Gyaru (ギャル) means “gal” in Japanese. It is a fashion and lifestyle that started in Japan. Gyaru girls (and sometimes guys) wear bright clothes, heavy makeup, and colorful hair. They love to look different from traditional Japanese beauty, which often values light skin, black hair, and modest clothes. Instead, Gyaru is about being free, brave, and stylish.
Gyaru means being proud to be yourself — even if others think you’re “too much.”
A Short History of Gyaru
| Time | What Happened | Style Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s–1980s | Early “gal” look appeared in magazines | Permed hair, tanned skin, Western-style makeup |
| 1990s | Real Gyaru movement began in Shibuya, Tokyo | Bleached hair, short skirts, loose socks |
| 2000s | Peak popularity in Japan | Magazines like egg, Shibuya 109 mall became Gyaru hubs |
| 2010s | Fewer people followed the style | Some said it looked too wild |
| 2020s–Now | New “Neo-Gyaru” comeback | Softer makeup, mix of old and new fashion |
Shibuya 109 in Tokyo is still known as the “home” of Gyaru culture.
Main Parts of Gyaru Fashion
| Category | Common Features |
|---|---|
| Makeup | Heavy eyeliner, fake lashes, big circle lenses |
| Hair | Blonde or light brown, big curls or waves |
| Tan & Skin | Bronze or sun-kissed look |
| Nails | Long, colorful, with rhinestones or 3D art |
| Clothes | Short skirts, fitted tops, platform shoes |
| Personality | Confident, outgoing, friendly |
Different Gyaru Styles
Gyaru fashion has many substyles, from soft and cute to bold and dark.
| Style | Look & Idea | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kogyaru | “School girl” version | Short skirt, brown hair, big socks |
| Ganguro | Very tanned skin, white makeup | Neon clothes, extreme eye makeup |
| Yamanba / Manba | Even bolder Ganguro | Bright wigs, stickers, and colors |
| Hime Gyaru | “Princess” style | Puffy curls, bows, lace, pink dresses |
| Onee Gyaru | Mature and elegant | Tight dresses, heels, light makeup |
| Rokku Gyaru | Rock/punk vibe | Dark clothes, smoky eyes, studs |
| Agejo | Sexy and glamorous | Rhinestones, lashes, pastel pink makeup |
| Neo-Gyaru | Modern version | Simple makeup, natural tan, Y2K clothes |
Each substyle shows a different personality — cute, classy, wild, or chic.
How to Do Gyaru Makeup
Gyaru makeup is all about big eyes and bright features.
Face
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Smooth, matte foundation
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Contour and blush to shape cheeks
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Highlighter on nose and cheekbones
Eyes
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Thick eyeliner with winged tips
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Long fake lashes (top and bottom)
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Circle lenses to make eyes look bigger
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Glitter or white liner in inner corners
Lips
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Glossy pink or nude colors
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Sometimes two-tone “doll lips”
| Makeup Trick | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White eyeliner | Makes eyes look larger |
| Rhinestones | Adds sparkle |
| Layered lashes | Gives a doll-like effect |
| Strong contour | Adds face shape and depth |
Hair and Color
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Colors: Blonde, honey, ash brown, or pastel pink
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Styles: Big curls, ponytails, or twin tails
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Tools: Curling iron, extensions, teasing comb, hairspray
Read also: Harajuku Barbies
| Hair Color | Works Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde / Caramel | Hime, Agejo | Cute & bright |
| Ash Brown | Onee, Neo-Gyaru | Natural & stylish |
| Black / Dark | Rokku | Cool & edgy |
Gyaru hair is always full and bouncy — flat hair is a no-go!
Tanning and Skin
In old-school Gyaru, dark tans were very popular. It showed independence and fun in the sun.
Today, many Neo-Gyaru prefer a soft glow instead of deep tan.
Safer Tan Options
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Self-tanning lotion
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Spray tan
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Bronzer or body makeup
Tanned or not, Gyaru skin always looks healthy and glowing.
Nails and Accessories
Nails are an important part of Gyaru fashion. They’re like mini art pieces!
Nail & Accessory Ideas
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Acrylic or press-on nails with gems and hearts
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Rhinestone chokers or big earrings
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Cute hair clips or bows
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Loose socks or leg warmers
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Stylish handbags
| Item | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|
| Long nails | Shows glamour and detail |
| Big bows | Adds a girly touch |
| Platform heels | Gives height and shape |
| Shiny jewelry | Matches Gyaru sparkle |
Building Your Own Gyaru Look
Beginner’s Starter Pack
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Mini skirt or denim shorts
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Cute top or cropped cardigan
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Platform shoes
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False lashes & eyeliner
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Hair curler and volumizer
Add-ons
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Circle lenses
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Nail decorations
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Hair extensions
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Jewelry and bows
| Budget | What You Can Get |
|---|---|
| Low (Under $100) | Drugstore lashes, thrift outfits |
| Medium ($100–300) | Salon hair color, good wig, lenses |
| High ($300+) | Branded pieces (Liz Lisa, MA*RS) |
Famous Gyaru Brands and Magazines
| Name | Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Liz Lisa | Brand | Sweet & girly Onee looks |
| MA*RS | Brand | Sexy, flashy clothes |
| Cecil McBee | Brand | Casual Gyaru fashion |
| d.i.a. | Brand | Edgy streetwear style |
| Shibuya 109 | Mall | Gyaru fashion hub |
| Egg Magazine | Magazine | Trend bible for Gyaru teens |
| Ageha Magazine | Magazine | Glamorous hostess looks |
| I Love Mama | Magazine | “Mom Gyaru” lifestyle |
These brands and magazines made Gyaru famous all over Japan and even overseas.
The New Wave: Neo-Gyaru
Today’s Gyaru looks softer and more modern.
Neo-Gyaru keeps the spirit but mixes it with Y2K and Western fashion.
New Trends
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Lighter tan or none at all
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Natural makeup with glam lashes
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Mix of casual and sexy clothes
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Online communities and TikTok tutorials
Gyaru is now global — people from all countries join in the fun!
Challenges and Reality
Even though Gyaru is fun, it has faced problems too.
Common Issues
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Old Stereotypes – Some people still think Gyaru girls are “rebels.”
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Beauty Risks – Hair bleach and tanning can damage skin and hair.
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Cultural Misunderstanding – Some outsiders confuse it with other cultures; real Gyaru fans teach its true meaning.
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Cost – Salon visits, nails, and clothes can get expensive.
The community today focuses on self-care, respect, and creativity.
Gyaru Around the World
Now Gyaru fans can be found everywhere — not only in Japan.
Online groups and meetups happen in:
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The U.S.
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The U.K.
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France and Spain
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The Philippines and Indonesia
They share outfit photos, makeup tips, and dance challenges on social media. This keeps the culture alive and growing worldwide.
Why Gyaru Still Matters
| Reason | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Freedom | It breaks beauty rules and lets you be yourself |
| Creativity | You can mix colors, styles, and makeup freely |
| Confidence | Helps people feel proud and strong |
| Community | Builds friendships online and offline |
| Inspiration | Influences Y2K and K-pop styles today |
Gyaru is not just about clothes — it’s about confidence and joy.
Quick Glossary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 109 (Shibuya 109) | Popular Tokyo shopping mall for Gyaru |
| Para-para | Simple dance popular with Gyaru groups |
| Circle Lenses | Big contact lenses for doll-like eyes |
| Hime | Means “princess” in Japanese |
| Ane / Onee | Means “older sister,” mature style |
| Egg Magazine | A main Gyaru magazine from the 2000s |
Final Thoughts
Gyaru fashion is bold, creative, and full of life. It started as a style — but became a symbol of freedom, friendship, and fun. Even today, girls and guys around the world love Gyaru for what it stands for: confidence, color, and courage to be unique.
