30 Hime Cut Hairstyles for a Bold Princess Look

The hime cut is having a big moment, and it is easy to see why. With its straight blunt fringe, sharp cheek-length sidelocks, and long flowing back, this Japanese princess cut turns heads in a way few other styles can. Below you will find 30 hime cut hairstyles, from the classic version to soft modern twists, bold colours, and easy ways to style it at home. Each one comes with a real photo, who it suits best, and a tip you can use right away.

Whether you love the full princess look or you want a softer version you can wear every day, there is a hime cut here for you. Read through the ideas, save the ones that catch your eye, and take your favourite to your stylist with a clear picture of what to ask for. For more length inspiration, see our guide to hairstyles for long hair. It pairs well with several of these hime cut hairstyles.

Why the Hime Cut Works So Well

The hime cut works because its lines are so clean. The blunt fringe frames the eyes, the sidelocks frame the cheekbones, and the long back gives the whole shape a graceful finish. Those three clear lengths create a striking outline that looks intentional from every angle, even when the rest of your outfit is simple. It is a cut that does the talking for you.

It is also more flexible than it looks. You can keep the classic version for a bold, editorial feel, or soften it with layers, waves, or a warm colour. The sidelocks can be worn long or short, the fringe can be blunt or wispy, and the back can run from shoulder length to waist length. That range is why hime cut hairstyles keep showing up on runways and in street style: one cut, many moods.

How to Choose the Right Hime Cut for You

Start with your face shape. A blunt fringe and jaw-length sidelocks suit oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully, because the straight lines balance a narrow chin. If your face is round, ask for cheek-length or chin-length sidelocks with a slightly softer fringe, which will add angles and length. Square faces look great with a softer fringe and sidelocks that end at the cheekbone, which gently rounds the jawline.

Next, think about your hair texture. The classic hime cut looks its best on straight or slightly wavy hair, because the blunt edges need a smooth finish to show their shape. If your hair is curly or very wavy, you can still wear it, but ask your stylist for a version with softer ends and be ready to straighten the sidelocks and fringe on the days you want the sharp look.

Finally, be honest about your lifestyle. This cut needs a trim every four to six weeks to keep the fringe and sidelocks crisp, and the fringe needs a quick pass with a straightener most mornings. If you love a polished routine, the classic version will suit you. If you prefer low effort, pick one of the softer, layered hime cut hairstyles in this list instead.

Classic Hime Cuts

1. Classic Hime Cut with Blunt Bangs

Photo: The Right Hairstyles

This is the original hime cut, and it is still the boldest version you can wear. The fringe is cut straight across at brow level, the sidelocks end at the jaw, and the back falls long and one-length past the shoulders. Every line is blunt and deliberate, which gives the cut its famous princess silhouette. It looks best when the hair is glossy and smooth, so a shine serum on the ends makes a real difference.

Best for: oval and heart-shaped faces with straight hair. Styling tip: flat iron the fringe and sidelocks in small sections each morning, using a heat protectant spray first. Ask your stylist: a blunt brow-length fringe, jaw-length sidelocks, and a one-length back past the shoulders.

2. Long and Sleek Hime Cut

Photo: Flawless Hair

When the back of a hime cut reaches the waist, the whole style turns into something truly dramatic. The sidelocks sit at the collarbone, which keeps the front balanced against all that length, and the blunt fringe holds the shape together at the top. It is the version most often seen in anime and on the runway, and it photographs beautifully.

Best for: long, thick, straight hair and anyone who loves a high-impact look. Styling tip: run a few drops of lightweight shine serum through the mid-lengths and ends after straightening, so the hair catches the light. Ask your stylist: a waist-length back with collarbone sidelocks and a blunt fringe cut just above the brows.

3. Cheek-Length Sidelocks Hime

Photo: Kawaii Prompt Lab

Shortening the sidelocks to the cheekbone changes the whole feel of the cut. The face looks more open, the cheekbones stand out, and the style feels lighter and easier to wear day to day. The blunt fringe stays, so you still get the princess outline, but the shorter front pieces make it feel fresh rather than severe.

Best for: round faces and anyone who wants the hime look without too much hair around the face. Styling tip: use a small round brush to flick the sidelocks slightly outward when blow-drying, which keeps them from falling flat against the cheeks. Ask your stylist: sidelocks cut blunt at the cheekbone, a straight fringe, and a long one-length back.

4. Chin-Length Sidelocks Hime

Photo: Hairstyle Camp

Chin-length sidelocks give the hime cut its sharpest, most graphic edge. The short front pieces sit right at the jaw and frame the mouth and chin, which makes the whole haircut look like a frame around the face. It is a confident choice, and it works especially well when the back is kept long for contrast.

Best for: square and oval faces with straight hair. Styling tip: keep the sidelocks pin-straight with a mini flat iron, and trim them every three to four weeks, since even half an inch of growth softens the line. Ask your stylist: sidelocks cut blunt at chin level, a brow-skimming fringe, and a long back with no layers.

5. Hime Cut with Straight Silky Locks

Photo: I Take You

This version is all about the finish. The cut itself is classic, with a blunt fringe and jaw-length sidelocks, but the hair is straightened to a glass-like shine so every edge looks razor sharp. It suits naturally straight hair best, though a keratin treatment can give wavy hair the same smooth result for a few months at a time.

Best for: naturally straight, medium to thick hair. Styling tip: always use a heat protectant before straightening, and keep the flat iron at a medium heat rather than the highest setting, so the hair stays glossy instead of going dry. Ask your stylist: a classic hime shape with a keratin smoothing treatment if your hair has a natural wave.

6. Shoulder-Length Hime Cut

Photo: Hair Motive

Cutting the back to shoulder length makes the hime cut far more practical without losing its character. The fringe and sidelocks stay blunt and bold, but the shorter back dries faster, tangles less, and suits warmer weather. It is a good middle ground if you love the look but do not want to commit to very long hair.

Best for: fine to medium hair, and anyone who wants a lighter, everyday version. Styling tip: work a pea-sized amount of volumising mousse into the roots before blow-drying, so the shorter back keeps its body. Ask your stylist: a shoulder-length back with cheek-length sidelocks and a blunt fringe.

7. Short Hime Cut

Photo: Glow360

A short hime cut keeps the blunt fringe and sidelocks but takes the back up to bob length, just below the chin. The result feels more like a statement bob with a princess twist, and it is much easier to manage than the long version. It also shows off the neck and jawline, which makes it a lovely choice for summer.

Best for: petite frames, oval faces, and anyone who prefers short hair. Styling tip: blow-dry the back under with a round brush for a smooth curved finish, and keep the sidelocks straight so the contrast stays clear. Ask your stylist: a bob-length back, chin-length sidelocks, and a blunt fringe cut at brow level.

8. Hime Cut Without a Fringe

Photo: Hairstyles Feed

Skipping the fringe gives you a softer, more grown-up take on the hime cut. The hair is parted in the middle, and the sidelocks fall on either side of the face from the parting down to the jaw, while the back stays long and straight. It keeps the signature sidelock shape but opens up the forehead, which suits women who do not like bangs.

Best for: long faces, and anyone growing out a fringe. Styling tip: keep the centre part very clean with the point of a tail comb, and tuck one sidelock behind the ear when you want a more relaxed look. Ask your stylist: no fringe, a centre part, and jaw-length sidelocks with a long one-length back.

Modern Twists on the Hime Cut

9. Soft Layered Hime Cut

Photo: Minimodel

Layers soften everything about the hime cut. The back is cut with long, gentle layers instead of one blunt line, and the sidelocks are slightly tapered at the ends so they blend into the rest of the hair. You still get the princess shape, but it moves when you walk and feels less severe. It is the best entry point if the classic version feels too strict for you.

Best for: thick hair that needs weight removed, and anyone who wants movement. Styling tip: ask for point cutting through the ends rather than a straight cut, which keeps the layers soft instead of choppy. Ask your stylist: long layers through the back, tapered sidelocks, and a blunt fringe kept soft at the corners.

10. Feathered Hime Cut

Photo: Hairstyle Camp

Feathering thins out the ends of the hair so the cut looks light and airy instead of heavy. The fringe is feathered at the tips, the sidelocks taper gently, and the back has a soft, flicked finish. It suits fine hair especially well, because the feathered ends create the look of movement and fullness without adding bulk.

Best for: fine hair and anyone who wants a softer, more wearable hime. Styling tip: blow-dry the ends outward with a round brush to bring out the feathered shape, and use a light texturising spray rather than a heavy serum. Ask your stylist: feathered ends throughout, a softly feathered fringe, and sidelocks that taper toward the tips.

11. Hime Cut with Curtain Bangs

Photo: Pinterest

Swapping the blunt fringe for curtain bangs gives the hime cut a relaxed, romantic feel. The fringe is parted in the middle and sweeps to each side, blending into the sidelocks instead of sitting as a separate straight line. It is a lovely choice if you like the hime shape but find a blunt fringe too harsh against your features.

Best for: oval and heart-shaped faces, and anyone growing out a blunt fringe. Styling tip: wrap the curtain bangs around a large velcro roller for five minutes after blow-drying, which sets the sweep without heat damage. Ask your stylist: curtain bangs that blend into jaw-length sidelocks, with a long layered back.

12. Centre-Part Hime Cut

Photo: Dcard

A centre part gives the hime cut a calm, symmetrical frame. The fringe is parted in the middle so it falls evenly on both sides, and the sidelocks sit at the same length left and right, which makes the whole shape look neat and balanced. The back stays long and straight, and the clean middle line suits the graphic lines of the cut.

Best for: oval and symmetrical faces, and anyone who likes a tidy, polished finish. Styling tip: set the part while the hair is still damp with the point of a tail comb, and smooth a drop of shine serum over the crown so the part stays crisp. Ask your stylist: a centre part, a blunt fringe parted in the middle, and even chin-length sidelocks with a long straight back.

13. Hime Cut with Wispy Bangs

Photo: Minimodel

Wispy bangs are the lightest possible fringe: thin, airy strands that let the forehead show through. Paired with soft sidelocks, they turn the hime cut into something delicate and pretty rather than bold and graphic. This version is popular for a reason, because it keeps the princess shape while feeling easy and youthful.

Best for: fine hair and small or delicate features. Styling tip: a tiny bit of dry shampoo at the roots keeps wispy bangs from clumping together, and it also adds a little grip. Ask your stylist: a wispy fringe cut with a razor for soft ends, and sidelocks that are thinned slightly at the tips.

14. Double Sidelocks Hime

Photo: Flexiquote

Double sidelocks add a second, shorter tier in front of the main sidelocks, which creates a stepped, layered frame around the face. The front tier might end at the cheekbone while the second ends at the jaw, and the contrast between the two lengths makes the cut look more detailed and fashion-forward. It needs a confident hand to cut well, so take a reference photo to your appointment.

Best for: thick hair that can hold two distinct tiers without looking thin. Styling tip: keep the two tiers about two inches apart in length, and straighten each tier separately so both lines stay visible. Ask your stylist: two tiers of sidelocks, one at the cheekbone and one at the jaw, with a blunt fringe and a long back.

15. Asymmetrical Sidelocks Hime

Photo: Pinterest

Asymmetry gives the hime cut an edgy, editorial twist. One sidelock is cut to the chin while the other runs down to the collarbone, and the fringe is cut slightly off-centre to match. The uneven lines catch the eye and make the style feel modern, and the longer side is perfect for tucking behind the ear when you want a change.

Best for: oval faces and anyone who loves an avant-garde look. Styling tip: wear the longer sidelock in front of the shoulder so the difference in length is easy to see, and keep the fringe slightly angled to echo the asymmetry. Ask your stylist: one chin-length sidelock, one collarbone-length sidelock, and a fringe angled to match.

16. Hime Cut with Textured Ends

Photo: Akeru Feed

Textured ends break up the blunt lines of the classic cut without removing them. The fringe and sidelocks stay straight across, but the very tips are point-cut so they look slightly piecey instead of solid. It is a small change that makes a big difference, especially on wavy hair, where a fully blunt edge can look heavy.

Best for: wavy hair and anyone who finds the classic hime too severe. Styling tip: scrunch a small amount of sea salt spray into the ends while the hair is damp, which brings out the texture without frizz. Ask your stylist: blunt lines with point-cut textured ends, and a fringe that is texturised only at the very tips.

Hime Cuts in Colour

17. Hime Cut with Subtle Highlights

Photo: Minimodel

Fine highlights woven through a hime cut add light and depth without changing the colour you already love. Babylights through the fringe and sidelocks catch the light every time you move, and they make the sharp lines of the cut look softer and more dimensional. It is the safest way to try colour with this style, and it grows out gracefully.

Best for: first-time colour and anyone who wants a low-commitment change. Styling tip: switch to a colour-safe shampoo and wash in lukewarm water, which slows fading and keeps the highlights bright. Ask your stylist: fine babylights one to two shades lighter than your base, focused around the fringe and sidelocks.

18. Hime Cut with Bold Face-Framing Highlights

Photo: Latest Hairstyles

Bold face-framing highlights, often called a money piece, light up the front of the cut dramatically. The sidelocks and the outer edges of the fringe are lightened several shades, so the face is framed in a bright halo while the back stays dark. The contrast makes the sidelocks the star of the whole haircut.

Best for: dark hair, since the contrast is strongest there. Styling tip: use a toning gloss every four to six weeks to keep the blonde from turning brassy, and protect the lightened pieces from heat with a spray. Ask your stylist: a bold money piece on both sidelocks and the outer corners of the fringe, lifted three to four levels.

19. Two-Toned Hime Cut

Photo: Women Club

A two-toned hime cut keeps the back and fringe one colour, usually black or dark brown, and dyes the sidelocks a completely different shade, like platinum, red, or pink. The sidelocks become a colour accent in their own right, and the look is striking without the commitment of colouring the whole head. It is the most playful colour idea on this list.

Best for: bold personalities and anyone who wants colour with an easy grow-out. Styling tip: use a colour-depositing conditioner in your chosen shade once a week to keep the sidelocks vivid between salon visits. Ask your stylist: sidelocks lightened and toned to your chosen shade, with the back and fringe left in your natural dark colour.

20. Pastel Hime Cut

Photo: Minimodel

Pastel shades like soft pink, lavender, and baby blue suit the hime cut perfectly, because the princess shape and the dreamy colour tell the same story. The colour usually sits over a platinum base, and it looks best when the hair is pin-straight so the pastel tones read clearly. Expect the colour to fade over a few weeks, which is part of its charm, since each wash gives you a slightly softer shade.

Best for: light hair that lifts easily to platinum, and anyone who loves a fantasy look. Styling tip: wash with cool water and a sulphate-free shampoo, and refresh the pastel with a colour-depositing mask every second wash. Ask your stylist: a platinum lift followed by a pastel toner, with the fringe and sidelocks kept the most saturated.

21. Reverse Ombre Hime Cut

Photo: Minimodel

Reverse ombre flips the usual gradient: the crown stays light blonde while the ends fade to dark. The pale top makes the fringe and sidelocks glow, and the dark ends ground the length, so the cut looks bold from the front and soft from behind. The soft waves show off the colour change even more, because each wave catches a different shade.

Best for: medium to long hair and anyone who wants striking colour with an easy grow-out, since dark ends hide regrowth well. Styling tip: use a purple shampoo once a week to keep the blonde top from turning brassy, and a colour-safe conditioner on the dark ends. Ask your stylist: a platinum blonde crown fading to dark ends, with the gradient starting around cheek level.

22. Black and Silver Hime Cut

Photo: Hairstyle Camp

Black hair with silver sidelocks is one of the most striking colour combinations you can wear with a hime cut. The silver pieces glow against the dark back, and the sharp contrast makes the sidelock shape impossible to miss. It suits cool skin tones especially well, and it looks just as good tied up as it does worn down.

Best for: cool undertones and dark hair that lifts well. Styling tip: a silver toning shampoo once a week keeps the silver from turning yellow, and a shine spray makes the contrast look even sharper. Ask your stylist: sidelocks lifted to a pale blonde and toned silver, with the back and fringe kept jet black.

23. Copper Hime Cut

Photo: Minimodel

A warm copper shade gives the hime cut a rich, autumnal glow that suits the sharp lines beautifully. The colour is usually applied all over, with the fringe and sidelocks kept slightly deeper so the face stays framed. Copper flatters warm skin tones and green or hazel eyes, and it catches sunlight in a way that makes the whole cut look alive.

Best for: warm undertones and fair to medium skin. Styling tip: copper fades faster than most shades, so wash in cool water and use a colour-safe shampoo to hold the tone. Ask your stylist: an all-over copper with a slightly deeper tone on the fringe and sidelocks for dimension.

Styling Your Hime Cut

24. Hime Cut with a Ponytail

Photo: Styl

A high ponytail is the easiest way to style a hime cut for a busy day. The back goes up into a smooth ponytail, while the fringe and sidelocks stay down to frame the face, so you keep the signature shape even with the hair tied back. It looks polished in minutes and works for the gym, for work, and for nights out.

Best for: long hime cuts and anyone who wants a quick, practical style. Styling tip: wrap a small strand of hair around the base of the ponytail and pin it underneath, which hides the elastic and makes the style look finished. Ask your stylist: sidelocks cut to sit neatly in front of the ears when the back is tied up.

25. Hime Cut with Pigtails

Photo: Hairstyle Camp

Low pigtails turn the hime cut into something playful and youthful. The back is split into two low ties at the nape, while the fringe and sidelocks stay loose at the front, which keeps the princess outline intact. It is a fun choice for festivals, cosplay, or any day you want your hair to feel light-hearted.

Best for: younger looks, festivals, and anyone who loves a cute, playful style. Styling tip: keep the pigtails low and loose rather than high and tight, which looks softer and more grown-up. Ask your stylist: a hime shape that balances well when the back is split into two sections.

26. Hime Cut with Braids

Photo: Fudge

Braids add texture and detail to the long back of a hime cut without hiding its shape. A single braid down the back, or two small braids on either side, gives the style a romantic, storybook feel. You can also braid just the sidelocks and pin them back, which keeps the face clear while showing off the cut.

Best for: long hair and special occasions like weddings or parties. Styling tip: gently pull the braid apart after tying it, which makes it look fuller, and finish with a light-hold spray so the shape lasts. Ask your stylist: sidelocks long enough to braid, and layers kept minimal so the braids sit neatly.

27. Hime Cut with Soft Waves

Photo: Minimodel

Soft waves give the hime cut a relaxed, romantic finish while keeping the fringe and sidelocks straight. The contrast is the whole point: the sharp front pieces frame the face, and the wavy back adds movement and softness behind them. It is a lovely choice for weddings, dates, and any day you want the cut to feel less severe.

Best for: medium to thick hair that holds a wave well. Styling tip: curl the back with a large-barrel iron, then brush the curls out gently with your fingers so they fall into soft waves. Ask your stylist: a hime shape with the back left long enough to wave, and sidelocks kept straight for contrast.

28. Hime Cut with Curls

Photo: Favorite Hairstyles

Curls bring volume and drama to the long back of a hime cut. The fringe and sidelocks stay straight, which keeps the face framed sharply, while the back is curled into defined waves that add body and bounce. It is a glamorous evening look, and it photographs beautifully because the curls catch the light.

Best for: thick hair and evenings out. Styling tip: curl in one-inch sections away from the face, and let each curl cool in your hand for a few seconds before dropping it, which helps the curls hold longer. Ask your stylist: a hime shape with the back cut one-length so the curls fall evenly.

29. Half-Up Hime Cut

Photo: Revival Portal

A half-up style is the prettiest way to wear a hime cut when you want the hair off your face but still want to show off the length. The top half of the back is gathered and tied or clipped, while the bottom half falls loose, and the fringe and sidelocks stay down to keep the frame. It works for work, for weddings, and for everyday wear.

Best for: long hair and anyone who wants a quick elegant style. Styling tip: a small claw clip holds the half-up section neatly and looks more polished than an elastic, and a few face-framing strands pulled loose soften the finish. Ask your stylist: a hime shape where the top section is easy to gather without pulling the sidelocks out of place.

30. Hime Cut with Twisted Sidelocks

Photo: Minimodel

Twisting the sidelocks and pinning them back is a simple trick that changes the whole look of the cut in under a minute. Each sidelock is twisted away from the face and secured with a bobby pin behind the ear, which opens up the face and shows off the cheekbones. It is perfect for hot days, for work, or for any time the sidelocks feel like they are in the way.

Best for: anyone who wants a quick change without cutting anything. Styling tip: twist each sidelock loosely rather than tightly, and use bobby pins that match your hair colour so they disappear. Ask your stylist: sidelocks cut to a length that reaches behind the ear easily when twisted.

How to Care for Your Hime Cut

The hime cut is a precision style, so regular trims matter more than with most haircuts. Book a trim every four to six weeks to keep the fringe and sidelocks crisp, since even a little growth blurs the sharp lines that make the cut work. Many stylists offer a quick fringe-only trim between full appointments, which is worth asking about if you want to keep the shape perfect without paying for a full cut each time.

Daily care is simple but worth doing properly. Always use a heat protectant before straightening the fringe and sidelocks, and keep the flat iron on a medium heat to protect the hair from going dry and dull. A few drops of shine serum on the ends keeps the cut looking glossy, and a light leave-in conditioner helps with detangling long hair without weighing it down.

If your hime cut is coloured, switch to a colour-safe shampoo and wash in lukewarm or cool water to slow fading. Pastel and copper shades fade fastest, so a colour-depositing conditioner once a week helps a lot. And sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase if you can, since it reduces friction and keeps the straight, smooth finish looking fresh for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hime cut?
A hime cut is a Japanese hairstyle with three distinct lengths: a blunt fringe across the forehead, straight sidelocks that frame the face at cheek, chin, or jaw level, and a long one-length back. The name comes from the Japanese word for princess, and the style was inspired by the hairstyles worn by noblewomen in old Japan. Today it is worn as a bold fashion statement, often with modern twists like layers or colour.

Who suits a hime cut?
The hime cut suits oval and heart-shaped faces best, because the straight lines balance the features nicely. Round faces suit it too, especially with cheek-length or chin-length sidelocks that add angles. It looks best on straight or slightly wavy hair, since the blunt edges need a smooth finish. Among hime cut hairstyles, the softer versions, like a layered or wispy hime, suit almost anyone if the classic cut feels too bold.

Is the hime cut high maintenance?
Yes, it is more high maintenance than most cuts. The fringe and sidelocks need a trim every four to six weeks to stay sharp, and the fringe usually needs straightening each morning. The long back also needs regular conditioning to stay glossy. If you prefer a low-effort routine, choose a softer version with layers or wispy bangs, which grows out more gracefully.

Can I wear a hime cut with wavy or curly hair?
Yes, you can, but the look will be softer than the classic version. The fringe and sidelocks can be straightened for the sharp princess shape, while the back is left wavy or curled for contrast. Ask your stylist for a version with textured or tapered ends, which suits natural waves better than a fully blunt edge. A keratin smoothing treatment can also help if you want the sleek finish every day.

How do I ask my stylist for a hime cut?
Take a photo of the exact version you want, since the hime cut has many variations. Then describe the three lengths clearly: how long you want the fringe, where the sidelocks should end, and how long the back should be. For example, you could say, “a blunt fringe at brow level, jaw-length sidelocks, and a one-length back past my shoulders.” A good stylist will adjust the lengths to suit your face shape.

How do I grow out a hime cut?
Growing out a hime cut takes patience, because the fringe and sidelocks grow at different rates from the back. Start by letting the fringe grow into curtain bangs, which blend more easily, and let the sidelocks grow down toward the shoulders. Regular small trims keep the shape tidy while the front catches up with the back. Most people find the awkward stage passes within three to four months.

Final Thoughts

The hime cut is a bold choice, but it is also a rewarding one. Few hairstyles make such a clear statement, and few are as easy to make your own, whether you keep the classic princess version, soften it with layers, or go bold with colour. Of all the hime cut hairstyles in this list, the key is choosing the version that fits your face, your hair, and your daily routine, and then keeping the lines sharp with regular trims.

Save the ideas you love from this list, take a photo to your stylist, and be clear about the lengths you want. With the right cut and a little daily care, the hime cut can be the hairstyle that finally feels like you.

You May Also Like

If you liked these hime cut ideas, these two are worth a look next: Curtain Bangs Hairstyles for soft face-framing looks that pair beautifully with blunt sidelocks, and French Bob Hairstyles for another sharp, Parisian take on short blunt lines.