The hime haircut originated during ancient Japan’s Heian period (794-1185 CE). It’s now going viral on social media. The cut has three distinct layers: longer hair in the back, sharp blunt side sections in the front, and bangs (although the fringe is optional). It’s perfect for anyone looking for a sleek, statement haircut and if you’re wondering how to style it, we’ve compiled 9 Japanese side bang looks plus styling tips just for you!
What Are Japanese Side Bangs?
Japanese side bangs, also known as the hime haircut, features bob-length layers framing the face, with longer hair in the back and often a full set of fringe. In ancient Japan, the cut signified Japanese royalty and nobility. Hime (pronounced hee-may) is the word for princess or lady of higher birth. The cut is a way to keep length while having a classic look in the front and is ideal for anyone craving a sleek, edgy look. Although the cut originated with straight hair, the hime cut suits wavy and curly hair textures and can be styled in a number of different ways. It does require maintenance and upkeep, especially if you have textured or wavy hair, and requires a commitment to regular heat styling. Plan to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to keep the shape and style.
Are Japanese Side Bangs a Good Look for You?
Having its roots in Japan, the hime haircut was originally worn with long, straight dark hair, which highlighted the different lengths of the cut, however it can be adapted to all types of hair types and textures. It can look incredible on textured, layered or curly hair. The hime cut can suit anyone, regardless of your face shape. It can create the illusion of a smaller face, so if your face is longer, this cut can help balance it out. And if you already have a smaller forehead, it may look best to forgo the front bangs.
If you’re considering Japanese side bangs, it’s best to go to a professional. Bring photos to your stylist and they’ll be able to help shape the different lengths to best suit your face. You can play around with the length of each layer of the cut depending on how you want to make the look your own. You may choose a more classic variation of the hime cut or perhaps you want something a little more unique.
How to Style Japanese Side Bangs: 4 Tips & Tutorials
1. Use Smoothing Products
While volume is the goal for many hairstyles, the hime haircut does best with smoothing products, especially if you have straight hair. Before you go in with your hot tools, use a smoothing blow out cream and you can finish off the style with a shine serum to help beat frizz and keep your hair sleek and smooth.
2. Curl in the Side Bangs
The classic hime cut features sleek, straight lines, however, we’re seeing more and more people curling the Japanese side bangs inwards. To get the look, start off by drying them upwards and backwards with a heated brush, then use a flat iron in a C motion to create a slight curve inwards towards your face.
3. Hime-Cut Hairstyle | Cutting My Hair at Home & How I Style It | feifei
We would skip the haircut part of this video (leave it to the professionals!) and head straight to the styling part. She shows you multiple ways to style a hime haircut, starting off by using a flat iron to get her hair as straight and smooth as possible. Other tools you’ll need are a comb and hair clip.
4. Define Waves/Curls
If you have wavy or curly hair, work with your texture to help shape your cut. Use a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner, and when you get out of the shower, apply a styling mousse to enhance your curls. Use a diffuser to blow dry and add volume to your bangs and side pieces. Once your hair is dry, go in with a curling iron to redefine any loose pieces.
5 Japanese Side Bang Looks
1. Classic Hime Haircut
This is a great example of a classic hime haircut and is ideal for those with long straight hair. The three layers of the cut are clearly defined (front bangs, face framing side bangs, long at the back) to give it its edgy vibe.
2. Collarbone Hime Cut
Although the hime haircut traditionally features long locks, we love the shorter length in this look. If you’re going to go with a collarbone length like this, it’s important that the side bangs are cut shorter than chin length so you really see the variation in length. Otherwise, it will look like a classic layered cut.
3. Thick Japanese Side Bangs
These Japanese side bangs are great for those with thicker hair. The side bangs are cut a bit deeper so that if you put your long hair back, it will really look like a short bob. We love how she has added a soft curl to the longer pieces, really giving some texture to this look.
4. Hime Cut without Fringe
You can also get the hime haircut without bangs, as seen here on Ayo Edebiri. If you already have a short forehead, you may be better off skipping the front fringe and going straight to the Japanese side bangs as your first short layer.
5. Wavy Hime Cut
The hime cut looks gorgeous on wavy hair too. Curling the side bangs inwards gives the look a softer feel, which fits perfectly with the waves. The longer front bangs that hit below the eyebrow also work stunningly for this look.
If you’ve been considering the hime cut, we hope these styling tips and photos have given you plenty of inspiration!
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