42 Asian Hairstyles for Women That Are Trending Right Now
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. Far from it!
Whether you’ve been blessed with thin, glossy locks or thicker, full 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.
Hime Haircut
If you haven’t heard about the Hime haircut yet, believe us when we say you’ll soon be seeing it everywhere. Spotted at Prada’s Spring 2021 show and the Grammys, it’s quickly taking over TikTok with over 122.6 million views for the Hime hashtag already.
The look combines long, straight hair with sharp, cheek-length layers and a fringe, so it fits in perfectly with the mullet revival we’re currently seeing. Also known as the ‘Princess cut’, it origins lie in the Imperial court during the Heian Period of Japanese history, when noble women would grow out their hair for their whole lives. The hairstyle became popular in the ’70s thanks to Japanese popstar Megumi Asaoka and more recently, K-pop stars like Momo from Twice and Hyeri from Girl’s Day have been seen repping the style.
Money Piece Highlights
The money piece highlights trend has been all over Instagram and TikTok lately and this look is perfect for Asian hair. These face-framing highlights are a great way to change up your look without dyeing all of your hair, making them a really fun and low-maintenance option.
Rose Ombre
If you’re a fan of colour, this adorable pink ombre is a must-try. So many Kpop idols have rocked pink hair, from Blackpink‘s Rosé to Ryujin from ITZY and it always looks amazing on them, so why not give it a go?!
Wavy Lob
A moment of appreciation for this lob of dreams, please. To achieve these bouncy waves, you can either get your hair chemically permed at the salon or use a curling wand to add in a few loose curls.
Korean Bangs
Korean bangs, or air bangs as they’re also known, are a popular look of choice for many K-drama actresses, so it’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most requested hairstyles. These wispy, piecey bangs are super flattering and feminine and are less intimidating than traditional full fringes.
Full Fringe with Bobby Pins
Why not get more experimental with your everyday hairstyles with waves and accessories? These eyebrow-skimming bangs are the perfect finishing touch, too.
Boyfriend Lob
Looking for a hairstyle that’s easy to maintain and style in the mornings? This effortless boyish lob is simple yet so beautiful.
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!
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 & Shine Spray to give your locks a beautiful, glossy sheen.
Tousled Asian Hair
The easiest and fastest way to create more thickness in Asian hair is by opting for a cool, textured cut like this one.
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 pull off this look, above. Simply 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!
Permed Asian hair
If you’ve got straight Asian hair, perms give you the option to transform straight hair into gorgeous, textured waves.
Bob with Layers
Now, since Asian hair is often ultra-straight and sleek, you may need 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!
Bob with Side Fringe
If there’s one look that’ll get the crowd talking, it’s this curled under bob with a wispy side fringe.
Crimped Asian hair
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!
The number one retro hair look on our style radar is crimping of course! But don’t worry, this hair trend has been given a contemporary update, with smaller and (arguably) chicer 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.
Wearing 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
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have ultra-long locks to work luscious, flowing waves! They make an ideal hairstyle to rock with a bob since the waves instantly add tonnes of interest and texture to your cropped ‘do.
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 Biotin + Repair 7 Primer Spray which safeguards your hair from the temperatures of your heated styling tools.
Textured Long Bob with Ombre
For a modern twist, opt for a cool blunt cut with blonde ombre. Credit: @annevrichards
Shag Haircut on Asian Hair
This shag haircut is perfectly on-trend and great for those who want to show off their thick Asian hair in a new way. Credit: @kontempoomaha
Cute Asian Bob Hairstyle
Thinking about going shorter? This cute bob haircut is all you need to convince you to go for the chop.Credit: @dongkyu4158
Straight Bangs
You can’t talk about Asian hairstyles without talking about straight bangs! The reason they’re so popular amongst Asian women is mainly to do with the fact they add a youthful, edgy appeal to any look.
Wispy Bangs
Paired with medium straight hair, this beauty’s wispy bangs are a great look for those who prefer movement over super sleek bang styles.
Asian Pixie Cut
Currently rocking short hair and need some style inspiration? Check out this side-swept pixie. The key to this short style is to add volume to the front of your hair by using a volumising spray.
Crown Braid
Want a braided style with minimal fuss? Then you’ll love the crown braid. From festivals, brunch to weddings, this uncomplicated style will be sure to impress.
Milkmaid Braid
Looking for formal Asian hairstyles? Try this simple and cute milkmaid braid!
Braided Pigtails
We love this simple braided look for a quick style update, no matter the occasion.
Colourful Asian Hair
Looking for a way to 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!
Editor’s tip: If you’re thinking of colouring your hair, be sure to use a wash and care system formulated with coloured tresses in mind. We love the Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Colour Shampoo and Conditioner duo.
The deeply nourishing formula is infused with organic Muru Muru Butter which helps to deliver a healthy shine whilst protecting coloured hair.
Blonde Asian Hair
Channel your inner K-pop star and take the blonde plunge. Credit: @flamcis
Pretty Pink Hair
Want something a little cuter (and Instagram-worthy)? Try this sweet and grungy pink hair colour.
This brown balayage is a perfect in-between for those who want a subtle colour upgrade.
Cute Space Buns
Are short strands stopping you from having flawless buns? Then we suggest using hair donuts to help create perfect buns every time.
Beehive
Get the feel of retro hair by trying a beehive style. This ’60s-inspired half-up is all you need for a special occasion.
Blowout Hair
From family gatherings to date night, blowout hair is the one look that will work no matter the event.
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 in-between 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. 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
Braided ponytail
Looking for trendy Asian hairstyles? Spruce up your normal ponytail with a braid and cute hair accessory and you’ll be feeling like a whole new woman.
Knotted Low Bun
If you’re looking for a Pinterest worthy updo you’ll love this low knotted bun.
Side Part Hairstyle
If all else fails, try switching up your parting and see how you like it! This side-swept hairstyle is a great example of what can happen when you make subtle mane changes.
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