Japanese Men’s Haircuts: From Chonmage to Mash Cut and Gentle Karma

Japanese men’s hairstyles have evolved over the years, reflecting shifts in fashion, culture, and personal expression. Today, popular styles include undercuts, textured waves, soft perms, and bold asymmetric cuts, offering options for both neat, professional looks and trendy designs. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history of men’s haircuts in Japan, the latest trends, and essential styling products.

Brief History of Japanese Men’s Hairstyle

Throughout Japan's history, men’s hairstyles have undergone significant changes.

• Ancient times: Long hair styled in a topknot (Chonmage) symbolized status, especially among samurai during the Edo period (1603–1868).
• Meiji Restoration (1868–1912): Modernization replaced the Chonmage with shorter, Western-style cuts.
• Taisho (1912–1926) and Showa (1926–1989) periods: Western influence led to short, neat styles, often styled with pomade. Military influence popularized very short cuts.
• Post-WWII: Men’s hairstyles diversified, from conservative salaryman cuts in the 1950s and 60s to longer styles and perms in the 1970s and 80s.

Popular Japanese Hairstyles For Men

These popular Japanese hairstyles showcase a blend of tradition and modernity, offering options for every style preference. From classic cuts like the round mash to edgy trends like the wolf cut, and even pop-culture-inspired looks like K-pop curtain bangs.

Classic Style

The round mash (mushroom cut) is a timeless hairstyle characterized by its neat, round silhouette, making it a versatile choice that suits various face shapes.

For those looking for a slight variation, the wave ash introduces soft waves to the classic cut, adding texture and subtle movement for a modern twist.

Business-Appropriate Style

The two-block cut features short sides and back with a longer top, offering versatility that works well in both formal and casual settings.

For a more polished appearance, the pompadour showcases a voluminous front, neatly swept back for a sophisticated and stylish look.

Meanwhile, the salaryman cut is a short, conservative style that’s easy to maintain, making it ideal for corporate environments.

Trendy and Fashionable Styles

For a relaxed vibe, messy/layered hair incorporates textured layers that give a casual and youthful appearance.

The undercut is a modern hairstyle with a striking contrast between the longer hair on top and shaved sides, creating a sharp and edgy look.

On the bolder side, the wolf cut combines shaggy layers with a mullet-inspired design, offering a rebellious and standout style.

Pop Culture-Inspired Styles

K-Pop-inspired curtain bangs feature medium-length hair with soft layers that frame the face, making it a popular choice among music fans and trendsetters.

For those seeking a more daring look, asymmetrical haircuts offer bold, unbalanced lengths, allowing for artistic expression and a distinctive style.

Relaxed and Casual Styles

For a relaxed vibe, messy/layered hair creates a youthful, casual appearance with textured layers, while the wolf cut brings a bold, rebellious flair with its shaggy, mullet-inspired design.

The crop cut offers a short, textured style that is both low-maintenance and effortlessly modern.

For a sharper look, the undercut emphasizes a strong contrast between longer hair on top and shaved sides, offering a stylish, contemporary edge.

For ultimate simplicity, the buzz cut offers minimal styling and a practical, clean look.

Alternatively, the soft perm introduces gentle curls for added volume and a laid-back yet polished aesthetic.

Sophisticated Styles

The gentle karma (bro flow) features medium-length hair that flows naturally along the head's contours, offering a mature and relaxed appearance.

The silky comma bangs showcase sleek, curved bangs that create a polished and sophisticated style.

Retro-Inspired Styles

The samurai knot or man bun offers a modern take on Japan's traditional high bun, the chonmage, blending cultural heritage with contemporary flair.

Meanwhile, the classic pompadour is a vintage-inspired hairstyle characterized by its swept-up volume, exuding timeless elegance and charm.

Styling Products

Wax

Wax is ideal for creating texture and adding flexible hold, making it perfect for achieving messy or layered styles. It allows for easy restyling throughout the day, offering a natural finish or enhancing definition for short to long hair. Whether you prefer a strong hold or a softer, more casual look, wax provides versatility to suit various hair lengths and types.

Pomade

Pomade is perfect for achieving a sleek, glossy finish, making it ideal for polished styles like pompadours. It offers a firm hold with added shine, ensuring your hairstyle stays in place while maintaining a refined appearance. Suitable for both classic and modern looks, pomade delivers a smooth, professional finish.

Gel

Gel is perfect for creating structured, rigid styles such as spiky cuts or classic undercuts. It provides a strong hold and dries hard, ensuring long-lasting definition that stays in place throughout the day. Ideal for sharp, precise looks that require minimal restyling.

Choosing a Japanese Hairstyle That Suits You

Japanese hairstyles effortlessly blend timeless tradition with modern innovation, offering options for every personality and occasion. Whether you prefer sleek sophistication or a relaxed, casual vibe, there’s a style to suit your taste. Explore these options, experiment with products, and let your hair reflect your unique style.

Which hairstyle would you like to try? Share your thoughts in the comments!