From face-framing wavy bangs to universally flattering lobs, the key hair trends seen on our favourite Japanese celebrities like Anne Nakamura and Nozomi Sasaki are simply chic and don’t require you to try too hard.
These wash-and-wear hairstyles work for women of all ages, skin tones and suit our hot, tropical climate. Ahead are 10 effortless Japanese celebrity-inspired haircuts and colours you should consider on your next trip to the salon.
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If you’re looking to treat yourself to a hair makeover, take the plunge and dye your whole head a faded shade of your favourite colour (here’s how to take care of your coloured hair).
Here, Tokyo-based model Nairu Yamamoto went for an eye-catching dusty pink, which is vibrant, youthful and stands out in the best way possible. Just remember to give your bleached hair the love it deserves by using hair oils and hair masks so your hair doesn’t get too dry.
Photo: nairuuuu/Instagram
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If you already have a short bob like Japanese model Chiharu Okunugi, try giving your look a sleek, polished vibe by combing it back and keeping it in place with lots of hairspray.
You can also opt to pull your bangs back with a bobby pin or even create a faux fringe by parting your hair to the side and pulling the hair over your forehead before pinning it back with a cute hair accessory.
Photo: chiharuokunugi/Instagram
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Japanese actress and model Anne Nakamura went for classic curls, just like the waves that the Victoria’s Secret Angels rock on the runway (here’s how to achieve VS-worthy waves).
If you’re looking to emulate this look without having to whip out your curling iron everyday, opt for a permanent perm at the salon, which should leave you with effortless curls for about 6 months. Alternatively, if you’ve got slightly curly hair, use a beach spray and scrunch your hair upwards to add volume.
Photo: cocoannne/Instagram
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This textured, choppy shoulder length that American-Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara is sporting is classic, casual and chic.
To achieve this tousled look, start with prepping damp hair with a heat protecting product. Then, use a medium barrel curling iron to curl the ends of your hair inwards to add volume and shape.
Photo: i_am_kiko/Instagram
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Sure, trims, perms and blonde highlights (here are our favourite hair salons to achieve these looks) are nice, but nothing screams “new hair, new you” like thick, straight-cut bangs. Try a whole new ‘do for the new year and go for bangs to frame your face. Pair it with straight, jet black hair to show you mean business.
Japanese fashion model Kozue Akimoto usually keeps her hair down, letting it cascade down her back for a polished vibe and to give her bangs center stage. Go for the same look and keep your hair out of your face with some heavy duty hairspray.
Photo: akimoto_kozue/Instagram
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If the above-the-chin look is too short for you, this perfectly on-trend and so very flattering angled lob seen on Japanese supermodel Hasegawa Jun is perfect for you.
Long layers will add fullness and density to your look. Hasegawa’s front section of hair is perfectly curled to frame her face. We also love how she left the ends of her tresses textured and piece-y for that effortless cool girl vibe. With a curling wand or a curling iron, create bends in your lob, similar to Hasegawa Jun’s look.
Photo: Hasegawa Jun/Instagram
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Compared to the blunt and straight bangs seen on celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, wavy bangs help to soften the facial features for a more feminine and sweet look.
The best part about this hairstyle: it creates the illusion of a slimmer face. Those with fuller hair like Japanese actress-singer Haruna Kojima have a slight edge for bouncy voluminous bangs, but a rounded boar-bristle brush and a hairdryer can easily fix that. Pair your bangs with any hair length and texture. It’s also good with ponytails or messy top knots.
Photo: Haruna Kojima/Instagram
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Recreating Japanese model Anne Nakamura’s tousled voluminous look requires some extra maintenance, but it’s always worth it to add a little texturising spray and spend some time with a hot tool on special occasions.
If you have naturally fine and straight hair, you’ll probably need to use a higher temperature for your curls to hold, so make sure to spritz some heat protectant spray beforehand so your hair doesn’t suffer any lasting damage. To ensure that your hair has more hold, try curling hair on next-day hair.
Photo: Anne Nakamura/Instagram
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Cop Japanese model-actress Nanao’s shiny, frizz-free blowout by working some straightening cream into wet hair before blow-drying for hold, straightness and shine.
To keep unwanted flyaways at bay, mist a fine tooth comb with hairspray and smooth over roots. Not only does it eliminate frizz, it also adds a mirror-like shine to your lovely locks.
Photo: Nanao/Instagram
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Sleek, posh and structured, this lob hairstyle seen on Japanese model Nozomi Sasaki is the perfect in-between style for those who are looking to go a little shorter while still enjoying a manageable length.
It curls at the ends just like a classic bob, but the length gives you the versatility of wearing it loose and in different updos. Team this sophisticated lob with long bangs (worn just slightly past the eyebrows) to frame the cheekbones and accentuate their sharpness.
Photo: Nozomi/Instagram
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