RATI, the Korean hair artist creating without constraint

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“It may sound cliché, but I want to show that you can express freedom through hairstyle and that life can be more fun because of it.” Even if it sounds cliché, it’s true: freedom is the unifying concept that runs throughout the work of hairstylist Yoon Damin, AKA Rati. There’s freedom of form, freedom of shape, freedom of colour and design. Not one to be restricted by traditional notions of what hair should look like, their portfolio is brimming with eclectic creations: slime-green rat tails atop thin red spiked mohawks; hair pieces scattered with piercings, hoops and crucifixes; raccoon stripes next to pink leopard print next to airbrushed pink ribbons. Always unexpected, Rati’s work epitomises the excellence that comes when creating without constraints.

Originally from a small rural town in South Korea, Rati got their start with a job shampooing clients’ hair. Although their responsibilities were limited, they grew to love the joy that hair treatments could bring to people. After making the move to London recently, Rati has been bringing their signature punk style to runways ranging from CSM graduate shows to Mowalola for SS25, alongside creating her own line of extensions and hairpieces.  

“I had a mentor who once told me that understanding what I find beautiful is essential to this work,” they explain. This self-assurance is evident within their creations, where carousel posts position their hair pieces alongside their natural inspirations: venus flytraps, pebbles and crashing waves.

Here, we speak to RATI about growing up in Korea, their love for wet hair and BLACKPINK.

Can you tell us a bit about where you grew up?

Rati: I was born in a very small rural town called Cheorwon in Korea. The town is surrounded by mountains, very close to North Korea, and extremely cold. Most of my childhood friends’ parents were soldiers. In a way, it felt like a prison encircled by mountains. It’s hard to find young people there, and the mindset is extremely traditional, leaving no room for expression. However, I can’t deny the charm of the place – the nature is beautiful, and my childhood memories there are special.

How did you get into hairstyling?

Rati: After my parents divorced, I was raised by my mom. Watching my sister struggle financially after she went to university made me want to start working and earning money as soon as possible. But I didn’t want to lose myself in the process – I wanted to do something special. So, I dropped out of high school and started working in this field right away.

What’s been your career highlight so far? 

Rati: Opening my salon in Seoul. I couldn’t find any salons in Korea that I wanted to work with, so I started my own business at 20. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work with amazing people, which has shaped who I am today.

Describe your beauty aesthetic in three words.

Rati: Colour, texture, chaos.

Which fictional character do you most relate to?

Rati: Pippi Longstocking – independent, adventurous, and mischievous.

Who is your beauty icon?

Rati: 2NE1’s Sandara Park, when she first appeared with her iconic high ponytail. The thrill of seeing that was unforgettable.

What does beauty mean to you?

Rati: Beauty is whatever you see or feel that you consider beautiful. It’s highly personal. I had a mentor who once told me that understanding what I find beautiful is essential to truly begin this work. That advice has stayed with me.

When do you feel most beautiful?

Rati: When I rinse wet hair.

Are you optimistic about the future?  

Rati: Yes, I am. I have strong faith in myself.

What is the future of beauty?

Rati: Plastic or grotesque.

Tomorrow, you wake up with another face of your choice. Whose is it and why?  

Rati: No one’s, because I don’t want to live for someone else.

You encounter a hostile alien race and sound is their only mechanism for communication. What song would you play to them to inspire them to spare you and the rest of the human race?

Rati: BLACKPINK’s “Kill This Love”.

God, or let’s say a higher power of some sort, is only letting they follow on Instagram into heaven. What kind of pic would you put up that perfectly sums you up?

Rati: Me dyeing a customer’s hair in a house made of hair.

You have to replace part of your body with that of an animal or a mythological creature. What do you go for and why? 

Rati: The joints of a horse. I can feel my hands and wrists getting damaged over time, and I need to keep going in this line of work.