The 2025 Grammy Awards saw a resurgence of a classic hairstyle with a rich history: the Hime haircut. Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and even Billie Eilish sported variations of this distinctive look, sparking a wave of interest and discussion on social media. While often mistaken for the “jellyfish” cut, the Hime haircut boasts unique characteristics and a cultural significance that sets it apart.
Distinguishing the Hime from the Jellyfish
Although both feature a contrasting length between the top and bottom layers, the Hime and jellyfish haircuts differ in their execution. The jellyfish cut involves a shorter, all-around layer, often styled with curled under ends and flipped-out bottom layers to mimic the graceful flow of a jellyfish. In contrast, the Hime cut, meaning “princess” in Japanese, showcases blunt, straight hair with face-framing front pieces cut significantly shorter. This creates a striking visual contrast and a bold, powerful aesthetic. While Eilish’s Grammys hairstyle incorporated choppy, face-framing elements reminiscent of the Hime cut, Cyrus and Gaga more closely embraced the traditional straight and blunt style, albeit with modern updates in color and texture.
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A Journey Through Time: The History of the Hime Haircut
The Hime haircut’s roots trace back to Japan’s Heian period (794-1185), where noblewomen wore elaborate hairstyles as a symbol of their status. According to renowned Japanese hairstylist Taka Tokuyama, owner of the Tokuyama Salon in New York, these hairstyles involved specific, ritualistic trims. The “amasogi,” a straight cut at shoulder length, and the “binsogi,” where side locks were trimmed around the age of 20 in a coming-of-age ceremony, laid the foundation for the modern Hime. Over time, this style became synonymous with aristocracy and has been reinterpreted through various cultural lenses, from J-pop idols and anime characters to Harajuku street fashion.
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From Cher to K-Pop: The Hime’s Enduring Appeal
The Hime cut experienced a resurgence in the West during the 1960s, notably popularized by Cher, who embraced its dramatic and bold aesthetic. More recently, the style has found renewed popularity thanks to K-pop idols like Lisa from Blackpink, further cementing its status as a versatile and timeless look. Tokuyama also attributes the Hime’s modern appeal to alternative aesthetics, such as goth, cyberpunk, and anime, which often incorporate the cut’s distinctive features.
Embracing the Hime: A Statement of Self-Expression
While steeped in Japanese history, the Hime haircut transcends cultural boundaries as a powerful form of self-expression. Tokuyama encourages individuals to embrace the style, regardless of their background, emphasizing the importance of appreciating its rich heritage. While respecting its cultural significance is crucial, the Hime cut’s evolution into a global fashion statement allows for diverse interpretations and personalizations. Whether worn as a homage to its aristocratic origins or as a bold, contemporary statement, the Hime haircut continues to captivate and inspire.
