15 Kawaii Hairstyles That Will Add Fun to Your Everyday Look

Tired of simple ponytails? Say hi to kawaii hairstyles and experiment with the cute and the quirky

What comes to mind when you hear the word kawaii? Urban dictionary defines this word as “cute.” There’s more to kawaii, though, aside from this definition. Kawaii, when written, consists of two kanji (Chinese) characters that mean “able” and “love.” With this, Kawaii also means “lovable.” Other meanings of kawaii even include the absence of negative traits and being childlike and innocent.

Kawaii in commercial culture started being on the rise in the 1970s, when stationery with cute characters and novelty goods became popular. It lay low in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, then gained momentum again and became present in anime, manga, and popular culture. Kawaii is also present in fashion and beauty, wherein girls would rather be described cute rather than sexy.

You can also be your own version of kawaii, and you can start with your hair. Call your friends over and have an afternoon grooming session by experimenting with these kawaii hairstyles.

Kawaii Hairstyles to Try Now

1. Pigtails with Ribbon

Kawaii hairstyles: Girl with long black hair in pigtails wearing a sleeveless polo with necktie
Pigtails are cute with ribbons. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re new to kawaii, you don’t need to take a complete turnaround on your style. You can start with a simple but cute hairstyle like this pigtail. First, brush your hair to make sure there are no tangles. Then, part your hair in the middle and divide it into two equal sections. Tie one section first so it won’t interfere with the other one as you style one side.

With a fine-toothed comb, tie one pigtail, combing from the center part at the crown and at the back of your head. Then, using an elastic, tie your hair at eye-brow level. Comb hair again to make sure it’s tangle-free. Do the same on the other section of your hair. Make sure that both pigtails are on the same level. When done, wrap a vibrant-colored ribbon around each of your elastics and voila! Look how cute you are.

Bottle of Stunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo

Editor’s tip: Nail kawaii hairstyles without worrying about damaging your hair. Use Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo, which has aloe vera and biotin that helps make your hair stronger as it grows.

2. Space Buns with Bangs

Kawaii hairstyles: Girl with double bun
double the fun with double buns. Credit: Shutterstock

This hairstyle is one notch above the basic pigtails but it’s easy to do. First, tie your hair in pigtails following the instructions given in No. 1. Then, twist or braid hair and wrap it around the base of your pigtails to form a bun. Secure both of the buns with bobby pins. If you have bangs, comb them too, or you can make see-through bangs out of them.

Editor’s tip: Keep your hair buns from crumbling in the middle of the day by spraying TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Extend Hold Hairspray after styling. This spray gives your hair a natural, fast-drying hold that doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It keeps your hairstyle in place, thanks to its humidity-resistant formulation.

3. Blonde Lob with Full Bangs

Kawaii hairstyles: Girl with blonde lob
Spice up your lob by making it blonde. Credit: Shutterstock

Transform a lob into something hip and trendy by dyeing your hair! To make your look kawaii, go for bright colors, pastels, or blonde variations.

Tube of Dove Keratin Repair Conditioner

Editor’s tip: Bleaching your hair can cause damage, so use Dove Keratin Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner. It has keratin-infused capsules that go deep into your hair to repair damage from within. It leaves your hair recovered, beautiful, and resilient to future damage in just one minute. 

4. Half-up Space Buns on Bob

Kawaii hairstyles: Bun on bob
Youthful and free-spirited bun on a bob hairstyle. Credit: Shutterstock

Want to style your hair in buns but you have short or medium-length tresses? Don’t worry, you can do both! It’s just like putting your hair in pigtails; only this time, you’ll be tying two small sections of your hair at the side. For your bob, make sure that you iron the tips of your hair inwards to prevent flyaways..

5. Half-up Space Buns on Long Hair

Asian woman with long hair wearing a light brown cardigan
With this ‘do, you also get to showcase your long, healthy hair. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Of course, you can definitely wear half-up space buns even when your hair is long. You can even add cute hair clips to make your hairstyle even more kawaii. 

6. Pastel Pink Hair in a Side Ponytail

Asian woman with pink kawaii hairstyle
Complement a fun hair color with an equally fun-looking hairstyle! Credit: Shutterstock

It’s cute, sweet, and pretty! You won’t go wrong with pink hair when giving off a kawaii vibe. Make it even quirkier with a side ponytail.

7. Neon Pink Hair

Asian woman with kawaii neon pink hair
Add personality to your look with neon pink hair. Credit: Michelle Pedron

Love bold and vibrant colors? Go for neon pink hair! Complement it with a fresh haircut like a blunt bob or lob, then leave your hair down to showcase its unique color.

8. Half Updo with Ribbon

Asian woman with kawaii half updo with ribbon wearing a white dress
What’s not to love about this lovely hairstyle? Credit: Panadda Suwanjundee

If you want a sweet, doll-like kawaii look, try this hairstyle. Just gather a section of hair from your temples up to your crown and tie this into a ponytail with a hair tie. Then, tie a ribbon around your hair tie and add loose waves to the tips of your hair. Blow-dry your bangs down and straight and smoothen them with a fine-tooth comb.

Bottle of Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo

Editor’s tip: Get soft and fragrant hair every day by using Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo. It has five flower essences that help make your hair five times smoother and more fragrant! 

9. Purple Wavy Bob with Bangs

Asian woman with short purple kawaii hair
Try short purple hair if you want a trendy and edgy look. Credit: Panadda Suwanjundee

Wear this trendy hair color with an equally trendy haircut like a blunt bob with blunt bangs. Add waves for texture, scrunch your hair, and you’re all set!

10. Blue Chin-length Bob

Asian woman with short blue hair, fair skin, and red lips
Complement your icy blue hair with light makeup and red lips. Credit: Shutterstock

Want an ice queen kind of vibe? Color your hair icy blue. It’s playful and edgy, and it can even help you bring out your creative side.

11. Full Bangs and Hat

Asian woman with long brown hair with bangs wearing a hat and sleeveless dress
This look makes for a perfect hair selfie! Credit: Shutterstock

Even something as simple as putting on a hat can give you a kawaii vibe, especially if you have full bangs. Make this ‘do more interesting by choosing vibrant hair colors. You can also choose brown shades for your kawaii look. Just go for light and medium brown hair colors like copper or cinnamon.

12. Twin Braids with Bonnet

Asian woman with two braids wearing a bonnet outdoors
Braids and bonnet make for a cute combo! Credit: Panadda Suwanjundee

Make your twin braid hairstyle cuter by wearing a bonnet, hat, or beret. Then, let loose strands frame your face for a messy-chic, grown-up look.

13. Twin Braids with Hair Clips

Asian woman with twin braids and hair clips wearing a white top
This clips-and-braids combo looks fun and youthful. Credit: Natasha Estelle

Instead of a hat, you can add cute and fun-looking hair clips to make your twin braid hairstyle even more kawaii! You can also wear bobby pins instead of hair clips; just create X shapes with your bobby pins to create a more fun-looking ‘do.

14. Twin Braids with Headband

Asian woman with braided hair and headband wearing eyeglasses
Add color to your ‘do with a cute headband or head scarf. Credit: Natasha Estelle

A colorful headband can also jazz up your kawaii twin braids. If you have bangs, style them in a wispy way to create a chic and laidback look.

15. Dip-dyed Teal Hair

Asian woman with black and teal hair wearing eyeglasses
Teal looks great on dark dip-dyed or ombre hair. Credit: Michelle Pedron

Make your naturally dark hair look more dramatic by dyeing the bottom section. Teal gives just the right flair, and the transition from black to teal looks seamless. Add a big hair piece or accessory for a dose of personality.

With these kawaii hairstyles, you can always let your personality shine. Just be creative, think outside the box, and you’ll definitely stand out.