Korean fad for new hairstyles spreads

There is an ongoing trend among both young and old to express their individuality by adopting hairstyles known by fractured English names like ``iron permanent of revival mood,`` ``bleach wind hair,`` and ``light wave almost like semi-short cut.``

The colors range from thick black and violet to green, gold and red. Hairdressing experts forecast the color trends this spring will be dominated by ``pastel tones,`` khaki, brown and even grey.

Changing one`s hairstyle or hair color is no longer the exclusive domain of women. Not only male students but men in the prime of their lives are dyeing their hair without hesitation and even spending hundreds of thousands of won for ``reggae perms`` like those of Latin singers.

Irrespective of sex or age, the fever for change is so strong that people no longer blink an eye at the sight of people whose hair matches the colors of the rainbow. But there are many people who are in agony over the ill effects of dyeing their hair. They sigh that their hair loses elasticity and becomes dry and ``crisp.``

As a basic treatment for damaged hair, experts advise sterilizing it, applying protein with good absorption and the power to restore moisture, and using coating cream designed to supply nutrition and protect hair.

Park Hee-Je min07@donga.com