Types of Gyaru: Complete Directory of Substyles
Explore every major Japanese Gyaru substyle across three decades of fashion history: from 1990s Kogyaru and Ganguro to mid-2000s Hime Gyaru, Agejo, and modern Reiwa revivals.
New to Gyaru Substyles? Start With the Master Guide
Read our canonical guide covering the overarching cultural philosophy, historical eras, and cosmetic foundations that connect all Gyaru substyles.
Featured Substyle Profiles
Agejo Gyaru Fashion
Explore Agejo Gyaru: the seductive, nocturnal substyle popularized by Koakuma Ageha magazine, featuring satin corsets, cat-eye makeup, and voluminous sujimori hair.
Ganguro Fashion
Explore Ganguro fashion: the extreme late-1990s Gyaru substyle featuring deep salon tans, white eye concealer, bleached hair, and Shibuya rebellion.
Hime Gyaru Fashion
The complete archival guide to Hime Gyaru (Princess Gal) fashion, covering Marie Antoinette aesthetics, sujimori teased hair, doll makeup, and iconic Shibuya 109 brands.
Himekaji
An overview of Himekaji (Casual Princess Gal): explore soft floral prints, Liz Lisa styling, cozy knitwear, and everyday romantic Japanese street fashion.
Manba & Yamanba
Explore Manba and Yamanba Gyaru: delve into the extreme dark tan substyle, circular white panda eye makeup, ALBA ROSA coats, and Eurobeat culture.
Modern Gyaru
Explore Modern Gyaru (Reiwa Gyaru): understand the 2020s Tokyo revival, the digital relaunch of egg, contemporary makeup, and global Y2K subculture.
Onee Gyaru
A deep dive into Onee Gyaru (Older Sister Gal) fashion: explore mature sophistication, Happie Nuts magazine history, tailored chic, and glamorous substyle aesthetics.
Rokku Gyaru
An introduction to Rokku Gyaru (Rock Gal): discover leather jackets, heavy metal chains, iconic d.i.a. buckle belts, animal prints, and rebellious Shibuya edge.
Kogyaru Fashion
The historical guide to Kogyaru (Kogal) fashion: how 1990s Japanese high schoolers subverted school uniforms with loose socks, platform boots, and Shibuya street culture.
Gyaru Styles Frequently Asked Questions
How many different types of Gyaru are there?
There are over a dozen documented Gyaru substyles from the Heisei era to the present day. The primary historical branches include Kogyaru, Ganguro, Manba, Yamanba, Hime Gyaru, Agejo, Onee Gyaru, Himekaji, and Rokku Gyaru, with contemporary Reiwa Gyaru reviving and synthesizing these aesthetics today.
Can you mix different Gyaru substyles?
Historically, individual gals often transitioned between substyles as they grew older (for instance, moving from high school Kogyaru to Ganguro, and later to sophisticated Onee Gyaru). In contemporary fashion, enthusiasts often wear different substyles on different days depending on the occasion.