42 Of The Trendiest Asian Hairstyles for Women

We’ve gathered our edit of the best and trendiest Asian hairstyles, just for you. 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 swoon-worthy styles.

Hime Haircut

Credit: @sachiimii

If you haven’t heard about the Hime haircut yet, believe us when we say you’ll soon be seeing it everywhere. First spotted at Prada’s Spring 2021 show and the Grammys, it’s quickly taking over TikTok with over 300 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’, its 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 For Asian Hair

Credit: @mintymoments

The money piece highlights trend has been all over Instagram and TikTok 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 to switch up your hairstyle.

Rose Ombré

Credit: @thechlobro

If you’re a fan of colour, this adorable pink ombré is a must-try. So many K-pop 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

Credit: @goingmywei

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 a few loose curls to your ‘do.

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

Korean Bangs

Credit: @susanna_tang

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. Perfect for a fringe newbie!

Full Fringe with Bobby Pins

Editor’s tip: Super fine hair has the tendency to look limp. To avoid this, use a shampoo that boosts volume like the TRESemmé Body & Volume Shampoo cleanses fine hair gently, without weighing it down.

Thin, Straight and Glossy Asian Hairstyle

Make the most of your naturally glossy straight hair. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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

Fine and straight hair will look amazing with a long bob cut. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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.

Tousled Asian Hair

Play around with your parting for a quick style update. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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

Give your tresses texture by adding soft waves. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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

Frame your features with soft layers. Credit: indigitalimages.com

A choppy fringe and layers work brilliantly on thick, coarse Asian hair: layers will help to lighten heavy locks, making it easier to style and manage. Ask your hairdresser to chop an additional few layers around your face, to help frame your features beautifully.

As for fringes, opt for a choppy style that’s just over-grown in length for effortless, rather than bouncy, bangs.

Thick and Curly

Add volume with fluffed out curls. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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

Lacking volume on your short hair? Try adding short layers. Credit: Allyson Alapont

Now, since Asian hair is often ultra-straight and sleek, you may need a way to give your hair 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.

Bob with Side Fringe

’80s-inspired crimping is always a winner.

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

The universally flattering long bob is sure to be a winner. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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

Wearing luscious flowing waves on short hair is possible with a lob. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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.

Textured Long Bob with Ombré

Credit: Roisin Murphy

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

Super chic for formal and casual events. Credit: Hariono Halim

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 to complete your look.

Crown Braid

Who says short hair can’t wear a crown braid? Credit: Hariono Halim

Want a braided style with minimal fuss? Then you’ll love the crown braid. From festivals, and brunch to weddings, this uncomplicated style will be sure to impress.

Milkmaid Braid

Cute and colourful. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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!

Blonde Asian Hair

Use hair donuts for the perfect bun updo. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Are short strands stopping you from having flawless buns? Then we suggest using hair donuts to help create perfect buns every time.

Beehive

Frame your face with a layered pixie. Credit: Instagram.com/GaryNgHair

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

Graduated Lob

This graduated lob is always a hit. Credit: Instagram.com/karina_divas_

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.

Long and Layered

Long layers make this casual wavy style pop. Credit: Instagram.com/essensualslondonseattle

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?