Three Australian hairdressers break down the viral hime haircut
IMAGE OF Bridgette Huang FOR USFIN ATELIER
WORDS BY HANNAH COLE
“A convergence of angles and sweetness.”
And just like that, the hime cut (also known as a step fringe) has taken over social media seemingly overnight. The angular look is having its moment in the spotlight, and my TikTok algorithm has adjusted to feed me dozens of sculptural fringe transformations. At my last check, #himecut had over 75 million views on the app.
Founder and Creative Director of Usfin Atelier, Daniel Jianing Liu, explains the look as a “hairstyle consisting of straight, usually cheek-length sidelocks and frontal fringe… the rest of the hair is usually worn long and straightened”. The overall look is a convergence of angles and sweetness, suited equally to an outfit with dainty ballet flats or stomping boots.
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A signature style amongst the leading ladies of anime, Daniel clarifies its background. Originating in Japan, the look (pronounced hee-meh) literally means ‘princess cut’ and is believed to have stemmed from the Imperial Court during the Heian period (794 to 1185). “Noble women would sometimes grow out their hair for their entire lives.”
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Since then, a major resurgence occurred in the ’60s and ’70s, following the trademarking of the cut by Japanese idol Megumi Asaoka. Cher even pulled off an appropriately sultry version – a source of inspiration for Frank from Fur Hairdressing when he styled the killer bangs for musician Ecca Vandal. And as Stephen, Director of Stache Hair, notes, it was “more recently popularised in 2021, giving the ultimate cool-girl look”.
Now, there’s a surge of requests. It’s reached new heights, arguably enabled by the whirlwind of social media and a slew of celebrities opting in (e.g. Nicole Kidman’s variation in the edgy ‘jellyfish cut’).
But can I pull it off?
My long locks are my proverbial security blanket, sitting past my shoulders at an ideal length for twirling. The greatest change I’ve (ever) made was the chop of bangs – a return to the comfort of my 10-year-old self. As with any major hair change, there’s an internal push and pull. And realistically, I’m halfway there. I asked the experts for their thoughts on going big or going home. Is the step fringe for everyone?
“We design the bangs that [are] most suitable for the individual based on their natural hair texture, personal fashion style, occupation, etc,” says Daniel. “We believe the hair design shall serve the individuality and identity of each individual rather than following the current ‘trend’.” As the salon promotes, the ‘trendiest’ haircut is the one that suits you.
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Ultimately, the look works best when it’s been personalised, and your version of the hime cut is dictated by your face. “You can have the step [fringe],“ Frank tells me, “but the step should be guided by your face shape – it’s where you put the step in to balance out. So it might be longer or shorter, but it should just balance with your face.”
Additional personal flavour comes through with a micro fringe, a double step or a heady dose of colour throughout the fringe sections. “Go to someone you really trust,” Frank says. Be honest with them (and don’t just do it because everyone else is).
Mastering the look
The hime cut involves a little self-styling and maintenance, depending on your hair texture. According to Daniel, a simple blow-dry of the fringe and regular trim should be enough aftercare-wise. Stephen recommends dry shampoo to keep it sleek “if you have combination skin and your fringe gets oily quite quickly”.
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Of course, the real way to truly master the look is to own it. It’s steeped in culture and is open to all. If it speaks to you, if it nurtures your self-expression and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, then snip away. As Daniel says, “Don’t be afraid to try something new”.
After all, the worst thing that can happen is you won’t like it, but it will grow out at the end of the day. “Life is short!” Stephen concurs. Chop, chop.
For more on preparing for a hair change, head here.
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