glass skin, BB creams, and sheet masks, the Korean beauty (K-beauty) market has revolutionized the industry. Now, it seems that the next big trend in K-beauty is moving upward – to your hair.
Since 2024, Boots has begun offering a selection of K-beauty haircare products, featuring top brands like Beauty of Joseon, Anua, and Medicube. This week, the UK-based retailer expanded its range to include even more K-beauty haircare options, marking a significant shift in consumer interest. According to Boots’ annual Beauty Trends Report for 2025, “beauty without borders” is a major trend, with Korean skincare products continuing to captivate UK shoppers.
Boots’ timely entry into the Korean haircare market comes in response to rising consumer interest. Searches for #KoreanHaircare on TikTok more than doubled in May, surging by 117%. This growth reflects the increasing demand for high-quality, innovative haircare solutions. In response, Boots has introduced Korea’s top shampoo brand, Kundal, as well as herbal remedy specialists Daeng Gi Meo Ri, offering customers cutting-edge products that address scalp health, hair loss, and overall hair wellness.
What Makes Korean Haircare Stand Out?
Korean haircare is rooted in the same principles that made K-beauty skincare a global sensation: innovative ingredients, multifunctional formulas, and an emphasis on scalp health. As K-beauty focuses on nurturing the skin barrier, Korean haircare adopts a similar philosophy, aiming to nourish and restore the scalp.
Grace Vernon, head of global foresight and trends at Boots and No7 Beauty Company, explains: “Korean haircare combines cutting-edge innovation, luxurious quality, and accessible prices. It focuses on preventative care, scalp health, and holistic wellbeing, much like Korean skincare. Products often offer multiple benefits, such as anti-hair loss, scalp soothing, and long-lasting results, all within a single formula.”
The multi-step beauty rituals that define Korean skincare have also found their way into haircare. As with skincare, haircare is viewed as an essential self-care practice. Routine steps like scalp cleansing, treatments, and leave-in care are central to the Korean approach, aiming for optimal results through careful layering of products.
Key Products for Your Korean Haircare Journey
Are you ready to dive into the world of Korean haircare? Haircare expert Stéphane Ferreira from Boots x Live True London Salon offers insight into some of the top products to help you get started.
Kundal Honey & Macadamia Protein Treatment Cherry Blossom
Ideal for dry, damaged hair, this treatment is packed with natural ingredients like honey, macadamia oil, and 26 botanical extracts to nourish and hydrate hair, leaving it silky and revived. According to Ferreira, “Honey and Macadamia are the perfect duo to revitalise the hair, offering moisturising and antioxidant-rich benefits.”
Kundal Protein Bonding Shampoo Violet Muguet
This salon-grade shampoo is formulated for dry and damaged hair, using Kundal’s patented Double Care Bonding Technology. It strengthens hair cuticles and provides hydration through eight types of hyaluronic acid. Ferreira notes, “Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, attracting and retaining moisture for smoother, shinier hair.”
Kundal Scalp Tonic
Known as a “cold shower in a bottle,” this tonic soothes the scalp, balances moisture, and helps with dandruff and hair loss. Packed with antimicrobial pine extract and tea tree oil, it creates a healthy environment for hair growth. Ferreira explains, “Plant-based caffeine from green coffee beans stimulates blood circulation to encourage hair growth.”
Daeng Gi Meo Ri Vitalizing Treatment
This nourishing treatment is ideal for damaged hair, combining a blend of 33% traditional Korean herbs, including ginseng root extract. Ferreira shares, “Calamus is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant properties, and in haircare, it boosts elasticity and moisture.”
Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki Gold Premium Shampoo
A luxurious option, this shampoo uses ginseng and liquorice root extract to support scalp health and prevent hair loss. It also combats dandruff and protects hair follicles. Ferreira explains, “Ginseng root enhances blood circulation to stimulate hair follicles and promote healthier hair.”
Daeng Gi Meo Ri Dlae Soo Hair Care Shampoo
Specifically formulated to combat hair loss, this shampoo works at the roots to prevent breakage and promote hair growth. It’s enriched with 20 types of natural botanicals, including ginseng and camellia oil. Ferreira adds, “Heartleaf extract is packed with amino acids and fatty acids, soothing irritated skin and encouraging a healthy scalp.”
As the K-beauty phenomenon continues to grow, Korean haircare products are gaining recognition for their focus on scalp health, holistic care, and innovative formulations. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your hair, tackle scalp issues, or restore moisture to dry strands, the K-beauty haircare range has something to offer. With luxurious yet affordable products, Korean haircare is fast becoming the new frontier in global beauty.
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