17 of the best Asian hairstyles: The ATH easy and trendy round-up

Unlike the stereotype, not all Asian hair is fine and silky. As many Asian girls will attest, their hair can be coarse, thick, and difficult to style. But, of course, that doesn’t mean that Asian hair is impossible to work with. In fact, far from it!

Whether you’ve been blessed with thin, glossy locks or thick, dry tresses, we’re here to help you learn how to work with your texture. Just sneak a peek at our edit of the best Asian hairstyles, below.

17 inspiring Asian hairstyles

Fine, straight and short

If you have straight Asian hair that’s thin and fine, opt for a shoulder-grazing lob. Bobs and their longer counterparts look super chic with straight hair, and since you won’t need to spend time straightening your tresses in the morning, a long bob is a practical and stylish hairstyle to choose.

Editor’s tip:  Try using the VO5 Tame and Shine Spray to give your locks a beautiful, glossy sheen.

Thin, straight and glossy

This Asian hair type can be difficult to style, as extremely silky, straight hair tends to hold curls and heated styles less easily. But if you’ve been blessed with long, glossy hair – embrace it!

Straight with medium thickness

If you have straight Asian hair with a medium thickness, why not think about playing around with your parting to switch up your look?

Wavy with medium thickness

For Asian hair with a medium thickness that dries with loose waves, why not try an understated wavy hairstyle like this number, above?

Thick and coarse

A choppy fringe and layers work brilliantly on thick, coarse Asian hair: layers will help to lighten heavy lock, making it easier to style and manage. Ask your hairdresser to chop an additional few layers around your face, to help frame your features. As for fringes, opt for a choppy style that’s just over-grown in length for effortless, rather than bouncy, bangs.

Thick and curly

If you have thick and curly Asian hair, you can totally pull off this look, above. Simply apply the Toni&Guy Curl Lock Oil to your hair and create a side part and pin back the shallow side using a bobby pin (flower optional). Fluff out your curls using your fingers for added volume. You’ll be sure to have heads turning wherever you go!

Bob with layers

Now, since Asian hair is often ultra straight and sleek, you may be in need of a way to give your mane a little extra volume and texture, right? And one of the easiest ways to do this, is by adding soft, short layers, which will instantly uplift your locks, and give them some subtle depth and dimension.

Editor’s tip: If you have especially thin or fine hair, try spritzing your layered look with the Toni&Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray, for a lovely lived-in finish!

Crimped

If you love a #throwback look as much as we do, then you’ll be pleased to know, that ’80s-style hair is having a major fashion moment right now! And the number one retro hair look on our style radar? Crimping, of course! But don’t worry, this hair trend has been given a contemporary update, with smaller and (arguably) more chic crimping. Phew!

Long bob

Love the idea of rocking a beautiful bob, but not ready to give up your hard-earned length? Well, the lob (AKA the long bob) could be the answer. This utterly stylish haircut is a great way to tap into the bob hair trend, without going the whole hog! Not only that, but you’ll be pleased to know, that the lob is just as versatile as its shorter cousin. Result!

Wavy bob (AKA the wob)

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have ultra long locks to work luscious, flowing waves! In fact, they make an ideal hairstyle to rock with a bob, since the waves instantly add tonnes of interest and texture to your cropped ‘do. But don’t worry if you need some help creating your glam waves, because you only need to check out our easy-to-follow tutorial, to completely nail this look.

Editor’s tip: Before grabbing your curling tong or straighteners, don’t forget to protect your hair from excess heat damage, by using a heat protectant. We particularly love the TRESemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray, which safeguards your hair from the temperatures of your heated styling tools.

Colourful!

Looking for a way to really spice up your classic bob? Then why not add a little colour to your look? Thanks to the usually dark base colour of Asian hair, opting for bold and bright hues in your tresses makes for an incredibly stylish look that’s full of contrast!

Layered pixie

We love the combination of choppy layers with an oval-shaped face, as it not only makes for a super flattering look, but it also helps to frame and add definition to your face. Credit: @GaryNgHair

Graduated lob

This hairstyle has captured the hearts and minds of women everywhere – which shouldn’t come as a shock, seriously, just look at it! The long bob (AKA the lob) is a versatile middie cut that works with almost every face shape. You can even add a little point of difference by graduating the cut for an ultra sleek and modern aesthetic.

Not sure if medium lengths are for you? Read our 10 Reasons to love mid-length hair article. Credit: @karina_divas_

Long and layered

Can’t bear to give up your long locks? No worries, we’ve got long hairstyles in our exclusive list too! To nail this long and layered style, just ask your hairdresser to retain your length, and to work short subtle layers into your tresses.

Going for a truly casual look? Lightly curl the ends of your hair with a curling wand or straighteners, as this will help to soften the overall look and feel of the hairstyle. Easy peasy, right? Credit: @essensualslondonseattle

Cornrows

It’s safe to say that this braid is probably the plait du jour. Although cornrows have a long and lustrous history, it has recently gained extra attention since falling in favour with some of the fashion elite – Kylie Jenner and Karlie Kloss, we’re looking at you. To discover all you need to know about cornrows, read our article here. And don’t forget to take our quiz to test your cornrow knowledge, will you? Credit: @ayanohairbraids

Pigtails

No longer is this a hairstyle considered for school children – pigtails have been given a new lease of life with a rave-inspired twist! Their comeback is great news because we’re so in love with ’90s hairstyles right now!

And whether you have long hair like @valeriecruz1999 or short hair like Miley Cyrus, this vintage ‘do works a treat for everyone! Just leave some hair out at the front to make this childhood favourite look more grown-up. Credit:@valeriecruz1999

The simple ponytail

If you’re ever in doubt of a look to suit your face shape, then don’t overlook the simple ponytail! This is a great hairstyle for all face shapes really that is quick and easy, and needs virtually zero maintenance.

We suggest leaving a few tendrils of hair out near your parting to help frame your face and provide a romantic touch to the practical ‘do. Credit: @ksonggg.