Can Japanese have blonde hair?

Natural blonde hair is unusual in Japan. Due to genetics, Japanese people generally have black hair and brown eyes. Their thick, glossy hair has often been the envy of others worldwide.

But guess what? An article in Stylecraze, Top 40 Japanese Hairstyles for Women – 2022, says the blonde bob is a top look for 2022.

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Can Japanese have blonde hair? 1

What is all the hype around blonde hair? 

Japanese and other Asian women, like Korean and Chinese, have different beauty standards. But they are similar in their desire for novelty – blonde hair. Anything rare is seen as exotic.

Although many Japanese have yet to visit America, its media has far-reaching influences. Typical stereotypes form the basis for many decisions. An all-American blonde-haired, blue-eyed boy or girl radiating happiness is an image that is difficult to resist. 

Anime is extremely popular in Japan. The West heavily influences it, with many characters depicted sporting blonde hair and blue eyes.

In anime, hair color is generally used to differentiate between the various characters. Blonde hair is often used to depict characters who are unique or superior in some way.

This is generally found in shoujo, a category of comics aimed at teenagers, where the female lead is blonde.

It is also thought that blonde hair and fair skin play into ancient preferences for lighter skin tones. People believed rich people had lighter skin because they did not have to work in fields.

Japanese women dye their hair blonde for self-expression. They also use it as a form of rebellion against stereotypical Western perceptions. These often associate them with straight, dark hair.

Naturally blonde Japanese?

Japanese who are born with blonde hair will have mixed-race parents or grandparents. It is often referred to as biracial, half-Japanese, and half-Caucasian. It is the only variable known to cause blonde hair, aside from albinism.

Biracial individuals, known as Hāfu in Japan, are becoming more prevalent. Many Hāfu have risen to fame as models and actors due to their unusual looks.

Researchers estimate that only 1% of Japanese people are born with blonde hair. About 9% are born with brown hair.

Don’t worry; the mixed-race children with blonde hair wash their hair like other Japanese do.

Does blonde hair have a hidden meaning?

In Japan, blond hair makes you stand out from the crowd. As discussed, people often use it to portray someone special, thinking of it as exotic.

It also portrays wealth, as most foreigners are often considered wealthy. The hint of foreign ancestry adds to the mystery. 

But this is not always the case. 

Sometimes, people depict blonde female Japanese characters as manipulative. Male characters with blonde hair are either portrayed as troublesome or as Casanovas.

There is also a subculture known as ‘Gyaru.’ It centers around Western fashion trends. It especially focuses on tanned skin, heavy make-up, and blonde hair.

Three subcultures, Kogal, Ganguro, and Yanmanba, make up the split in Gyaru culture. In the 1990s, people popularized ganguro to rebel against typical Japanese looks. 

Although this trend faded, you can still see its influence on various Anime characters.

Although most Japanese are not born blonde, it is a way to differentiate yourself and make yourself feel special.

Can Japanese have blonde hair? 2

My Observation on Evolving Beauty Standards in Japan

I observe changes in Japan’s cultural attitudes, such as hair color, toward personal expression. I dare say they are transforming. This may affect the mainstream acceptance of blonde hair in the country.

Figures like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Ami Suzuki, and Rola embrace blonde hair. This suggests a potential redefinition of beauty standards. 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Known for her avant-garde fashion and music, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a trendsetter. She has experimented with various hair colors, including blonde.

The public response to her blonde hair has been intriguing. Many fans praise her for challenging traditional beauty norms. They appreciate her fearless approach to self-expression.

Kyary’s bold choices have reshaped perceptions of beauty in Japan. Her fans often celebrate her as an icon of individuality.

Ami Suzuki

Ami Suzuki, a pop singer with a versatile career, has dabbled in blonde hair, surprising her audience with each transformation.

The public’s response to her blonde phase has been generally positive. Fans commend her for embracing change and staying relevant in the ever-evolving music industry.

Suzuki’s experimentation with hair colors is a form of artistic expression. Her ability to pull off blonde hair has garnered admiration from fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Rola

A prominent model and television personality, Rola has occasionally sported blonde hair. This showcases her adventurous fashion sense.

The public admires Rola’s boldness. They are curious about her ever-changing looks.

Rola’s influence extends beyond fashion. Her blonde hair moments contribute to conversations about beauty standards in Japan.

The public tends to appreciate her versatility. They also admire her willingness to break away from conventional norms.

These three figures have played significant roles in today’s era. They challenge conventional beauty standards in Japan with their experimentation.

Dyeing their hair blonde has contributed to a broader approval of diverse styles. It has also contributed to broader acceptance of individual expression.

Firsthand Look at Positive Receptions to Blonde Hair in Japan

Despite having blonde hair, I’ve seen my friend having a positive experience in Japan.

Contrary to expectations, locals received the unconventional hair color.

People were curious and engaging in friendly conversations. Some even admired my friend’s choice.

This firsthand experience reinforced my belief. Embracing unique expressions fosters connection and appreciation in unexpected ways in Japan. This extends to hair color.