If you’re loving all the videos Allure has been doing with K-pop groups, like NCT127 and GOT7 lately, then I highly recommend checking out Allure Korea’s Star Beauter-view video series. In it, makeup artists and hairstylists to Korean celebrities share how to get their clients’ most beloved looks. The latest edition spotlights IU and her stunning hairstyles in a popular Korean TV drama called Hotel Del Luna, and the video has been viewed over 1.2 million times in just a few days.
For the past 12 years, singer/actress IU has been working with hairstylist Seo Yoon. She’s truly flexing her muscles with Hotel Del Luna, as each episode features up to six different looks. IU’s character, Jang Man Wol, is seen with her waist-length hair in intricate braids, long mermaid-like waves, and various ponytails, but her half-up styles have become the most sought-after. Seo Yoon explained in the Allure Korea video how she achieves them.
Seo Yoon pins hair clips on at an upward angle from the outer corners of IU’s eyes — almost like you do with winged liner. This gives the face an instant lifting effect, Seo Yoon noted. With the barrette-stacking trend still going strong, this trick is sure to come in handy for many.
As for parting her hair for half-up styles, Seo Yoon pulls IU’s hair up from the same upward angle. This helps give volume on the side of the head, which makes the face look smaller.
Seo Yoon also shared some fascinating insight into IU’s current dye job. “For dark hair, there are limits with trying various types of styles because it’s hard to show the details,” Seo Yoon explained. “We wanted her hair to look darker when the lights are [dimmed]. When the lights are brighter, we wanted to show the texture of her hair. That’s why we chose a natural brown color.” How strategic.
You can learn more about how Seo Yoon styles IU’s see-through bangs and creates waves with a straightener in the video below. You can also watch more Star Beauter-views on Allure Korea’s YouTube channel.
Read about more beauty secrets from K-pop stars: