10 Stylish Hairstyles That Match Perfectly with a Kimono!

One of the exciting aspects of kimono rental is undoubtedly the hair arrangement.

When you rent a kimono, you naturally want to try stylish hair arrangements that you don’t usually do in your everyday life.

This time, we’ll introduce recommended hair arrangements based on hair length.

Hairstyles That Suit Kimono

It’s often said that kimono looks beautiful when the collar area is visible.

Unlike dresses, kimono covers a large area of the body with fabric, so an updo hairstyle gives a neat impression. However, there is no strict rule that says you must have an updo.

Wearing kimono with your hair down is not a recent trend; it dates back to the Taisho era when Japanese and Western cultures blended, and “Haikara-san” (high collar) style became popular, featuring hakama attire with half updos and large ribbons.

Even in contemporary times, formal occasions like weddings often recommend updo hairstyles, but when casually exploring in a kimono, you can freely enjoy various hair arrangements that match the kimono’s atmosphere and your mood.

For kimono rental plans that include a hair set, you can book them here:
>Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Plan
>Asakusa Kimono Hair Set Plan

Short Hair

Hair Accessories Arrangement

Short hair allows for fewer styling options due to its length, but you can have fun with hair accessories.

You can easily create arrangements using silk or Japanese-patterned pins and clips, which is quite charming.

Not limited to Japanese accessories, modern kimonos can also be complemented with ribbons or velvet materials, giving you a sophisticated look.

Matching hairpins with the color of your kimono and securing your hair tightly is also a fashionable choice.

Hair accessories are often reasonably priced, so finding your favorite one to match your kimono can be enjoyable.

Half-Up with Bun

In recent years, a popular choice is the hairstyle where you have a half-up style with a bun.

The bun can be intentionally styled with a slightly messy, casual look, which appears cute.

Leaving some hair strands and curling them can add volume to your short hair, making it look elegant even without accessories.

Single Curl

A single curl hairstyle involves curling just the tips of your hair.

For a sophisticated look, you can curl inwards, and for a lively and vibrant image, you can curl outwards; this can completely change the impression of the same kimono.

Intentionally styling your hair in a way that contrasts with your usual look can be fun.

Additionally, adding shine to your hair will make the single curl style stand out even more, so don’t forget to use gel or oil for a glossy finish!

Medium-Length Hair

Bun

Speaking of bun hairstyles, they are a classic choice when wearing a kimono.

Being a classic, neatly gathered buns make the neck area look beautiful, so it’s recommended.

Furthermore, even with the same bun style, the impression can vary significantly depending on whether you tie it tightly or leave it slightly loose.

Adding a decorative hairpin to a bun is also cute.

Consider changing the style depending on your desired image and overall balance.

Twist and Rope Braid

After tying the hair around the crown of your head into a twist, you can create rope braids on both sides just below the twist.

You can transform it into a half-up style by tying the twisted and braided sections together, or you can create a ponytail or bun by gathering all the remaining hair.

Combining twists and rope braids can instantly add volume and elegance, making it a recommended choice.

Evening Party Rolls

Evening party rolls are perfect for when you want a more mature look.

Once you get used to it, it’s easy to do, but there are also kits available for creating evening party roll hairstyles, which can make it even easier.

Some might think it looks “matronly” or “like a bar hostess,” but in reality, evening party rolls have a wide variety of finished silhouette patterns, and the hairstyle can vary greatly depending on the person styling it. It’s a highly adaptable hairstyle.

If you don’t want it too neat, intentionally tousling the evening party roll is also an option.

A well-groomed hairstyle that complements kimono wear combines a sense of cleanliness and elegance.

Since it’s not a hairstyle you often see with Western clothing, it’s one of the hairstyles you should enjoy when wearing a kimono.

Gibson Tuck

This hairstyle became famous as the “Elsa hair” from “Frozen,” but it still has a strong following.

It allows you to maintain a neat appearance while enjoying volume and style.

For modern kimonos, combining foreign-inspired hairstyles like this can give you a chic and polished look, so it’s recommended.

Long Hair

Chignon

One of the hair arrangements that beautifully showcases the volume of long hair is the chignon.

Simply gathering it at the back, but the silhouette can vary significantly depending on the method used, which makes it interesting.

It’s also stylish when combined with braids or French braids.

Loose Braid

A hairstyle where the back hair is braided into one thick section using braids or fishtail braids.

While updo hairstyles are common with kimonos, loose braids can create a modern impression with just the hairstyle.

If it’s braided too tightly, it might appear too prim, so it’s essential to leave some stray hairs and loosen the sections for a relaxed look.

You can even incorporate ribbons or scarves for advanced styling.

Braided Bun

The challenge with long hair is that a traditional bun can easily come undone due to the weight of the hair.

Therefore, you can create a three-strand braid with the ponytail and then shape it into a bun, securing it with pins. This not only makes it less likely to come undone over time but also gives you a three-dimensional bun hairstyle.

Author of this article

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
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