Hime Cut: 2025’s Must-Try Haircut Trend
The Hime Cut, Explained: Its History, Technique & Red Carpet Revival
Blunt, face-framing layers and sleek, disconnected lines—the Hime Cut is everywhere. First worn by Japanese noblewomen and later made iconic by Cher in the ’70s, this structured style is back with a modern edge. Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish put their own spin on it, as seen in The Best Celebrity Beauty Looks of the 2025 Grammys, cementing its status as the year’s must-know cut.
Precision and technique define this sleek, face-framing style, and Lisa Farrall (@lisafarrall), Schwarzkopf Professional® Global Ambassador, spills her best tips for getting the look.
Ahead, we break down everything you need to know—including how it differs from the Jellyfish Cut.
What is the Hime Cut?
The Hime Cut (pronounced hee-may) is a sleek, structured style with a bold, disconnected shape. Its defining features include:
- Two distinct layers—a structured, disconnected shape
- Cheek-length side panels cut in a sharp, straight line
- Long, sleek back layers that create bold contrast
- Blunt, frontal bangs for a strong, defined look
- Typically styled straight to highlight its geometric precision
Why is it Called a Hime Cut?
Hime means ‘princess’ or a ‘lady of higher birth’ in Japanese. Originating in the Heian period (794–1185), this cut was a status symbol for Japanese noblewomen. Now, it’s a blend of royal tradition and modern edge.
How to Cut a Hime Cut
Nailing this cut is all about precision. Think crisp lines, bold contrast and zero room for guesswork. Lisa says to keep your partings super neat. “This cut is all about structure, so ensure you map out the lines you want to cut. Cut in the comb to avoid any elevation from your fingers.”
Unintended elevation could create soft, graduated edges instead of the sharp, dramatic contrast that defines this cut.
How to Style the Hime Cut
Since the Hime Cut is all about sharp, clean lines, the way you style it can either enhance its sleek structure or introduce a softer, more textured feel.
“I would wrap dry or use a bristle brush to create a smooth finish. This cut also looks great with texture, so the base of your stying will be key to keeping this outline,” Lisa says.
Here, Lisa added light texture while maintaining the cut’s signature structure and clean lines:
What Face Shape is the Hime Cut Good for?
Stylists often consider face shape when recommending cuts, but Lisa challenges that approach. “I’m anti-face-shape-determines-your-haircut because there are so many variations.”
Depending on the client, Lisa suggests modifying it with longer panels, fringe or step layering.
What is the Difference Between a Jellyfish Cut and a Hime Cut?
“The Jellyfish Cut is disconnected and has shorter layers around the back of the head whereas the Hime has short layers on the front with a longer back,” says Lisa. “This is less of a commitment and more effortless to style than the Jellyfish Cut, which is essentially a bob on top of long hair.”
The Hime Cut Through the Decades
From its origins in Japanese nobility to its rise in pop culture, this unique cut has made waves across decades.
In the 1960s, Cher brought its sleek, structured look to mainstream audiences, while Louise Lasser gave it a quirky, TV-icon status. Fast-forward to today, and stars like Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish are reinventing the style for a modern audience.
Here’s a look at the Hime Cut then and now:
