31 Chinese Hairstyles For Girls: A Celebration of Elegance and Versatility
From ancient traditions to modern trends, Chinese hairstyles have long been a reflection of cultural heritage, personal expression, and timeless beauty. Whether you’re looking for an elegant updo inspired by classical dynasties, a chic bob that exudes contemporary flair, or playful braids adorned with delicate accessories, the world of Chinese hairstyles offers endless possibilities for every occasion and personality.
In this collection of 31 Chinese Hairstyles For Girls, we explore a diverse range of looks that blend tradition with innovation. These styles are not only steeped in history but also tailored to suit today’s fashion-forward sensibilities. From intricate bridal buns embellished with ornate hairpins to effortless waves perfect for casual outings, each hairstyle tells its own unique story while celebrating the rich tapestry of Chinese aesthetics.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event, experimenting with your everyday look, or simply seeking inspiration, these hairstyles promise to inspire creativity and confidence. So, let’s dive into this captivating journey through 31 stunning hairstyles that capture the essence of grace, individuality, and charm!
1. Sleek Long Hair
You cannot imagine Chinese hairstyles without picturing sleek straight hair. A sharp contrast from traditional Chinese hairstyles, straight hair left loose is the go-to option for a neat look in China. From middle school students to working professionals, you will find them all most comfortable in this simple hairdo.
2. Short Soft Bob
Soft bobs look classy in general, but they somehow look extra sophisticated paired with Chinese fashion, makeup, and sharp physical features. With their hair type and hair care routines, it does not need a lot of styling either to maintain this Chinese hairstyle. And bobs are just the simplest cut when you want to reduce the length of your mane.
3. Boyish Pixie
Boyish hairstyles offer a fresh blend of innocence and edginess to Asian faces with dainty features. From short cropped to longish pixies, they all work exceptionally well to open up the face and highlight the sharp angles. Those with fine hair can also pull off slightly messy, windblown styles.
Victoria Rae, a YouTuber, excitedly documents her journey of giving herself a pixie cut. In the video, she shares her process and thoughts on the decision. She says, “I’ve been thinking for years, I want this haircut, I want this haircut… I’mma wait until I’m sure… and this past month I’m just like a 100% I want this haircut.” With the end result, she comments, “I love it, I love it! I feel like Betty Boop, but in the best of ways… This is pretty low maintenance… It’s so pretty…. This was a good decision…. I really like how it came out (i).”
4. Blunt Bangs
Blunt bangs go way back in the history of Chinese hairstyles. These bangs work well to reduce the size of the face and offer a rounded look to it. Traditionally, a round-looking face has been the standard of beauty in Chinese culture, and it is still popular.
5. Face-Framing Bangs On Curled Hair
While blunt bangs fit right in with traditional Chinese beauty standards, they are not ideal for faces that are already round or square-shaped. One way to work around that would be to give long sides to the bangs so that they hide some width of the face and then curl the rest of the hair.
6. Half Top Knot
This is a style that has evolved beautifully from its warrior days! A half top knot packs an intense power punch with sleek hair. This style is more preferred by college students, but you can also see it commonly sported in Chinese street fashion by all genders, owing to the period drama craze.
7. Sleek Ponytail
This is another hairstyle that Chinese women pull off with little to no styling. The low ponytail with a sharp center parting flows down like a calm black river. This is an ideal professional hairstyle, where the middle part adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall look. However, in modern times, many brides are choosing to pair this hassle-free hairstyle with their white gowns for their wedding day.
8. Messy Glam Look
The nightlife in China is super happening and active. Places like Beijing and Shanghai offer a variety of clubs for all kinds of people to let their hair loose. This messy look is a hot favorite among partygoers. It has a natural seductiveness to it that goes well with shimmery outfits and makeup.
9. Wavy Ponytails
Chinese fashion takes a lot of inspiration from school student looks. This style may also be partly derived from traditional styles or owed to Manhua characters and how they are globally popular in the cosplay scene. In any case, these wavy ponytails can really open up the face and give it a youthful innocence.
10. Dreamy Half-Up Ponytail
This Chinese hairstyle comprises a half-updo done using waves or large curls for a dreamy effect. The half-up is a ponytail with waves of its own that looks like a beautiful cascading waterfall at the back. Wavy strands in the front are let loose to frame the face for an animated look.
11. Loose Side Braid
This is a sophisticated look that exudes class despite having a casual air to it. This loose side braid could be a regular three-strand or even a mermaid braid. But it is woven loosely to appear laid back and youthful. Often sported by actresses and idols, it is a widely adored hairstyle in the country.
12. Honey Brown Side-Swept Hair
Black is the genetically dominant hair color in Chinese people. Getting a hair makeover in lighter shades is the preferred way of breaking away from the mundane. For those who are not ready to commit to bold colors, such as blonde or vibrant reds and blues, light brown shades seem to be the safe option. Add a side part to the hair to add a touch of elegance and sophistication that enhances the overall look.
13. Braided Pigtails
Here’s another school hairstyle adopted by adults in the fashion scene in China! These braided pigtails could be sported at any height on the head and are often accompanied by bangs of the preferred type.
14. Pulled-Back Half Updo
This is a style that is commonly opted by women with medium to long hair for formal and semi-formal occasions. At conservative workplaces, it is paired with formal attire. For formal parties and gatherings, it is paired with an evening gown.
15. Basic Updo
A quick low bun or a messy top knot are styles loved by women globally. Chinese women are no different. The only difference is that their uniquely fine hair texture makes their updos look softer. Adding to it is the charm of a few loose, wispy strands that frame the face quite attractively.
16. Traditional Maiden Hairdo
In ancient Chinese traditions, young women sported hairstyles that showed off the enviable length of their gorgeous mane. This was also a mark of maturity. Girls who did not have their coming-of-age ceremony usually did not sport the intricate hairstyles worn by older women. It is an elegant hairstyle for long hair, which can pair beautifully with Chinese-inspired hair accessories.
17. Crescent Moon Bun
Stylists working on the sets of Chinese period dramas are known to regularly add their own creative touches to historical hairstyles. Like a top knot is twisted in different shapes (like a crescent moon) to fit the character’s concept. And crown braids are used to highlight a protagonist. These styles are quickly taken up by street fashionistas later and make their way to viral TikToks and Insta-reels!
18. Tousled Fantasy Updo
This tousled elven updo works with uneven, wispy layers and soft textures. The flowers add a raw and fresh appeal to the overall look. It is the quintessential fantasy fairy ensemble that is sought-after for portfolio shoots.
19. Bridal Coiffures
Such intricately done buns are often seen at traditional Chinese weddings. The front of the hairdo may or may not involve an elaborate headdress in modern ceremonies, but the hairdo itself has to be elaborate. This is in keeping with cultural practices of making the bride shine the brightest and stand out from the crowd.
20. Hanfu Bridal Hair
Hanfu hairstyles were worn by women in the Han dynasty. These were large yet neat-looking buns in various creative combinations, accompanied by ethnic hair accessories. They were often done during the coming-of-age ceremonies to signify that a girl was now a lady who was eligible for marriage.
21. Cobra Bun
Rightly called the cobra bun, this Chinese cut hairstyle created a revolution among stylists globally when first showcased in a Chinese warrior movie. Simple in structure, this look needs you to roll your hair into a bun leaving the tip of the hair standing up. A word of advice from an expert with over 10 years of experience. Licensed hair stylist Megan Senner recommends, “You will want to use an oil mist to get the best shine on your bangs. Using a mist is best as it does not weigh down the bounce in your bangs.”
22. Buddha Bun
The Buddha bun is a combination of the ancient warrior and princess. It encompasses a fierceness as well as grace that was expected of respected individuals in those times. The bun here is the highlight of the entire look. It is done with a few inches of hair while leaving the remaining long lengths swaying graciously behind the wearer.
The Buddha bun is a common sight at comic conventions and cosplay events as it is often seen in Chinese cartoons and films, especially period dramas. If you don’t have long hair, use sew-in or clip-on hair extensions or a wig to achieve this look.
23. Hair Brooch Effect
Creating an imitation of a hair brooch with the help of the hair is one of the oldest gifts given by god in the hands of the Chinese stylists. They make roses, floral designs, and character motifs to accessorize hair in the most intricate way.
24. Hammer Bun
The hammer bun is an ancient Chinese hairstyle which helps the woman to give her small head a larger size. Well accessorized and heavily pinned, this hairstyle takes easily 2 hours to get it right. Keep in mind the bun needs to be diagonal on one side of the head. The transparent hair holder is used to catch the center of the bun.
25. Flat Sagging Bun
Right from the era when China gave rise to noble women, Moulin Rouge inspired flat sagging bun look became hugely popular. They would use a lot of wax and gel to give the hair a shiny smooth finish. Overlapping the hair in layers slanting from front, the strands would be pulled back to form a sagging bun. You can consider checking out this look as a stunning wedding guest hairstyle that can complement traditional looks.
26. Bubble Piped Side Pony
The bubbled pipe pony was the seventies grace where women donned the schoolgirl pony look and tweaked it to their own comfort. Making two side ponies on either side of the head, one can part them by tying the pony with multiple rubber bands with at least 3 centimeter distance apart from each other.
27. High Raise Bun
The high raise bun is the pageant woman’s style statement as she walks down the aisle. The high raise bun is one of the current trends running and needs you to just curl up your hair and pull it up in a bun, holding it with a ribbon bow or floral band.
Don’t have bangs and don’t want to cut your hair either? Don’t worry! Gather all your hair at the crown and tie it in a bun but leave the ends out in the front. After securing the bun, comb your hair ends in the front to create a faux fringe.
28. Short Hair Curl
The women these days have started chopping off their long strands for a shorter cute look. Though it deprives them of much innovation, the short hair curls still stand as an option to make them look prettier. It is a manmade curl which gives your short hair the required bounce and length it requires.
29. Two Braided Hair Lock
The braids are classy when done and imitate beautifully a rope, chain or knit. The two braided hair lock allows you to braid twice, with one hold on top and a hold below to form a natural pony of loose strands. You can consider trying this Asian girl hairstyle to blend well with traditional Chinese elements.
30. Orbital Loops In Traditional Hairstyles
The orbital loops are part of ancient Chinese hairstyles and with unique, futuristic aesthetics. In ancient days, to keep a hold of their hair sections or braids in spherical form, they would make use of wires, sticks, and natural sticky gel. The loops can take a variety of forms and designs, gracing the head in elaborate styles. But with the dawn of the new age, a spray can work wonders to maintain the hold.
31. Bob With Side-swept Bangs
For a versatile option, side-swept hairstyles can be a stylish addition to your repertoire. Bob with side-swept bangs is a classic look that combines the sophistication of a bob with the playful elegance of side-swept bangs. It creates a versatile and flattering style for various face shapes. The bob provides a clean and polished appearance, while the side-swept bangs add a touch of mystery and softness. This hairstyle is not only trendy but also easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for individuals with a busy lifestyle. Whether opting for a shorter or longer bob, the addition of side-swept bangs infuses a touch of grace and allure. The popularity of this hairstyle is also because it can look good both in formal and casual outfits.
While these hairstyles sure do look amazing, you have to put in some effort to maintain their style. Here are some simple hair care tips to help you keep your hairdo looking flawless with little effort.
Key Takeaways
- Individuals with sleek straight hair can leave it loose for a neat and formal look.
- Short bobs and pixies can help accentuate facial features and give you a sophisticated look.
- Blunt, face-framing, and side-swept bangs help soften the sharp angles of the face and give it a rounded appearance
Hair Care Tips For Chinese Hairstyles
Chinese hairstyles require maintenance to ensure their beauty and health. Here are some easy pointers to help ensure they look great and last long:
- Always apply heat protectant before using any styling tool to prevent breakage and dehydration.
- Use shampoos, conditioners and styling products designed for your hair type to enhance texture and manageability.
- Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to avoid split ends and keep the shape of your haircut looking fresh and healthy.
- Always keep your hair hydrated by drinking sufficient water and using products like hydrating masks or moisturizing serums.
- Massage the scalp to improve circulation and promote hair growth. Include scalp treatments for problems such as dryness or dandruff to your hair care routine.
- Use hats or serums with UV protection to protect your hair from the damaging rays from the sun and pollution. This not only keeps your hair healthy, but also preserves its color and avoids dryness.
- Remember, you are what you eat. So ensure you follow a well-balanced diet containing vitamins and proteins. Vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants help in getting stronger and shinier hair.
