On her Instagram account, Angèle removed her impeccable blonde bob for a cut with almost precise geometry. In front, two strips of hair cut with a line frame her face, behind the lengths continue to fall, as if two hairstyles coexisted. A transformation which clearly marks the launch of its new era, but which also intrigues: what exactly is this new hair code?
This look has a very specific name: Hime Cut, literally “princess cut” in Japanese. Long remaining in the world of manga, Lolita fashion and certain Asian idols, this ultra graphic Japanese cut is now slipping into French-speaking pop, worn by Angèle as she announces her third album, scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Hime Cut by Angèle: a graphic cut to change register
On the occasion of this outing, the Belgian singer asked her hairdresser Rudy Marmet to shake up her image. Its wise bob has given way to a clean hair architecture: two straight strands, cut at the height of the cheeks or the jaw, outline the face while the back remains long, creating an immediate contrast.
Rudy Marmet spotted this type of cut during trips to South Korea and Japan, among the very designed silhouettes worn by K-pop figures. On Angèle, he chose to interpret it rather than copy it identically, adjusting the length of the locks and the volume to fit her face and her stage world.
Japanese hime cut: definition, history and maintenance
The hime cut combines long, straight hair at the back, front bangs and two clean side strands, cut at cheek or jawline level. This very strict design requires continued maintenance: regular touch-ups on the bangs and highlights, work with a hairdryer or iron to keep the lines straight, especially if the hair swells with humidity or is not naturally straight hair.
Its origins date back to the Japanese imperial court, where noble women allowed their hair to grow throughout their lives. According to Professor Tomita of the Yamano College of Aesthetics, the current form appeared in the Heian period with the binsogi ceremony: around the age of 16, the locks near the ears were cut shorter. The cut was then popularized in Japan by idol Megumi Asaoka, then adopted by Lolita fashion, particularly gothic, before being revived by Asian pop scenes.
Adopt the Hime Cut: for which face and how to style it
Despite its strict appearance, the Hime Cut can be very personalized. The highlights that frame the face particularly flatter oval, elongated or slightly angular faces, which they help to rebalance. On a round or square face, opt for a slightly lower length so as not to add volume. This line especially highlights straight or slightly wavy hair, where the lines stand out immediately. Before breaking down, we can ask ourselves:
- If your face shape needs to be lengthened or softened.
- If its natural texture supports very straight contours or involves regular smoothing.
- If you are ready to visit the salon regularly to keep your locks neat.
Its advantage is also its versatility: tied in a ponytail or slicked back, the hair leaves the short strands visible, which gives the illusion of a square in the front, while untied, the lengths remain there. For maintenance at home, Rudy Marmet recommends a rather smooth blow-dry or, at a minimum, working the facial strands with a brush and hairdryer, then applying a light serum or oil to the ends, while avoiding cutting them yourself so as not to disrupt the balance of the cut.
What is the Hime Cut worn by Angèle?
The Hime Cut is a Japanese cut combining bangs, two straight strands at the cheeks or jaw and long lengths at the back.
Is the hime cut suitable for all face types?
It particularly highlights oval, elongated or slightly angular faces, but can be adapted to round or square faces by modulating the length of the locks.
What type of hair best highlights the Hime Cut?
The hime cut looks best on straight or slightly wavy hair, which allows you to maintain very graphic lines around the face.
How to maintain a Hime Cut without damaging it?
A smooth blow-dry targeted on the bangs and strands, a serum or light oil on the ends and regular touch-ups in the salon help maintain a clean shape.
