A hime cut is a Japanese haircut with three parts: a straight fringe across the forehead, blunt sidelocks cut at cheek or jaw length, and long, straight hair at the back. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Hime cut at a glance
- Length: Long at the back, cheek to jaw length at the sides
- Shape: Blunt fringe, blunt sidelocks, long back
- Maintenance: Medium to high
- Trim every: 4 to 6 weeks for the fringe and sidelocks
What makes it different
Hime means princess. The style goes back to the noblewomen of Japan's Heian period, and its sharp, geometric lines are still the point of it.
Who it suits
Straight, smooth hair. The sidelocks frame and slim the face, so it flatters round and wide faces.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a hime cut
- Bring a photo, and say hime cut.
- Say where the sidelocks should end: cheekbone or jaw.
- Say how heavy the fringe should be.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Flat iron the fringe and sidelocks straight. A smoothing serum helps the lines stay sharp.
Variations
- Soft hime cut: sidelocks blended slightly.
- Hime cut without bangs: sidelocks only.
- Short hime cut: the back cut to the shoulders.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a hime cut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
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FAQ
What is a hime cut?
A hime cut is a Japanese haircut with three parts: a straight fringe across the forehead, blunt sidelocks cut at cheek or jaw length, and long, straight hair at the back.
Who suits a hime cut?
Straight, smooth hair. The sidelocks frame and slim the face, so it flatters round and wide faces.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 4 to 6 weeks for the fringe and sidelocks.
