The recently revealed new hairstyle of actor Gong Yoo has caught attention. In the photos released through Gong Yoo's official social media, he adds a softer and more relaxed atmosphere to his existing image with thick wavy perm.
The bangs that naturally cover his forehead and the thick waves emphasize his youthful appearance, making it hard to believe he is in his 40s. This is why reactions like "His image has changed with just one perm" and "He looks even younger" have followed. While men's perms can easily fail if overdone, there is a clear 'styling formula' behind Gong Yoo's transformation being noticed.
Instead of Excessive Curls, 'Thick and Soft Waves'
The reason Gong Yoo's perm feels natural is that the curls are not overly divided. Instead of strong curls, thick and soft waves flow throughout, shaping the style. Rather than having distinct curls, they naturally reveal themselves according to the movement of the hair. Most failures in men's perms occur when trying to emphasize the curls, making them look cramped. Keeping thick waves loose like Gong Yoo softens the impression and enhances the youthful effect.
Bangs Covering the Forehead, Key to a Youthful Impression
Gong Yoo's hair in the photo does not completely reveal his forehead but naturally covers it. The volume of the bangs and the waves wrap around the hairline, softening the angles of his face. This creates a much softer overall impression compared to styles that expose the forehead, and even when smiling or moving his head, his expression appears youthful. After the age of 40, it is more effective to create a youthful impression by blurring the boundaries with bangs and waves rather than excessively exposing the forehead.
A Youthful Impression Depends More on the 'Cut' than the Perm
The more important factor in this hair transformation is the cut rather than the perm. Without excessively layering, the overall weight is maintained to prevent the curls from spreading. If the cut is too light, even thick waves can easily look frizzy. Especially after the age of 40, as fine hair increases, a messy cut can lead to a tired impression. Gong Yoo's hair is closer to having the cut set first, with the waves added as a secondary element.
For Men Over 40, 'Strength' Can Be a Disadvantage
As one ages, strong perms can create a sharp impression. Gong Yoo's thick waves soften the facial lines while creating a friendly image. Distinct curls or excessive volume can emphasize facial contours, leading to an older appearance. The key to men's perms after the age of 40 is not showcasing style but rather achieving a balance that softens the impression.
Calculated 'Effortlessly Styled' Look
The reason Gong Yoo's hair looks natural is also in the maintenance method. Instead of curling with a dryer to enhance the curls, it is more suitable to dry it by pressing it with hands while it is still damp, organizing the flow. Using only a small amount of styling product to add shine and texture is appropriate. Considering that the style is completed with maintenance after the treatment, this hairstyle is close to the standard of 'effortlessly styled' men's perms.
