How To Become Gyaru: Style, Makeup, & Culture Guide

Hey guys! Ever felt like breaking away from the norm and embracing a vibrant, confident, and totally unique style? Then the Gyaru lifestyle might just be your perfect fit! This Japanese subculture is all about expressing yourself, having fun, and owning your individuality. So, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of Gyaru and how you can become one!

What Exactly is Gyaru?

Gyaru: Unveiling the vibrant world of Japanese fashion. Before we jump into the how-to, let's understand the Gyaru essence. Originating in the 1990s, Gyaru (often stylized as gals) is a Japanese subculture and fashion movement that rebels against traditional Japanese beauty standards and societal norms. Think bold makeup, tanned skin (though this is less common now), vibrant hairstyles, and unapologetically confident attitudes. It's a celebration of youthfulness, fun, and self-expression through fashion and lifestyle. The Gyaru culture isn't just about looks; it's a mindset. It's about being confident, independent, and embracing your individuality. It's about challenging conventional beauty standards and creating your own definition of beauty. Gyaru fashion is diverse, with many sub-styles within the Gyaru umbrella, each with its unique characteristics. What unites them is the emphasis on standing out, being bold, and expressing yourself through fashion and makeup. The Gyaru movement emerged in response to the conservative social norms prevalent in Japan. Young women sought to break free from these constraints and express their individuality. Gyaru fashion often incorporates elements of Western fashion, blending them with Japanese aesthetics to create a unique and eye-catching style. Over time, Gyaru culture has evolved, with different sub-styles emerging and fading in popularity. However, the core values of self-expression, confidence, and rebellion against norms remain central to the Gyaru spirit. Gyaru fashion is not just about the clothes; it's about the whole package. Hair, makeup, nails, accessories, and attitude all contribute to the overall look. Gyaru fashion is about creating a persona, a character that reflects your personality and your mood. It’s a way of saying, “This is me, and I’m not afraid to show it.”

Exploring the Diverse Substyles of Gyaru

Gyaru substyles: Discovering your unique fashion identity. One of the coolest things about Gyaru is the sheer variety of substyles! There’s a Gyaru style for almost every personality and taste. Let's explore some of the most popular ones to help you find your perfect fit. First, there’s Kogal, the iconic schoolgirl style with mini skirts, loose socks, and a playful vibe. Kogal often incorporates elements of school uniforms, but with a Gyaru twist, such as shorter skirts, platform shoes, and lots of accessories. Then there’s Ganguro, one of the most recognizable styles, featuring deep tans, bleached hair, and bold, dramatic makeup. Ganguro is all about making a statement and pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty standards. The Ganguro style is often associated with a rebellious and carefree attitude. Next up is Yamanba, an even more extreme version of Ganguro, with even darker tans, white makeup around the eyes and mouth, and colorful hair and accessories. Yamanba is not for the faint of heart; it's a style that demands attention and exudes confidence. If you're looking for something a bit more glamorous, Agejo might be your style. This substyle is all about looking like a sophisticated hostess, with elegant dresses, elaborate hairstyles, and lots of sparkle. Agejo is often seen in nightlife settings, and it's a style that emphasizes femininity and glamour. For a more casual and natural look, Onee Gyaru is the way to go. This style focuses on mature, sophisticated fashion with a Gyaru twist, using natural-looking makeup and elegant clothing. Onee Gyaru is perfect for those who want to incorporate Gyaru elements into their everyday style without going too extreme. And finally, there's Hime Gyaru, the princess style! Think frills, lace, crowns, and everything girly and extravagant. Hime Gyaru is all about embracing your inner princess and creating a fairytale look. Each substyle has its unique charm, so experiment and see what resonates with you. Remember, there are no strict rules – Gyaru is all about self-expression, so mix and match, and create your own unique style!

Makeup is Key: Mastering the Gyaru Look

Gyaru makeup: The transformative art of self-expression. Makeup is a crucial element in achieving the Gyaru look. It's where you can really express your personality and transform your appearance. While styles vary, a few key elements are consistent across most Gyaru looks. Let's start with the base. Achieving a flawless complexion is essential. Many Gyaru styles, particularly the earlier ones, favored a tanned look. However, today, you can achieve a Gyaru-inspired look with your natural skin tone or a slightly lighter base. Foundation, concealer, and powder are your best friends here. The focus is on creating a smooth, even canvas for the rest of your makeup. Next up: the eyes! Big, doll-like eyes are a signature Gyaru feature. Circle lenses are often used to enlarge the irises and create that wide-eyed look. Eyeliner is your secret weapon here. Use a black liquid or gel liner to create a thick, dramatic line along the upper lash line, extending it into a wing for a cat-eye effect. The lower lash line is just as important. Line it with a dark pencil and use white or shimmery shadow on the inner corners of your eyes to make them pop. Mascara is essential for achieving those fluttery lashes. Apply several coats of black mascara to both your upper and lower lashes. False eyelashes are also a common addition, especially for more dramatic styles like Ganguro or Yamanba. Don't be afraid to layer them for extra volume and length. Eyebrows are often shaped into a thin arch and filled in with a color that matches your hair. However, some Gyaru styles prefer a straighter, more natural brow shape. Cheeks are usually given a pop of color with blush, applied high on the cheekbones for a youthful, radiant look. Pink and peach shades are popular choices. Lips are often kept glossy and plump. Nude, pink, or bright red lipsticks are commonly used, often topped with a layer of lip gloss for extra shine. Remember, Gyaru makeup is all about experimentation and having fun. Don't be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you. Watch tutorials, practice your techniques, and most importantly, express yourself!

Hair and Nails: Completing the Gyaru Transformation

Gyaru hair and nails: The ultimate finishing touches to your style. Hair and nails are just as important as makeup and clothing in the Gyaru world. They're the perfect accessories to complete your look and express your individuality. Let's start with hair. Gyaru hairstyles are often bold, voluminous, and attention-grabbing. Big, teased hair, bright colors, and elaborate styles are common. Think backcombing, extensions, wigs, and lots of hairspray! Bleached or brightly colored hair is a signature Gyaru look. Popular colors include blonde, pink, and other pastel shades. However, you can also experiment with darker colors or highlights. Hair accessories are your best friends when it comes to Gyaru hair. Think bows, ribbons, flowers, and anything sparkly or cute. The more, the merrier! Hairstyles vary depending on the substyle. Hime Gyaru, for example, often features elaborate curls, braids, and crowns, while Kogal might opt for a simpler, more natural style with a few cute accessories. Now, let's talk nails! Gyaru nails are known for being long, elaborate, and over-the-top. Think acrylics, gels, 3D designs, rhinestones, and glitter! Nail art is a huge part of Gyaru culture. You can create intricate designs, add charms, or even sculpt 3D elements onto your nails. The possibilities are endless! Long nails are a signature Gyaru feature. They can be shaped into various styles, such as square, stiletto, or coffin. However, you can also opt for shorter nails if that's more your style. Nail polish colors are just as diverse as Gyaru styles. Bright colors, pastels, glitter, and holographic polishes are all popular choices. Remember, your hair and nails are an extension of your personality. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and create a look that's uniquely you. Visit nail salons, watch tutorials, and get inspired by other Gyaru styles. The key is to have fun and express yourself!

Fashion and Attitude: Embracing the Gyaru Lifestyle

Gyaru fashion and attitude: Embodying the confident and expressive lifestyle. Gyaru isn't just about the external appearance; it's also about the attitude and the lifestyle. Gyaru fashion is diverse, but it always revolves around being bold, confident, and expressing yourself. Mini skirts, platform shoes, bright colors, and lots of accessories are common elements. However, the specific styles vary depending on the substyle. Kogal, as we mentioned, often incorporates elements of school uniforms, while Agejo focuses on elegant, glamorous dresses. Ganguro and Yamanba styles are more edgy and rebellious, featuring dark colors, ripped clothing, and bold accessories. Accessorizing is key in Gyaru fashion. Think chunky jewelry, belts, bags, and anything that adds personality to your look. Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and create your own unique combinations. But more than just fashion, Gyaru attitude is about confidence, independence, and having fun. It's about embracing your individuality and not being afraid to stand out. Gyaru girls are known for being outgoing, friendly, and supportive of each other. The Gyaru community is all about empowering women and celebrating their individuality. Confidence is key to pulling off the Gyaru look. Believe in yourself, embrace your style, and don't worry about what others think. Remember, Gyaru is all about self-expression, so have fun with it! Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and create a style that reflects your personality. Surround yourself with positive people who support your style and your individuality. The Gyaru community is a great place to find friends and inspiration. And most importantly, be yourself! Gyaru is about expressing your true self, so let your personality shine through.

Where to Find Inspiration and Community

Gyaru inspiration and community: Connecting with fellow enthusiasts. So, you're ready to dive into the Gyaru world, but where do you find inspiration and connect with like-minded people? The internet is your best friend here! Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are treasure troves of Gyaru inspiration. Search for hashtags like #gyaru, #gal, #japanesefashion, and #jfashion to discover countless photos and videos of Gyaru girls from all over the world. Follow your favorite accounts and get inspired by their styles. YouTube is another great resource for tutorials and vlogs. You can find makeup tutorials, hair styling tips, and even videos about Gyaru culture and lifestyle. Search for channels dedicated to Japanese fashion or beauty to discover new content. Online forums and communities are also a great way to connect with other Gyaru enthusiasts. Share your style, ask for advice, and make new friends. Look for online groups or forums dedicated to Gyaru culture or Japanese fashion. Magazines and websites dedicated to Japanese fashion are also excellent sources of inspiration. Look for magazines like egg, Popteen, and Ranzuki, which often feature Gyaru fashion and beauty trends. Many websites and blogs also cover Japanese fashion and culture, providing articles, photos, and videos about Gyaru. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The Gyaru community is all about self-expression, so find your own style and express your personality. And most importantly, have fun! Gyaru is about celebrating your individuality and enjoying the process of self-discovery. So, go out there, connect with other Gyaru enthusiasts, and unleash your inner Gyaru!

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Inner Gyaru

Embracing your inner Gyaru: Celebrating individuality and self-expression. Becoming Gyaru is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It's about embracing your individuality, challenging norms, and having fun with fashion and makeup. Remember, there are no strict rules in the Gyaru world. It's all about finding your own style and expressing your personality. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and create a look that's uniquely you. Confidence is key to pulling off the Gyaru look. Believe in yourself, embrace your style, and don't worry about what others think. Gyaru is about celebrating your beauty, both inside and out. Connect with the Gyaru community online and in person. Share your style, ask for advice, and make new friends. The Gyaru community is a supportive and welcoming place where you can be yourself and express your creativity. Stay inspired by following Gyaru trends and styles online and in magazines. But remember, inspiration is just a starting point. Use it to create your own unique style and express your personality. Gyaru is more than just a fashion trend; it's a lifestyle. It's about embracing confidence, independence, and self-expression. It's about living your life to the fullest and having fun along the way. So, are you ready to unleash your inner Gyaru? Go for it! Embrace your individuality, express yourself, and have fun with fashion and makeup. The world is your runway!