When it comes to the next big fashion statement or your next favorite viral haircut, Korea isn’t just the first place to jump on hot trends  – they’re actually creating and setting the beauty standard for everyone else. The city of Seoul in South Korea is especially known for the way they set the international beauty standard, and you’ll often see some of the hairstyles we’ve highlighted below on your favorite Korean pop stars.

However, Korean hairstyles for men aren’t just trending because they show up on K-pop stars  – because Asian men usually have thicker, straight hair, they can wear almost any hairstyle they want, and Korean hairstyles tend to be incredibly versatile. The best Korean hairstyles for men take advantage of the natural texture that Asian hair has  – whether that’s with a timeless bowl cut to make you appear more youthful, layered hair, or a K-pop undercut.

For instance, not many people know that the topknot, which continues to be a popular hairstyle for both men and women across the globe, originated in Korea during the 1300s. During the Josean Dynasty, married Korean men would place their hair in a knot at the top of their heads, and use a pin and headband to hold it in place. 

Certain hairstyles, like the Korean bowl cut, tend to be timeless  – regardless of what’s trending, the bowl cut is a popular choice for Korean men across the globe. While there’s plenty of speculation about this, many believe the bowl cut continues to be popular since it’s an easy way to trim the thick, straight hair that so many Asian men have. Many K-pop stars, especially younger men, have sported a bowl cut at one point or another and inspired Asian men across the globe to ask for similar haircuts. 

Other hairstyles, like the undercut, have grown more popular in recent years, and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. There are also plenty of classic Korean hairstyles that you can ask your barber for, including the topknot we’ve mentioned above or a two-block haircut.