Kanzashi are often associated with yukata and traditional Japanese clothing, but recently there has been an increase in kanzashi that can be worn on a daily basis.
Simply inserting one hairpin into your hair gives off a calm and refined impression that is typical of Japanese women.
This is an item that I would especially recommend to those with long hair who often tie their hair up .
For those who want to try Kanzashi but don't know how to use it, or don't know how to use it outside of yukata or Japanese clothing, we will introduce you to a simple and easy way to use Kanzashi for everyday use.
If you have even the slightest interest in kanzashi, be sure to read this.
A simple and casual updo with just one Kanzashi
We will show you the easiest and most basic way to style your hair with a kanzashi .
- Gather your hair in your left hand and twist it clockwise all the way to the roots.
- Insert the kanzashi straight into the center of the twisted part (around the center of the back of the head).
- Bring the hair in your left hand to the left side, and while moving the hairpin clockwise with your right hand, scoop up the twisted hair in your left hand.
- Use the hairpin to gather your hair and move it in a circular motion so that the hair is tightly entangled in the hairpin. When the hairpin reaches the 11 o'clock position, insert it towards the 5 o'clock position.
It may be difficult to understand when explained in words, but the most important thing is to follow steps ① to ③ in that order . If you can do this, the rest is just winding by feel, so you should be able to do it without any problems.
The trick is to "scoop the hairpin up with your hair and turn it."
Once you try it once, you'll quickly get the hang of it, so feel free to give it a try.
A loose hairstyle swept to the side
It's nice to keep your hair neatly tied up, but it's also stylish to use a kanzashi to create a loose, fluffy, and gentle hairstyle .
If you make a chignon on the side and insert a hairpin into it, you will instantly create a lovely impression.
Loosening the braid a little will give you a more feminine look.
Furthermore, if you lightly curl your hair, you can create a curly-looking updo, so kanzashi go well not only with Japanese clothing but also with feminine outfits.
For those with very long hair, tie it up with two hairpins.
Even if you have super long hair that reaches down to your waist, you can easily style your hair up using a hairpin.
However, if the hairpin is long, you may have to wrap it around the kanzashi more times, which can make the kanzashi less noticeable.
Since this is a voluminous updo, we recommend adding two hairpins.
After tying your hair with one kanzashi, you can add a second kanzashi to create a more glamorous look, or add a kanzashi with a dangling charm to create movement.
Also, as shown in the video, we recommend using a hairpin with a half-up hairstyle .
How to choose a Kanzashi for long hair
Now, let me introduce some hairpins that are easy to use for people with long hair.
If you're not sure what kind of kanzashi to buy, or if you already have some but are wondering which ones go well with long hair, be sure to check out this article.
Simple and easy to use single insert
This single-strand style is perfect for quick and easy styling, and is easy to use for those with long hair.
This is a kanzashi that I would recommend to people with long hair who are buying one for the first time.
On the other hand, if your hair isn't long enough, it will fall apart easily, so you'll need medium or longer hair.
Kanzashi are made from a variety of materials, including wood, iron, and glass, but if you are using one for the first time, wooden ones are recommended .
The wooden material is non-slip, so even beginners can easily keep it together.
Iron is durable and has a sharp appearance, making it easy to use on a daily basis, but the surface is smooth and slippery, so it is safer to use it with some ingenuity, such as using rubber to fasten it.
Glass is also slippery so some care is required, but it gives a cool impression when used in the summer.
A stable two-pronged hairpin
Kanzashi with two separate stems are recommended for those who have trouble inserting a single stem.
When using a two-pronged hairpin, it is common to style your hair in a "Yokaimaki" style .
For those with smooth hair, a two-pronged hairpin may be easier to use than a single-strand hairpin because it does not slip.
Depending on the material and thickness of the shaft of the hairpin, some can only be used by making a bun in your hair and inserting it into it, so please be careful when purchasing.
A bat-shaped hairpin used as an accent after tying up the hair
After tying your hair up with a single hairpin, inserting a bat-shaped hairpin (fan-shaped hairpin) close to the base will add a more Japanese touch and give you a chic impression.
The fan shape is elegant, and many of them have designs on them, giving them a luxurious feel.
Recommended as a second hairpin.
summary
Long hair is often tied up, but a single kanzashi can be used to easily tie up your hair, and it also gives a neat look.
Even when worn loosely, this hairpin will give you a feminine look, so be sure to give it a try.
