Hime cut

The hime cut (Japanese: 姫カット, IPA: [çime katːo], HEE-meh; lit. 'princess cut') is a hairstyle consisting of straight, usually cheek-length sidelocks and frontal fringe. The rest of the hair is usually worn long and straightened. The style is thought to have originated, or at least become common, in the Imperial court during the Heian period of Japanese history, when noble women would sometimes grow out their hair for their entire lives.

A hime cut wig

History

The hime cut appears to date back to the amasogi shoulder-length hairstyle of the Heian period. When a woman turned 20, the hair around her ears was cut in a ceremony called binsogi. The combination of amasogi and binsogi resulted in the hime cut. The origin of the name "hime cut" seems to be the association with princess of the Heian aristocracy due to their depiction in various media with that hair style.[1]

A 1970's idol, Megumi Asaoka, is known in Japan for popularizing the hime cut, which became her trademark.[2][3]

Styling
A cosplayer with a hime cut wig

The hime cut is high maintenance for those without naturally straight hair, and requires frequent touch-ups on the sidelocks and front bangs in order to maintain its shape. Hair straightening is sometimes used to achieve the hairstyle's straight appearance, as well as straightening irons and specially formulated shampoos for straight hair. Humidity is also cited as a problem with certain hair types, as the curling caused by excess humidity can change the shape of the hair. Occasionally, hair extensions are used for the side locks in order to prevent this.

The hairstyle is frequently seen in Lolita fashion, especially the classification of Gothic Lolita. Within the Lolita community, the hime cut is considered a more elegant alternative to other styles that may require frequent curling and crimping that can permanently damage the hair.

See also

References
  1. YKMK (8 August 2015). "What Is the Cuteness of it? Be a True Japanese Princess with Legendary Hime-Cut!". Tokyo Girls Update. ALL BLUE inc. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  2. "Sanspo". Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  3. "Sponichi article on Megumi Asaoka". Retrieved 2019-03-25.
  • The dictionary definition of hime cut at Wiktionary
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