Top 9 Japanese Hairstyles: Everyday Styles & Celebrity Trends

Japanese fashion and beauty trends have long been a source of inspiration worldwide, with Harajuku and J-Pop culture constantly setting new style benchmarks. One of the most striking aspects of Japanese beauty trends is the innovative and ever-evolving world of hairstyles. 

In this blog, we’ll explore nine of the most stylish and trendy Japanese hairstyles for women, taking inspiration from the streets of Harajuku, the world of J-Pop, and classic Japanese beauty traditions. 

From the hime princess cut to Nana “Hachi” Komatsu braided buns, each hairstyle reflects Japan’s unique blend of modern and traditional influences. Read on to discover your next signature look!

1. Hime Princess 

Hime or princess cut is a bold and structured hairstyle that features long, straight locks with sharp, cheek-length side layers and full, blunt bangs. It originated in the Heian-period of Japan and has since experienced a resurgence, not only in J-pop culture but also making its mark in K-pop trends. This precise cut emphasizes facial structure and creates a striking, symmetrical look.

The typical color for the hime cut in Japan is jet black for a classic look. It’s best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the side locks frame the face beautifully.

This iconic hairstyle is so popular that it has been sported by many celebrities, including Momo of TWICE, Japanese actress Minami Hamabe, and Korean actress Suzy Bae.

2. Rebellious Wolf 

Wolf cut is a layered, choppy hairstyle that blends elements of a retro shag and a modern mullet, creating a carefree and rebellious vibe and adding volume and movement while keeping the ends feathered and wispy.

Aside from black, a trending two-tone hair color style in Japan features bleached underneath layers or colored sections in shades like blonde, ash gray, pastel pink, or vibrant blue, creating a striking contrast with darker top layers. This "peekaboo" or "hidden color" technique adds depth and dimension while allowing for a bold yet versatile look.

Japanese actress and model Nana Komatsu is among the trendsetters embracing this stylish, rebellious look. This hairstyle works best on round and square face shapes, as it elongates and balances facial features.

3. Soft Jellyfish 

Soft jellyfish haircut is a modern take on the hime cut, featuring a bob on top with long, flowing layers underneath. This cut creates a floating, airy effect, resembling the delicate form of a jellyfish.

Trending shades for the soft jellyfish haircut include platinum blonde, purple, bubblegum pink, and other vibrant hues. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, as the structured bob enhances facial features while the long layers create balance.

4. Hachi (Nana Komatsu) Hair Buns

Inspired by Nana Komatsu from the iconic manga and anime “Nana,” this version of braided pigtail buns has become a cult favorite in Japanese alt fashion. The hairstyle features two symmetrical buns positioned at mid to high height, often with messy strands left loose for a casual, effortlessly cool vibe. 

It’s a nostalgic and stylish nod to the punk-meets-girly aesthetic of early 2000s J-fashion, making it a popular choice among fans of retro-inspired looks. Some people like to add small braids or ribbons for extra personality.

5. Curtain Bangs & Wispy Layers

See-through bangs are light, wispy bangs that create a soft and effortless look. This style originated in Korean beauty trends but has become a staple in Japanese fashion, adding a delicate and romantic touch to any hairstyle.

The bangs are cut thinly and slightly layered, allowing some forehead to remain visible. They can be styled with a flat iron to curve inwards slightly or left natural for a casual look. These bangs work well with both short and long hairstyles, making them incredibly versatile.

The most popular hair colors for see-through bangs include soft brown and greige. This style complements round, square, and oval faces, as it softens sharp features while adding a youthful appearance.

6. Two-Toned Blunt Bob

7. Milk Tea Bob

8.  Yukata Hair Twisted Bun

This classic Japanese updo is a go-to hairstyle when wearing a yukata (a summer kimono) for festivals, fireworks displays, and special occasions. Unlike elaborate kimono hairstyles, a yukata updo is meant to be soft, slightly undone, and effortlessly elegant, creating a romantic and feminine look. This style complements traditional Japanese fashion while keeping the neck area cool and exposed, a signature feature of yukata styling.

Hair accessories such as floral kanzashi, delicate pearl pins, or decorative hair combs are often added to enhance the traditional aesthetic. Some styles also incorporate a slightly messy, airy texture to keep the look light and refreshing.

9. Classic Long and Layered

Layered hair is a timeless style that enhances natural hair movement while keeping it voluminous and dynamic. It is perfect for those who prefer an effortless look. Styling with a blowout or soft curls enhances the layers.

Top color choices for this look include shades of brown. This style works best for oval and heart-shaped faces, as the layers naturally frame the face.

Styling & Hair Care Tips

To keep your hair healthy, smooth, and vibrant, incorporating the right Japanese hair care essentials into your routine is key. Here are some recommended products and resources to help you achieve and maintain your desired look:

• Shampoo & Conditioner: Use high-quality, moisture-rich hair care products like Tsubaki Premium Moist Repair Shampoo and Tsubaki Premium Moisturizing Conditioner for silky, manageable hair.

• Deep Conditioning & Repair: Regular use of nourishing hair masks restores moisture and keeps hair shiny. Try the best-selling and viral Tsubaki Hair Mask. It is an excellent choice for deep hydration and repair. For tips on maximizing its benefits, check out my guide on how on how to use Tsubaki Hair Mask properly.

• Heat Protection: Regular use of styling tools makes it crucial to shield your hair from heat damage to prevent dryness and split ends.

• Hair Oil: For added nourishment and shine, Fino Hair Oil is a popular choice. Check out my personal experience and detailed review of Fino Hair Oil. 

• Styling Control/Wax: Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished look or a more effortless, tousled finish, Japanese hair wax helps achieve your desired style. For taming flyaways, Matomage Hair Styling Stick is a personal favorite and a convenient option!

Transform Your Look with Japanese Hairstyles

Japanese hairstyles go beyond fleeting trends—they are a fusion of individuality, cultural heritage, and self-expression. More than just a way to style hair, these looks tell a story, blending tradition with modern fashion to create something truly unique.

From the structured elegance of the hime cut to the rebellious energy of the wolf cut, each hairstyle reflects Japan’s dynamic beauty landscape, influenced by Harajuku street fashion, J-pop, and timeless classic aesthetics. 

Which of these trendy hairstyles resonates with your personal style? Let us know in the comments!