This Japanese Haircut is a New Gen Z Favorite
Called the Hime Cut, this hairsytle is influenced by Japanese and '70s references.
Looking for inspiration for a new haircut? While curtain bangs remain on the rise, a new style is emerging in contrast to this aesthetic, bringing a more straight and brusque cut. Still of the same '70s time period, however, stars like the decade's muse Cher have sported this look. Called the Hime Cut, it was the hairstyle sported by models at Prada's Fall/Winter 2021 show, and is also dominating TikTok and gaining more and more Gen Z fans.
The style is characterized by its straight cut on the sides of the face, creating an interesting and unusual frame. Although the look seems modern and bold, in an interview with W, the hair historian Rachael Gibson revealed that it was popularized centuries ago, between the years 794 to 1185 in Japan. “These shorter front lengths would have been cut during the ceremony of Binsogi; an event that celebrates coming of age with a haircut," she explained. The expert also said that in the '70s the style made a comeback thanks to the influence of the singer Megumi Asaoka.
Like most beauty trends these days, the hairstyle has blown up on TikTok. On the video-sharing platform, the hashtag #himecut has already received 3.9 million views, while #hime and #himehaircut have 126.8 million and over 400 thousand respectively.
In addition to appearing on the Prada catwalk and TikTok, several celebrities are responsible for re-popularizing the cut. At the 2021 Grammys, the band Haim drew attention on the red carpet for the hair of its three members, as well as the singer Lisa of the band Blackpink.
As the hairsytle has gained traction, the trend has raised the debate on cultural appropriation. After all, could something from Japanese culture and history, be popularized and used by people from different countries and ethnicities? As the debate continues, it's a good idea to remember the hairstyle's origins and give credit to its Japanese roots when appropriate. Additionally, if you've decided to try the look out, consider going to a Japanese-owned salon or hairdresser.
