TL;DR
- Ssumday’s perm marks a departure from traditional esports hairstyles
- The hairstyle change coincided with a dominant performance against Team Liquid
- Korean salon visit resulted in both perm and brown hair coloring
- Future considerations include bold colors and tattoo possibilities
- Team coordination and confidence boost contributed to the victory

For years, the bowl cut has been the unofficial hairstyle of successful League of Legends competitors, but Chan-ho “Ssumday” Kim is spearheading a style revolution in professional gaming. The 100 Thieves top laner’s decision to embrace permed hair represents a significant shift in esports personal branding and player expression.
What many fans don’t realize is that hair transformations often signal important career transitions for professional gamers. Much like athletes in traditional sports who change their appearance after major achievements, Ssumday’s perm serves as a visual marker of his progression from Academy success to LCS competition.
Ssumday delivered an absolutely masterful performance during 100 Thieves’ clash with Team Liquid, achieving what few players accomplish – securing two solo eliminations against veteran top laner Jung “Impact” Eon-Yeong. This exceptional individual display was complemented by seamless team coordination that maintained consistent pressure throughout the entire match.
“Our primary focus was perfecting team synergy and communication,” Ssumday explained in his post-game discussion. While acknowledging that Team Liquid remains a formidable opponent, the top laner expressed strong confidence in his team’s continuous improvement trajectory.
Many professional gamers develop pre-game rituals and superstitions that help build competitive confidence. Ssumday’s new hairstyle appears to have become part of his mental preparation process, contributing to the focused mindset needed for high-stakes competition.
When did you decide to get your perm?
Ssumday: I visited a salon in Korea last Monday to completely transform my look. The timing was intentional, aligning with my transition to the LCS stage.
What’s the typical duration for maintaining a perm?
The exact timeframe varies, but most perms maintain their shape for approximately two months before requiring maintenance or re-styling.
What motivated this significant style change?
After winning the Academy championship last summer, I wanted a fresh appearance to mark my LCS debut. The change represents both personal growth and professional advancement.
So this hairstyle serves as a commemoration of joining the LCS?
Absolutely correct – it symbolizes reaching this new career milestone.
You also colored your hair as part of this transformation?
Yes, I opted for brown coloring to complement the new texture.
Have you contemplated more adventurous color options?
I’m definitely considering more vibrant shades like crimson or azure. However, since my complexion has darker undertones, I need to carefully evaluate how extreme colors would complement my skin tone. For now, I’ve chosen a more conservative approach.
Would you ever consider getting tattoo artwork?
I’m open to the idea, but tattoos represent a permanent commitment unlike temporary hairstyles. The inability to easily remove or modify tattoo decisions makes me cautious about committing to permanent body art without absolute certainty about the design choice.
This thoughtful approach to personal style decisions reflects the careful consideration professional gamers apply to both in-game strategies and out-of-game presentation. The evolution of player branding in esports continues to grow as the industry matures, with personal expression becoming increasingly important for both player confidence and fan connection.
Action Checklist
- Schedule your style change during career transition periods for maximum psychological impact
- Consult with professional stylists about maintenance requirements and duration
- Consider skin tone and personal branding when selecting hair colors
- Evaluate temporary vs permanent style options based on your commitment level
- Align your personal style with team identity and professional image requirements
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » 100 Thieves Ssumday explains his new perm after win over TL Ssumday reveals how his new perm became a lucky charm for 100 Thieves' victory over Team Liquid
