Buzz
Discover the art of cutting, styling, and maintaining this viral Japanese haircut.
Essential Insights
- The hime cut features blunt bangs and face-framing side pieces, with the rest of the hair left long and straight at the back.
- To achieve the hime cut at home, divide your hair down the middle, trim the bangs straight below your eyebrows, and cut angled side pieces following the jawline.
- Given its angular nature, the hime cut complements round face shapes particularly well, although adjustments to the bangs and side pieces can suit any face shape.
Procedure
Exploring the Concept of the Hime Cut
The hime cut is characterized by a longer back, accompanied by bangs and side pieces framing the face. Often sported by anime characters and K-pop idols, the hime cut (姫カット) combines elements of the Amasogi (center-part) and Binsogi (chin-length bangs) styles. It features blunt bangs and face-framing side pieces, with the rest of the hair left long and straight. This creates a trendy, bold, and attention-grabbing haircut that exudes elegance and allure.
- The term “hime” translates to “princess” in Japanese, pronounced as “hee-meh.” If you're a fan of the Korean wolf cut or octopus cut, the hime cut might be the perfect choice for you!
- In the 1970s, Japanese pop star Megumi Asaoka popularized this look. However, since 2021, TikTok has sparked a global resurgence of the style. Celebrities such as Bae Suzy, Lee Da Hee, Lisa from Blackpink, Haerin from New Jeans, Momo from Twice, Chisa from XG, and the Haim sisters have all rocked this haircut.
Unveiling the History of the Hime Cut
The hime cut has its roots in Japan's Heian period (794-11185 CE). During this era, noblewomen grew their hair to extreme lengths before cutting off the front sections at age 16. Typically, their fathers or brothers performed the haircutting ritual while chanting 'Chihiro, chihiro' (meaning 'very long'). This ritual, known as Binsogi, marked their transition into adulthood.
- Following the ceremony, women had the freedom to trim their hair over their forehead, cheeks, or shoulders, often aiming to enhance their appearance with added glamour.
Mastering the Hime Cut at Home
Creating a Center Part and Sectioning Off Hair for Bangs
Determine Bang Length and Make a Horizontal Cut
Trimming Bangs to Achieve Blunt Cut
Partitioning Hair for Side Pieces
Cutting Side Pieces Following Jawline
Tips for Styling the Hime Cut
Straighten Your Hair for a Sleek Look
Curling Side Pieces for a Vintage Vibe
Styling Curly Hair to Complement the Hime Cut
Which Face Shapes Suit the Hime Cut?
The hime cut is adaptable to suit any facial structure. While it naturally complements round faces due to its sharp angles, it can be adjusted to harmonize with any face shape, enhancing or minimizing facial features accordingly. Once you've identified your face shape, experiment with bang and side piece lengths to find your perfect look!
Is Maintaining the Hime Cut Difficult?
Keeping up with the hime cut is demanding, especially for those with curly or textured hair. Achieving the sleek appearance of the traditional hime cut poses a greater challenge for individuals with wavy, curly, or textured hair compared to those with naturally straight hair. To preserve the style, regular use of flat or curling irons, trimming of bangs and side pieces, and use of nourishing hair products are essential to prevent heat damage.
- For individuals with naturally straight hair, maintaining the classic hime look is relatively simple—regular trims every few weeks will keep bangs and side pieces looking sharp.
