The Japanese hime cut looks simple—but that’s exactly what makes it hard.

This iconic Japanese hime cut is defined by precision: two clean curtain panels framing the face and a dead-straight blunt line across the back. There are no soft edges to hide behind—just the line, the shape, and whether or not you nailed it. It’s a style rooted in tradition, often associated with the word hime, meaning princess, a name tied to elegance, discipline, and timeless hair design. Hime is princess in Japanese and refers to the daughter of an emperor, nobleman or someone of high ranking.  

In this tutorial, we break down exactly how to lock down the hime cut using Jatai Kyoto Scissors, Jatai Blade Glide and a Du-Boa High Tech Brush. You’ll learn how to create the cleanest blunt line, how to control length, and when to undercut the baseline for a balanced result. While the type of cut may seem minimal, every detail matters—from sectioning to tension to the final line. This content is designed to give you a clear, step-by-step description so you can confidently execute a true hime shape without it turning into a disconnected or “bi-level” look.

We also explore how this hairstyle can be adapted—whether you’re working on short or long hair, adjusting for natural color variations, or refining your technique over time. This cut has been used for generations and remains open to modern interpretation, but the fundamentals stay the same: control, balance, and intention.

Whether you're a stylist refining your craft or a student building your foundation, this hime haircut lesson will sharpen your eye for precision and help you develop consistency in every version of the cut you create.

Because once you can hold a perfectly straight line, everything else becomes easier.