The hime cut is the perfect option for fashion-forward individuals who are looking for a mixture of edge and elegance. This historic Japanese hairstyle has evolved over the centuries and now boasts a beautiful combination of face-framing layers with a nice, long length. It’s a timeless cut that offers a good variety of combinations to try out. Keep reading to learn more about the hime cut and what styles are the most popular.
Table of Contents
What is a hime cut?
Is the hime cut popular?
Trendy styles of the hime cut
Conclusion
What is a hime cut?
The hime cut originated in Japan and is characterized by straight, blunt layers of specific lengths that frame the face. The cut is usually paired with straight bangs to give it its distinct look. Traditionally, the layers would be cheek-length in order to frame the face, with longer and unlayered hair falling at the back.
The word “hime” translates to “princess” in Japanese and this hairstyle dates back as far as the 8th century. During this time, noblewoman wore a similar style of haircut as a symbol of status and beauty. Today, the hime cut has allowed wearers to express themselves with a mixture of boldness and elegance. It’s a timeless look that can be worn short or long, depending on the individual.
Is the hime cut popular?
In recent years, the hime cut has undergone somewhat of a revival, and it’s now very popular among fashion-forward individuals. It’s particularly popular in East Asia and it’s been fully embraced by anime characters, K-pop singers, and social media influencers. The exposure of this historic haircut has made it a go-to style for many people looking for a more unconventional look that’s still elegant.
According to Google Ads, “hime cut” receives an average of 135,000 searches per month. This number remains consistent throughout the year, with a slight peak in February and April when searches reach approximately 165,000 each month. This shows that the hime cut is a popular haircut that’s suitable to wear throughout the year.
Trendy styles of the hime cut
While the classic hime cut still retains its popularity, there are plenty of modern variations that are more appealing to fashionable individuals. It’s necessary to have long, straight hair to pull off this look, but it can be done with hair extensions too. Layers and blunt bangs are also essential, and to add volume many people will incorporate hairpieces or padding into the design. Here are a few of the most popular hime cut styles to try out.
Wavy hime cut
People looking for a unique twist on the classic hime cut will love the wavy hime cut. By adding waves or gentle curls to the hairstyle, it still maintains its distinctive cheek-length layers and long back, but with a more textured look. The addition of waves also helps to soften the very sharp angles of a traditional hime cut and brings a modern feel to the haircut that’s more approachable.
The wavy hime cut works particularly well for medium or long length hair and it’s a versatile look that can be worn during casual days or for more formal events. The hime cut is meant to accentuate the face, and the addition of waves or curls still achieves this.
Classic hime cut
One version that never goes out of style is the classic hime cut. It’s defined by its blunt and face-framing layers that fall down to the cheek as well as the sleek long hair along the back. This cut is paired with a straight band across the forehead to achieve a timeless hairstyle that’s been worn for centuries.
This haircut is perfect for people who want a polished look that pays homage to their cultural heritage. It’s often referred to as simplistic, but the classic hime cut is incredibly versatile and very easy to manage. It’s a rare example of a long hairstyle that’s minimalist but still very impactful.
Two-tone hime cut
Although the hime cut is typically worn with one dark and sleek tone, modern variations are becoming very popular as well. The two-tone hime cut is a bold version of the hime cut that combines layering techniques with beautiful color contrasts. The longer sections are often dyed in two distinct shades to create a striking and dimensional look. This can include using highlights and lowlights, as well as using contrasting colors at the front and back.
The two-tone hime cut is ideal for people who want to experiment with color and who want to add a fresh and edgy twist to the structured layers that the hime cut is known for. It allows for endless possibilities and works well on both straight and curly hair.
Hime cut ponytail
The hime cut is usually worn down, but the hime cut ponytail is here to change that. This version of the classic Japanese hairstyle combines the practicality of the ponytail with the elegance of the hime cut. It keeps the cheek-length layers and the straight fringe, but gathers the longer sections into a ponytail. This creates a put-together look that’s easy to style with any outfit.
This hairstyle is a great option for people who like the structure of the hime cut but want to have flexibility in how it’s presented. The ponytail can be styled high or low, and pairs well with both wavy and straight hair, making it a versatile and playful option on busy days.
Conclusion
The hime cut is one of the most popular hairstyles in East Asia, with a unique history tying it to 8th century Japan. Today, the hime cut is still worn by people looking to add a touch of refinement to their look, but new variations have emerged that have helped it to appeal more to a younger audience. With new styling techniques constantly emerging, the hime cut is sure to retain its popularity for the foreseeable future.
