Hime cut explained

The 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 (794–1185 CE) of Japanese history, when noble women would sometimes grow out their hair for their entire lives.

History

According to Professor Tomita of Yamano College of Aesthetics, the cut originated from the hairstyles of noblewomen in the Heian period in Japan.[1] [2] Noblewomen in the Heian period had their hair styled in the and styles. When a woman reached the age of 16, the hair around her ears would be cut shorter than the rest of her hair in a ceremony called, resulting in short forelocks at the front and long hair at the back. In the Edo period, this ceremony was held on June 16 at the age of 16, and a woman's fiancé or her father or brother cut her hair.[3] [4]

Though not known as the cut at the time, the name " cut" seems to have been retroactively applied in association with princesses of the Heian aristocracy, due to their depiction in media with the hairstyle.

A 1970s idol, Megumi Asaoka, is known in Japan for popularizing the cut, which became her trademark.[5] [6]

Styling

The 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 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

Notes and References

  1. Web site: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2c9bd3af1c5258653bd7920960fd9e8e39d53e89. https://web.archive.org/web/20220524091946/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2c9bd3af1c5258653bd7920960fd9e8e39d53e89. ja:日本古来「姫カット」が海外で一大ブームに…「Kawaii」文化が影響? ルーツは平安時代か. ja. Yahoo News Japan. 24 May 2022. 24 May 2022.
  2. Web site: What Is the Cuteness of it? Be a True Japanese Princess with Legendary Hime-Cut! . YKMK . 8 August 2015 . Tokyo Girls Update . ALL BLUE inc. . 12 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170904112255/https://tokyogirlsupdate.com/hime-cut-hairstyles-20150853123.html . 4 September 2017 . dead.
  3. Web site: https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%AC%A2%E9%99%A4%E3%83%BB%E9%AC%A2%E6%9E%87%E3%83%BB%E9%AC%A2%E6%9B%BE%E6%9C%A8-2078989. https://web.archive.org/web/20220524095833/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%AC%A2%E9%99%A4%E3%83%BB%E9%AC%A2%E6%9E%87%E3%83%BB%E9%AC%A2%E6%9B%BE%E6%9C%A8-2078989. ja:鬢除・鬢枇・鬢曾木. ja. @DIGITALIO, Inc.. 24 May 2022.
  4. Web site: Garofolo . Leann . THE CENTURIES-OLD HIME CUT IS NOW TRENDING: HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU . Hair.com.
  5. Web site: Sanspo. 8 April 2018. 2019-03-25.
  6. Web site: Sponichi article on Megumi Asaoka. 2019-03-25.