Top 44 Japanese Hairstyles for Women – 2024

Let’s be honest, Japanese women are known to have beautiful, silky, glossy, and thick hair. They also experiment a lot with their hair, thanks to their rich heritage and anime. Japanese women have many hairstyles to pick from, ranging from imperial hairstyles to modern anime-inspired hairdos, and there is a blend of culture and art in every hairstyle. Whether it’s for cosplay or just a casual day out, check out these stunning Japanese hairstyles.

Before You Get Started

• Japanese hair is known for being smooth, shiny, and silky. Therefore, make sure to follow a strict haircare routine and a healthy diet to ace Japanese hairstyles.
• Deep condition your hair before doing any of these hairstyles to make your mane look shiny and healthy.
• Use a texturizing or salt spray on longer hair to add extra volume for a lived-in look. On shorter hair, use styling wax or paste for messy styles.

Top 44 Japanese Hairstyles For Women – 2024

1. Soft Pixie

This hairstyle looks sophisticated and effortlessly elegant. A soft pixie with longer layers is easy to style and looks neat. The sleek layers tucked behind the ears enhance the overall look by sharpening the facial features.

2. Crown Braid With Bangs And A Bouffant Bun

Give a  braided twist to the sophisticated Japanese bouffant bun. This overall hairdo with crown braids oozes royalty and grandiosity. The side-swept bangs add to the natural feminine vibe, soften the face, and cover the forehead as well.

3. Modern Imperial Hairstyle

Though we have seen many traditional Japanese updos, Japanese women have now started becoming creative with them. They are adding artistic touches like curls and coils to traditional updos. This Imperial updo with a modern twist looks beautiful!

Quick Tip

You can use hair sticks, fabric hair ties, front combs, or flowers like morning glory or Japanese bellflower to accessorize your modern imperial hairstyle.

Key Takeaways

• Japanese hairstyles range from stunning imperial hairdos to bobs and anime-inspired looks.
• You may opt for a soft pixie or layered long bob if you need something that is easy to style and looks neat.
• You may also choose longer hair lengths and play around with different hair colors, such as smoky gray, purple, burgundy, and rose gold.

Infographic: Top 10 Must-Try Japanese Hairstyles

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

4. Layered Ends Lob

Japanese women usually have straight, fine hair. This means that layers are made for them! This long bob with layers at the end is one of the most sought-after hairstyles in Japan. Women have been experimenting with long bobs and hair colors for a long time now, opting for colors like light brown and auburn. They are the perfect hair colors for the earthy autumn theme.

5. Fine Curved Bob

You have probably seen this fine bob on many anime shows. It is THE anime look for cosplay. The full-frontal bangs really bring out the eyes. This hairstyle is perfect for small faces.

6. Curved-Out Bob

Japanese women have the best skin, and they usually have slender faces. Curved-out bobs are one of the coolest and most popular short haircuts, perfect for flattering this sort of face shape and features. Pair it with wispy bangs in the front to complete that girl-next-door look.

7. Long Flowy Waves

Long, flowy, wavy hair is becoming a favorite amongst Japanese women. Waves add texture and volume to straight hair. They make fine hair look thick. They also have the power to transform your entire look.

8. Purple Waves

Smokey purple looks great on warm-toned skin. Getting it done in an ombre on your naturally brown or black hair can help in framing your face while adding a quirky and unique element to your look.

9. Smoky Lob

Smoky colors like gray and dusty black are popular among teens and young adults in Japan. It goes well with their skin tone. Adding waves to the mix will give your smoky new look all the volume it needs.

10. Blonde Bob

Another thing young women in Japan love doing is going blonde. Bright colors like platinum blonde and golden blonde are sought after. If you have cool-toned skin, this color is tailor-made for you. It will make you look intense and mysterious.

11. Girl Next Door

Earthy colors work well with Japanese women’s skin tones. They warm up their appearance. I love how the bangs just flow into the hairstyle that falls into messy curls at the end.

12. Fun Formal Pixie

The pixie cut is fast becoming a raging trend in Japan. Pair it with some layers and a light brown hair color, and you are good to go! The brown shade can make dark eyes pop.

13. Phoenix Ombre

The phoenix hair color trend is on the rise in Japan. It is vibrant and perfect for cosplays. The big curls at the end bring the colors to life. All in all, this is a perfect hairstyle for anyone with a fun and free-spirited personality.

14. Below Cheek Waves

Highlights and wavy hair work very well together. While the highlights help frame your face and add dimension to your hair, the waves add volume and bounce to it. Together, they make a stunning pair.

15. Rosé Gold Ombre

Who doesn’t like to relax with some wine after a long day? Take that serenity to your hair, so you always feel good. This rosé shade goes well with warm-toned skin that has a pink hue to it. Also, it will make those lovely brown eyes pop.

16. Bronde Ombre

If you have a small face or wide cheeks, a color combination like this can help. The dark roots can make your face look longer. If you have sharp facial lines, like a square- or diamond-shaped face, a light blonde shade near the cheeks and jawline can help soften it.

17. Auburn Straight Cut

If you are just looking for a slight change, add some spice to your look with an auburn hair color. It will add a sophisticated vibe to your look. And if you have hazel eyes, the auburn tone will make them pop.

18. Heavily Layered Bob

Ash blonde is one of the hottest hair colors making the rounds right now. If you have cool-toned skin, this color will go well with it. Get your ash blonde tresses cut in a heavily layered bob to finish off the look. Moreover, for a stylish upgrade, you can also consider the latest layered bob hairstyles for oval faces.

19. Elegant Low Bun

Elegant hairstyles seem to be the go-to choice for Japanese brides. They love going for low buns and low ponytails. Hair clips with designs like leaves or flowers add a touch of elegance to this look.

20. Heavy Curly Ends

Want to get that perfect sun-kissed hair color? Well, you can! Deep honey highlights go well with all skin tones. Japanese women have also been embracing curly hair, which is a real change from their naturally fine texture.

21. Light Ashy Brown Curls

Ash brown is another top color for Japanese women. It goes well with their skin tone and makes brown and black eyes pop. This shade also works beautifully with the current minimalist makeup trend in Japan.

22. Sculpted Pixie

This pixie has been sculpted to perfection. It looks elven and perfect. The reddish- brown shade adds vibrance to this pixie cut. Be sure to pick a shade that works with your skin tone.

23. Light Brown Dimensional Layers

This dimensional brown bob is perfect! The blonde highlights help soften your facial outline. So, if you have wide cheeks or a sharp jawline, adding lighter highlights near your face can streamline them.

24. Curved-In Ends

When you have a thin or small face, curved-in ends draw attention to your features. To create some balance, add texture to your hair while styling it in soft waves. This low-maintenance look is great for working women and college students.

25. Thick Parted Bangs

Slightly parted bangs are great for framing your face. They partially cover a large or wide forehead. This makes your face look slimmer and longer. You can pair these bangs with any haircut, and it will work well.

26. Beachy Waves

Who doesn’t want to sport perfect beachy waves? Instead of full waves, opt for slight S-shaped curves. They add style and bounce to straight or fine locks and look amazing.

Quick Tip

You can use hairspray or finishing cream to give your beachy waves a glossy shine.

27. Burgundy Lob

Intense burgundy, being a dark color, goes well with all East Asian skin tones. Since most Japanese women have naturally dark tresses, it is easy for them to pull off a deep burgundy shade.

28. Mermaid Wedge Bob

A little bit of green, blonde, and brown mix together to form a lovely mermaid blend. Pair this color blend with different Japanese short bob hairstyles, and you’ve got yourself a slick haircut! Choose each hue keeping your skin’s undertone in mind.

29. Thick Framed Layers

Having thick hair means being able to rock layers like a queen. Opt for sharp, disconnected layers. Your first layer can end near your face to help in framing it. Then, leave a gap before the next layer. Feather out your ends, so they blend with the layers.

30. Messy Ends

Messy hair is trending everywhere! Japanese women have made messy hairstyles elegant by styling only the ends of their hair messily. This gives their shaggy hair more volume and style.

31. Cool-Toned Bob

Instead of going for an all-out contrast, consider this lovely light blue look. The blue, lilac, and gray shades blend well to create this stunning look. Go for this look if you are looking to add a burst of energy to your hair.

32. Voluminous Layers

The best way to add volume to fine hair and make it look thick is by cutting it in layers. Brush out and blow dry the ends to add more bounce and dimension to this look. This is the best hairstyle for anyone who needs to follow a super strict dress code at their workplace.

33. Messy Cropped Bob

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Japanese women have flawless skin and silky straight hair, and hence their hair looks the best when left simple. However, modernization has gotten a few of them to cut the long tresses. Then the messy cropped bob emerged which not only got selected for the best designer look but also became a part of a few ramp shows.

34. Centre Virtual Bouffant

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The center virtual bouffant is one of the Japanese schoolgirl looks, now seen in various countries. It highlights the cuter side of a girl as they pull the center hair to form a bouffant, leaving the hair on the side loose. It is indeed one of the most popular Asian girl hairstyles that will make you appear more youthful!

35. Glam Doll

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The glam doll look is inspired by the Barbie dolls and a clan in Japan that dresses up like dolls, showcasing their cuter side. It includes fringes, and bouncy curls and gives a normal girl the best makeover she would ever want. This look is accessorized with funky clips, hats, tiaras, and a floral bouffant.

36. Shimada

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The Shimada hairstyle includes a high artificial piece called chignon, worn by the Geishas. Geishas are one of the renowned clans from Japan that have been highly noted globally. They are pretty, elegant, and chic, and use their hairstyles and accessories to charm the world as they pass by.

37. Kepatsu

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The Kepatsu is one of the most traditional Japanese hairstyles in which the noble women would dress their best for occasions. It was by this hairstyle that a woman’s class would be judged and respected. The hairstyle till date has been prevalent in Japan only with minute tweaks. The hairstyle needs a boxy bouffant, leaving only a sickle-shaped pony at the back, tied with a ribbon.

38. Tokugawa: Box Shimada

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Inspired by the classic Shimada, the Tokugawa region in Japan renovated the entire look to make it more comfortable for their women, calling it a box Shimada. The hairstyle, made with a lot of patience, would have one form a Box Shimada look, leaving the box at the lower neck area.

39. Butterfly

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The butterfly hairdo is all about making flaps by rolling the hair on three sides of the head. The hairdo, best seen on ramps and among fashion divas, was inspired by the old Geisha looks. Though they ornamented it with gold, the modernized version left it messier than before, leaving it more grungy and chic.

40. Swirled Bouffant

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The swirled bouffant is a beautiful, stylish and non-hassle manner of giving your hair the best Red Carpet look. Post your layering cut, you can hold onto some side tresses and pull them back to form a half pony. Instead of just tying up the pony, you can swirl it up on one side and clip it with thin bob pins, leaving the rest of the hair loose. The sway looks elegant and quite fashionable as you walk.

41. Roller Buns

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Roller buns are one of the most popular Japanese short hairstyles, opted for by many young girls or hair stylists in Japan. It is funky, grungy, and trendy, and gives your fashionable side a boost as you sport it. Dividing your hair with a center parting, you can make an untidy bun on each side of the head. If you have fringes or flicks, they look pretty, and add the oomph.

42. Knot Pony

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The knot pony is best for short hair and looks very pretty on young girls who have frizzy hair. Pulling back some of your hair from the sides you can tie a knot in the centre. To keep the rest of the hair stable, you can hold it with a funky hair band and let go loose and free.

43. Tapered Apple Cut

This cute 90s hairstyle has made a comeback because of the K-wave that has taken the world by storm. This haircut is characterized by volume at the sides and back, giving it an apple-like appearance. Combine this haircut with some face-framing vibrant highlights and you are good to go!

44. Wavy Lob

Wavy lob is the perfect hairstyle for a youthful and fashionable look. This versatile hairstyle can be styled in various ways for different occasions.You can add blonde or auburn highlights or wispy bangs to create dimension and attract attention. Go ahead and get this chic hairstyle to help bring out your inner diva.

It’s clear that Japanese hairstyles have evolved and continue to get innovative and creative while retaining tradition at heart. They have a long history and are rooted in rich cultural values. Let’s learn more about their significance in the next section.

Cultural Significance Of Japanese Hairstyles

Traditional Japanese hairstyles or Nihongami have significantly influenced Japanese beauty standards and styles. The hairstyles once carried different symbolic meanings, representing the social or marital status of women. However, nowadays the twists and variations in contemporary Japanese hairstyles reflect the changing attitudes towards hairstyles and the cultural shift from traditional to modern trends. Modern styles often blend traditional elements to create something unique. For instance, the hime cut (blunt straight bangs with layered hair) is extremely popular and offers and blend of traditional elements with modern aesthetics. This evolution of Japanese hairstyles demonstrates their adaptability and never-ending appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bangs common in Japan?

Yes. Long layered hair with bangs is one of the most common hairstyles in Japan.

Are ponytails allowed in Japan?

No. Japanese schools banned female students from wearing ponytails claiming that this hairstyle could sexually excite male students.

What hairstyles are allowed in Japanese schools?

Two-block haircut (short on the sides and back while long on top) is allowed in Japanese schools.

What are bangs called in Japan?

Bangs are called hime haircuts in Japan.

What are Japanese hair buns called?

Any variety of Japanese hair bun hairstyles are often referred to as Odango.

What is the kanzashi hairstyle?

The kanzashi hairstyle is a traditional Japanese hairstyle that features hairpins adorned with intricate designs. These hairpins are used to create a variety of different styles, from simple updos to more elaborate designs.

Illustration: Japanese Hairstyles For Women

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the art of effortless elegance with a traditional Japanese hairstyle. Watch this tutorial and learn the easy techniques to achieve a stunning, culturally-inspired look.

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Jessica NoonanHairstylist

   

Jessica Noonan is the owner of Friseur NYC, a zero waste, sustainable mobile hair service. She has 35 years of experience behind the chair and a passion for education. She specializes in edgy haircuts emphasizing natural texture and high impact minimalist color.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

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