The hime cut takes its name from the Japanese word for princess and is defined by its sidelocks: short, blunt sections at the front cut around cheek or jaw level, contrasting with longer hair behind them. This gallery starts with the sleek, classic version with an eyebrow-length fringe, then moves through modern twists, including a hime without bangs, a chin-length hime wolf cut, a hush cut with hime sidelocks, a curly hime, a hime bob and a dramatic step cut with two levels of sidelocks.
Straight, thick hair shows the sharp lines best, and most classic hime cuts are kept sleek with a flat iron. Wavy and curly hair can still wear the style if the sidelocks are cut dry and slightly longer to allow for shrinkage, or if the shape is softened with layers.
Consider face shape when choosing sidelock length. Cheekbone-level pieces create a face-hugging effect on long or oval faces, while jaw-length sidelocks that point down toward the chin balance round and square faces. Expect regular trims, because the contrast between lengths is the whole point of the cut.
1. Sleek Hairstyle
Classic and sleek, this hime cut has blunt lines and natural fading through the length. The front tendrils are cropped shorter than the rest, and a soft eyebrow-length fringe completes it; a flat iron and leave-in products keep it glossy.
Inspiration: @wada_shotaro_1105
2. Hime Cut Without Bangs
No bangs here: a middle part and short, jaw-length sidelocks open up the face while the length stays intact. Wear it down or lift the back into a high ponytail to show off the front layers.
Inspiration: @sirmesalon
3. Hime Wolf Cut
Double sidelocks from the hime cut meet the choppy layers of a wolf cut in this chin-length look. Short bangs balance the longer side pieces, and regular trims keep the graduation sharp. This version suits thick hair that can hold the choppy texture.
Inspiration: @jisusalon
4. Long-Layered Hime Cut
Long hair gains movement from layering at the tips, while sidelocks sit at cheekbone level for a face-hugging effect. Wispy bangs reaching the eyes add drama and highlight the hair’s richness. It is a striking option for anyone with very long, healthy hair.
Inspiration: @hairbyanniam
5. Wavy Hime Cut
A Korean perm adds soft waves to a layered hime cut, bringing texture and depth. Blending the transition between lengths gives it a hint of the trendy wolf cut. Scrunch a light curl cream through damp hair to keep the waves defined and soft.
Inspiration: @soonsiki_yoniyoko
6. Hush Cut with Hime Sidelocks
Subtle face-framing layers define a hush cut, which sits between long and short styles. Adding hime sidelocks makes the shape more dimensional and visually interesting. Thanks to the soft blending, the sidelocks grow out gently, making this an approachable entry point for anyone nervous about the classic hime cut?s sharp contrast.
Inspiration: @mikihair11o1
7. Mid-Length Hime Cut
A collarbone-length cut becomes a statement when the front section is shaped into a precise face frame. Placing the shorter pieces nearer the hairline makes them more defined; curve the ends inward to finish. A straightener with rounded plates makes that curve easy.
Inspiration: @saranda.murseli
8. Curly Hime Cut
Curly hair can wear a hime cut too: the sidelocks are separated and cut shorter, then flipped toward the face for an anime-inspired look. The step shape enhances the natural curl texture. Cut the curls dry so the sidelocks land at the intended length.
Inspiration: @luizasouzacuts
9. Hime Cut with Layering
Soft layers through the length, inspired by Korean styling, transform a basic hime cut. Thick side sections contrast with wispy layers and see-through bangs for maximum impact. A light texturising spray helps the airy layers keep their separation throughout the day.
Inspiration: @hairbyrebel
10. Shag Hime Cut
Combining a shag with a hime cut makes the hair stand out. Ask for wispy rather than blunt ends so they flip easily, and use a round brush and blow dryer for volume on top.
Inspiration: @iamjadenguyen
11. Hime Bob Cut
Shorter sidelocks resting just below the cheekbones turn a blunt bob into a hime bob. The pointed tips angle toward the chin, balancing round and square faces while keeping the symmetry. It is a quick way to update a blunt bob without losing length.
Inspiration: @sakiko1007
12. Step Haircut
Double sidelocks, one at the cheekbones and another just below the collarbone, divide waist-length hair into three levels. The step effect makes long hair look defined and dramatic. Very long, straight hair shows off the tiers most clearly, and a smoothing serum keeps every level sleek and glossy.
Inspiration: @kuripleasure
13. Blunt Hime Cut
Blunt edges throughout keep this classic hime cut smart and easy to style. A blunt fringe softens angular features and pulls the whole look together. The straight, heavy ends look best on thick hair, and a glossing serum keeps them sharp and shiny. Plan regular trims to stop the blunt lines from fraying.
Inspiration: @shairnyc
Explaining a hime cut to your stylist
- Specify where the sidelocks should end: cheekbone, jaw or chin.
- Say whether you want them blunt or softly texturised, and whether you want bangs.
- For a step cut, ask for a second tier of sidelocks around collarbone level.
- If your hair is curly, request a dry cut so the shorter sections do not spring up unexpectedly.
Styling and upkeep at home
A flat iron gives the classic glass-straight finish; bend the sidelock tips slightly inward to frame the face. Use a heat protectant and a light leave-in serum to keep the blunt ends glossy rather than frayed. For softer versions, a round brush and blow dryer add volume at the crown. Book a trim every six to eight weeks; once the sidelocks grow out and blend into the rest of the hair, the cut loses its signature shape.