Harajuku, the Birthplace of KAWAII Culture, Brings the World “Anime Hair”! What Is the Fascinating World of Anime-Inspired Hairstyles?

What is “Anime Hair” from Harajuku?

Harajuku is known as the birthplace of KAWAII Culture (a Japanese term for “cute”), where people can freely enjoy fashion and embrace everything they find charming. It is a place where unique, bold hairstyles and vibrant hair colors are now part of the mainstream fashion scene.

In recent years, visitors from around the world have been flocking to hair salons in Harajuku, eager to recreate the distinctive looks of their favorite characters from Japanese anime and manga.

The trend gained significant attention when Yuta Arita, a stylist at the Harajuku salon ALLY TOKYO, shared a before-and-after video on Instagram, transforming foreign clients into anime-inspired characters.

"Japanese hairstylists are experts at leveraging social media, and our skills and creativity have been recognized globally for quite some time. About five or six years ago, I gained a lot of followers after introducing the wolf cut. Once I began posting videos of anime hair transformations, my recognition grew even further," Arita explains.

Arita’s anime hair videos aren’t just simple before-and-after showcases. They also highlight his thorough consultation process, during which he takes into account the client’s hair texture, color suitability, and face shape, before customizing the perfect anime-inspired look. This attention to detail is one of the reasons his work is so popular.

It’s not just about technical proficiency in cutting and coloring. Arita’s ability to tailor each style to suit the individual has truly resonated with international clients. This satisfaction has spread through word of mouth, further enhancing Arita’s global reputation.

Ciel-Inspired Hairstyle from Black Butler

Mahito-Inspired Haircolor from Jujutsu Kaisen

Vtuber-Inspired Haircolor

High-Precision Design Color Techniques

One of the most captivating aspects of “Anime Hair” is the precision with which anime character hairstyles are recreated. The key factor here is the hair coloring technique. Japanese hairstylists have mastered unique methods to replicate the vibrant colors seen in anime characters.

“We keep detailed records of past color mixes and continue to refine our techniques. It’s important to minimize hair damage while considering how the color will fade over time. The goal is for the color to fade beautifully,” says Arita.

Thanks to these advanced techniques, vibrant hair colors reminiscent of anime characters have become a reality.

Trend colors from Japan ①Roots colors

Japanese-Origin Trendy Hair Colors　② Angel ring color

Japanese-Origin Trendy Hair Colors　③ End colors

Japanese-Origin Trendy Hair Colors　④ Stamp colors

Hospitality That Shines Globally

ALLY TOKYO is known for its loyal clientele, not only due to its high technical expertise but also its exceptional Japanese hospitality.

“In Japan, the meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful communication during treatments are often especially appreciated by foreign visitors. During consultations, we don’t just listen to their requests—we ensure we share and adjust the vision to achieve the best possible result,” explains Arita.

Another feature particularly popular with foreign clients is the “one-on-one service,” where one stylist handles the entire process—cutting, coloring, and finishing—ensuring consistency throughout.

After the treatment, the stylist takes a photo of the client, a practice unique to Japan. Many international clients look forward to this moment, with some even requesting to have their photo taken.

As the popularity of Japanese anime and manga continues to rise globally, more foreign visitors are coming to Japan to try “Anime Hair.” In Harajuku’s salons, skilled techniques and exceptional hospitality make their dreams come true. Why not experience “Anime Hair” for yourself in Harajuku?