In Japan most pepole know the common Gyaru GAL Styles such as Kogal, or Ganguro, but most people don't know the difference or actualy how many differnt styles there are! Here is a detailed description of many of the different Gyaru GAL Styles.

Amura

A girl who chooses to follow the look of Namie Amuro...who is rumored to have started the kogal fashion trend with her tan skin and light brown hair and pre-disposition to wear tiny skirts and high boots.

B-Gyaru

Despite popular belief B-Gyaru aren't trying to look like Black women, they are copying R&B artists who are predominately African American. The style is distinguishable only by a very dark tan(whereas Yamanba/Ganguro/Gonguro are mostly tan make-up or bronzer, the B-Gyaru tan is 100% permanent with upkeep of course) and the hairstyles which are mostly micro-braids, cornrows, and almost always extensions.

Banba / Bamba

The style is much more raaku (rock) than the previous gal styles. The style is characterized by fishnet and bright colors but most importantly high stiletto boots and as much streetwalker apparel as a gal is allowed outside of Las Vegas. Not to be confused with Manba, though the hair styles are very similar. A Banba can be classified by pale or dark skin depending on preference. The teased bee-hive-esque do seem to be a favorite (think Elvira) as well as the bright colors.

Baika / Bozosoku

Biker style is characterized by lots of black/bright colors, and leather, chains, and plaid. The style is usually isolated to Banba/Bambas, but there are exceptions. The style is surprisingly feminine and nods to the Vivienne Westwood-punk-bondage styles of the 70's/80's in the U.K. Light white panda make-up is applied to the corners as well as some black liner for contour. The hair is usually similar to banba style but can also be cornrows/braids/or faux-hawks. A popular follower of Baika style is Hiromi Endo who epitomizes it with her fierce expression and up until recently jet black hair...which is uncharacteristic for a GAL to remain raven-headed.

Cocogyaru

Any of the above or remaining GAL styles, but the GAL loves Cocolulu and often drapes herself in lots of labels such as cocolulu logo jeans and a cocolulu monogram bag.

Ganguro

Moderately tanned gyaru. One of the first styles to emerge when "Kogal" began tanning more heavily and took the initiative to take contouring make-up (the white on the bridge of the nose and through the eyes) to a new level. They tend to wear GAL brands as well as whatever the new trend is. The hairstyles usually lean more towards soft waves or stick straight hair with plenty of volume or spiral curled ends. Fake nails are a must or at least some hint of a manicure. Footwear is seasonal, but I can tell you go-go boots and tube top skirts are out.

Ganjiro / Shiro Gyaru

This style pertains to any GAL who chooses not to tan but follows all of the other gal trends. They even go above and beyond the call of duty to remain "bihaku"(beautifully white) and apply sun-block. Some ganjiro choose a light bronze skintone but never tan religiously. It's not the tan that makes you GAL it's the attitude and way of carrying yourself...as well as the fashions you tend to wear. Ganjiro can still be any of the previous fashions other than Gonguro and Ganguro, some even slick on orange make-up and pretend to be Yamanba for a day...many Yamanba are very pale under all the make-up.

Gonguro / Ganguro

This style like Ganguro is taken up a notch. This style requires a super dark tan, super white contouring make-up, and white lipstick. Sometimes bleached white or silver streaked hair is also common.

Himegyaru

Meaning Princess GAL it is a style characterized by pink make-up and long eyelashes as well as either tan or very light skin. Huge hair in a bouffant/beehive is practically the uniform. Himegyaru wear Liz Lisa typically because the brand sums up the style. Lots of fur and rich materials as well as lace and velvet are common. High heels are always a must, as well as a good structured handbag preferably white, black, or pink. Animal prints as well as rhinestones, roses, orchids, and other flowers. Pearl and cameo inlays and beadwork on nails is a big trend. Hair is teased up on top and curled tightly in spirals on the bottom. Hair color is always caramel, black, or dark brown. Rarely is hair dyed white and never unnatural colors. Casual Himegyaru can be confused with Oneegyaru.

Kogyaru / Kogal

A high school girl who chooses to hinder her skin tone and hair color to go against standards set by her school to dictate what she wears or doesn't wear, kogal are set apart from others because of their need to stay "Kawaii" (Cute) ?and one step ahead of fashion trends.

Mago-garu

 A girl not yet in high school but in junior high who follows GAL fashion.

Manba / Mamba

The updated version of Yamamba, is for the most part exactly the same only the make-up is much more powdery and blended better, and often the clothing is Alba Rosa, Cocolulu, and fairly non-beach related clothing. However, 4 inch strappy sandals and Capri pants are all too common.

Oneegyaru

A GAL who is typically in her early to mid twenties that has reformed her previously wild GAL style into a sophisticated, and understated form of Ganguro. Many oneegyaru still tan and dye their hair light brown or blonde but choose to wear labels like Louis Vuitton, YSL, and Chanel.

Rasuta

Rasta style is big in Japan so of course it is big in GAL style also, characterized by Jamaican flags, red-green-yellow, Bob Marley, and lots of straw handbags or hemp clothing. Not to be confused with B-Gyaru but can be sort of a spin-off also.

Romanba /Romamba

A style that is too often called "Lolita Gal" but is rather Ro, as in romantic, and Manba who wear lots of pink and lots of lace. Romanba wear lots of Marie-chan and lots of pearls and flowers. Though similar to the idea of the Lolita Style. It is far from it. Typical brands are Pinky Girls and Liz Lisa. The skin tone is always very dark and the make-up is the same as Yamanba.

Sentaa / Sentaa Guy

Sentaa or Sentaa Guys as for lack of a better term male Manbas...They wear the same Alba Rosa pants and have the same long lion manes teased up 4 inches. They wear the same make-up and even dress in tons of pink. One common difference is the amount of jewelry accosted by a Sentaa-Kun...usually tons of beaded "raver" bracelets or Madonna-esque jelly bracelets cling to their super tan arms. Flip flops are a must...flat ones.

Yanki

The yanki style is typically combat or stiletto boots, loose pants, and a long jacket often a military one. This style can often can be confused with miruteri (milatary style) which was big during the fall of 05'.

Yamanba / Yamamba

The early form of Manba, characterized by over the top make-up and stickers of popular Disney characters or cartoons as well as jewels or stick-on earrings. The clothing style is heavy "I just got back from Hawaii" complete with lei's on wrists, necks, ankles and even in hair. Thick Ganguro style "panda" make-up, and usually orange, hot pink, teal blue, blue or bleached white hair. The usual hairstyle is long with many multi-colored extensions with the common long on bottom short on top hairstyle that is all too frequent in Japan.

This article is referenced by xxmichixx

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Perfect
written by Toru, February 22, 2008

Thanks a lot This is exactly what I was looking for. I didn't realize there were so many different styles.

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written by gil, March 10, 2008

Japan style/culture is so cool...wish to visit the country someday. See ya!

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written by Angel, March 23, 2008

I think they look so cool i never noticed there were different types =)I wanna go there
xXx

ooo =]
written by sidney, March 30, 2008

this was very helpful, i didn't know that there were more than ganguro girls, i like himegyaru the best though =]

seriously?
written by ???, April 02, 2008

this is just gross. and sad. and gives me an inverted penis. srsly. why.

Jesus Herbert Christ
written by Jannine, April 04, 2008

These kids are ridiculous, tasteless and have absolutely no lives... There goes the past delicate beauty of the land of the rising sun. It's like everything they're doing nowadays is a laughable copycatting of some horribly misinterpreted Western custom.

I think...
written by LuLorenzo, April 13, 2008

well i live in portugal and one day the emow style change my life because the closes are black and everything...I love it because it was difrent!
I love meet difrent styles difrent people, cultures, places... And i love this styles because they are diferent. I just don't like peoples give names to her styles :/ and now i love Colors ^^, colores make me more happy!

self centered world views lead to miserable, hateful people
written by Student of Japan, April 15, 2008

I am distressed that so many of you guys seem to think that teh only right or correct fashion is your fashion. I see that you are all perectly obsessed with your small world, determined to maintain the illusion that the only value system of note is your own. Whether or not you like these fashions is hardly the point, they are fashions and an expression of Japanese creativity, a way in which they express themselves in a culture that is exceedingly structured. And after all, are sevel layer prom dresses not as ridiculous?

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written by aznfantasy, April 17, 2008

i love the style is so freaken hot. their so diffrent i hope to be like dat one day hehehe . i really like the rnb style its hot azzz.

come on!
written by Michael Grist, April 21, 2008

These girls are hot, all the more so because they are bucking convention (even if within the style there is convention), stepping up and out, and saying- DAMN, I'm fine!

How are they losers? Who are they copying? Do they look too sexy, have too many sexual partners (if we're to believe the statistics), get too much of your attention that you'd rather focus directly mano-a-mano on your own (inverted?) dick?

Come on. Wake up. These girls are confident and hot, and they hurt nobody (unless they're pushing grannies in front of trains).

very expressive
written by ellabella, April 22, 2008

youve got to admit youve tried to express yourself as openly and accurately as these girls. you have to admit that youve thought of rebelling against the norm and doing what YOU want to do. i know i have, and thses girls ovbviosly think of themselves as individuals. GO GIRLS!

Bucking trends
written by Caro, April 24, 2008

I respect these girls for being so creative but I don't respect any of these girls who may not have jobs and live off their parents. Yes that happens here in North America too but not as often because parents here are usually itching to "kick out" their 18 year olds if they know they can stand on their own feet. Many Asians kids (in Asia or here in North America) don't gain the independence they need to be real adults just because it's a cultural trend for Asian parents to cling onto their kids. Believe me, I'm Chinese girl and I'm bucking the trend by demanding that I live on residence at university (which is right in my city, Vancouver) and deal with my student loan on my own because I am a big girl and frankly to use a harsh term "white-washed". I've got a Chinese friend who's parents DEMAND that she stay in the house for a few more years...so sad...and she's such an independent girl but respects her parents so she stays...The only sad thing I see about this trend in Japan is that more often than not, these girls and guys are steal leaching off their parents and not contributing at all to anything let alone society. These gyaru are beautiful in their boldness but more often than not, terrible for leaching if there is really no need for it. Just as terrible as the Valley Girls of North America. I do respect the gyaru for tanning themselves so deeply and bucking the trend of perceived purity and innocence that Japanese and other Asian women have been stereotyped with in their own countries and in Western society. Asian women can bite too, you conservative bastards and bitches.

Sarcasm? Bitter anger?
written by Michael John Grist, April 24, 2008

ellabella are you being sarcastic? I think you are, but I'm not really sure why. Yeah so their rebellion is in a very specific direction already trail-blazed by others, but they've made a choice to go in that direction. It's an identity and they've chosen it- that's what I respect, rather than just going along with the status quo.

Caro- saved the real vitriol for the end there, didn't you? Is that conservative bastards and bitches thing aimed at all of us and we're all conservative, or just the conservative ones amongst us?

About these girls living with their parents, and leeching from them, I'd have a hard time arguing with that being a bad thing. And parents keeping kids in their homes until late in their adulthood- it's a strange thing. How common are both though? I think we need some interviews with these Gyaru types- get some statistics on what kind of people they are. Seems to me we're all just generalizing.

The one generalization we can make without doubt though- they look hot.

Individuality...i think dats what i wrote about??
written by Margaret Panayiotou, April 25, 2008

wow i really didnt know that they were that many styles in just one sub area of fashion. Its like cool to see how they are able to express themselves as individuals and have confidence with it. Living in New York i know that wearing most of these clothes and over the top accessories will make me look really...weird...just because we are not used to this... we are used to the (im not trying to sound prejudiced or rascist (i am half white tho)) if you are white you wear A&F or American Eagle, or Aeropostale and if you listen to rap you must dress ghetto or the sub area "fresh" lol. It is nice to see that they are thinking outside of what everyone would normally wear and it shows creativity and individuality which is what we need in the world more than anything... I am actually trying to incorporate the Lolita fashion into my wardrobe though it is hard to find a store to try it on instead of online ordering...hopefully i can pull it off!! lol i cant wait to go to japan and see all these styles up close!!

Split feeling
written by Paulina, May 13, 2008

I don't know how I feel about this supculture.. I think it's the tanning I don't like, but I really, really admire the use of colors on clothes and accessories. And I do understand the feeling of trying to be rebellious. Trust me: being born two decades too late for punk, and when both goth, "emo" and .."bimbo" has already gone by, suprising is difficoult. (Speaking of trends here in Norway, anyways.) Lolita might ge something though..

Flipping gross!.. AHH!
written by XxStrawberry_hazzexX, May 19, 2008

for all of those who think this is hot..are f*ckn serious..these girls are jokes and have noooo style their copying off of candy ravers first of plus they look like BLACKFACE its flippin disgusting..i though it was bad when girls in America wore bronzer and overly tanned but this is just terrible and sad that they cant embrace their pale skin thats what makes them gorgeous in the first place..well anywho im just glad i dnt have to encounter those girls everyday

:D
written by Corey, June 07, 2008

ok, i love these trends because i find it so fun! but just a note for people that don't really know about this--in the country of Japan, the majority of people DO NOT do this. so by saying that japan has lost its sense of beauty and all that crap is rediculous. it's the same as the goths, emo and scene people of America. It's not like you'd walk into a school and see everyone dressed like this. True, in Ikebukuro and Shibuya you'll see a lot, but that's their mecca.

the basis of this was to rebel, which means they aren't looking for people to agree with or accept their style--unless the people are other gyarus. So by everyone saying that they're stupid or whatever, you're basically doing what they want you to do. They don't become a gyaru in order to fit into society.

love it
written by lia, June 10, 2008

i love the trends but some of them are scary ! the ones that look like they're really black. but they are true fashion icons. except for the one wearing the pink Stitch dress & pink/white plaid sunflower hairband, c'mon! But you girls rock !

live in japan
written by japanguy, June 12, 2008

the funniest thing about this guide is that 90% of these "gal fashions" don't even exist anymore. i live in japan and visit shibuya, shinjuku and harajuku on a daily basis.. the only gal fashion around these days is the typical somewhat flamboyant clothing, a bit of blue or white eye makeup and the typical light brown or sometimes blonde streaked hair. ganguro went out of fashion at least 5 years ago.

...
written by blah, June 18, 2008

yeah ganguro did go out of style at least 5 years ago and it's a dead style!!
instead its replaced by Gyaru which includes regular gyaru and all other gal styles

and about not seeing them, u must be looking in the wrong places!

Whatever floats your boat
written by MN, June 24, 2008

One thing is for sure and that is I don't think any of these women look hot. I have absolutely nothing against fashion and fighting against the norms that society tries to guide us into and If these girls want to make themselves up like this then have at it. Just as there are some who think it looks hot there are others who think it looks like crap and I am definitely in that latter group. Sorry but even the idea of fake tanning these days is about as stale as their skin is going to be in another 10 years. Sure there is nothing wrong with a little color, it makes people look healthy but dark fake tanning is so so so lame. If destroying your body and getting skin cancer is a fashion that these women want some part of then all I can say is have fun, cause it isn't gonna last. They will all have to cake on the make up for the rest of their lives to hide their nasty leathered skin, that is of course if they make it to that age. Some skin melanoma's can kill you within 6 months of contraction.

One thing is for sure and that is 90% of these women will wake up someday, realize that you can be normal and still be extremely fashionable and they will all look back at pictures of themselves during these Gyaru days and laugh about how utterly ridiculous they used to look. Hopefully their skin wont be completely destroyed by then.

If Gyaru is cool and being normal is uncool, well I guess ill be content being uncool. Now I gotta go, its time to go buy some Abercrombie and Fitch clothing.

Too Bad This Trend has Expired Years Ago...
written by Bobby Corwen, June 29, 2008

Too bad we don't see 'em anymore in 2008... :[ These people are awesome being the few who happen to dress differently and extravagantly...and first-perceived as whores and whatnot...
I mean how many of you people would volunteer to dress up like ganguros for day, and hang around in a small, eh!?
I wouldn't...I would feel really uncomfortable in the clothing and those stares...
But if their leeching off their parents for this...That's pretty unfair. :C
I'm Asian and my parents don't want me to fend off for myself in the real world...They want me to stay with 'em, even If I'm at my late twenties for my safety. Since I'm a girl, they think it'll be dangerous for me to live by myself. :/
Also I don't really get along with them...I really don't get along with them. I could explain my relationship specifically...but I won't. I hate the Asian stereotype...labeling us as innocent, goody-goods, smart people...it really annoys me. We have problems, flaws, and unfavorable personality characteristics just like everyone else.

A Minor Correction and Another Opinion
written by Bobby Corwen, June 29, 2008

:/
Sorry about this...small* is mall.
Also I would like to add...it doesn't matter how you dress unless you're comfortable in what you're wearing. Just wear what you like...don't just dress in whatever-style so you could fit into a random, and "exclusive" clique.

Conformity is not just a Japanese problem.
written by A., July 04, 2008

I love how a lot of the people in here are saying, "These girls need to wake up, they look weird, etc."

Every thought that maybe you look like an oddity to some? Your way of dress is not "normal", and to define it as such is deeply naive and misinformed. No. I don't think they're hot. But that's in the eye of the beholder. I don't think of them as being either hot or ugly - I think they're just doing what they feel like it - and they should be able to do what they wish WITHOUT the labels that they get out of people, Hot, sexy, ugly or any of that. (and women shouldn't ALWAYS have to be grouped as hot in order to matter).

There are some GALs around still! Just not as common I guess...
written by Inoue, July 14, 2008

I don't know about Tokyo (Shinjuku, Harajuku, etc.) but here in Kyoto you can find at least one kind of GAL walking around at department stores, especially since places like Diamond City and Aeon Mall have a couple of GAL shops. And there are GAL-looking employees working at those shops too.
Not to mention near Shijo and Kawaramachi street, there are tons of street botiques and cafes in which I've seen Himegyaru and ONCE a Gonguro (and others without so much panda makeup).

BTW, Yankii aren't related to GAL. They are usually Jr. High school or high school students who talk, walk, and try to act "tough". It's like they have an immediate desire to rebel. You might as well just call them delinquets. Sometimes they're involved in customizing mopeds to an extravigant level and start biker gangs too, just because there's nothing else to do.

YOU CANT GET SKIN CANCER FROM BRONZER SPRAY IDIOTS!
written by SOMEBODY WHO LOVES THIS FASHION, July 14, 2008

its funny because i see these ignorant assholes that arent for this
and make up any excuse to why this fashion is disasterous
well news flash to you
its meant to be a fun style
and it is fun!!!
you all want to be doom and gloom and wear black capes and stuff?
the colour of their skin isnt from the sun if you havent already gathered
makes me laugh to think people believe this!
its called bronzer idiots

...
written by Brittany, July 15, 2008

Anything to make them forget they're Asian, eh?

...
written by Anon, July 16, 2008

Well, I guess, I cant say I see the logic in this mode of dress or appearance, but I imagine that some persons just want to be different.

^_^
written by Halo, July 24, 2008

Hooray for having fun with your look. These guys and gals look like they are having a blast!

Sheesh
written by Miwa, July 25, 2008

They're not afraid of expressing themselves, like the nobrainers in the US following the Paris Hilton mainstream etc.. They're amazing, and for you jackass saying they ruin the country of the rising sun: Firstly, it's not like they're all over the country, they mostly appear in Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku. Secondly: Most of them, although they're doing this to "demonstrate" against the strict society, they still take school seriously, and family too. Plus, they don't wear those clothes everyday, they wear them on sundays (a few of them don't though). Freedom of expression ftw :D

cute!?
written by chaara, August 06, 2008

i think the way they dress is cute, and when i look at the pictures it makes me smile, not because im laughing at them but because i like the bright colours and their big smiles are lovely. of course some people aren't going to like it, but then some of those people are the type to insult openly others for the way the look being ignorant that these people like their style, and at the same time others who dislike this style will express their opinion with out the use of crude words and still give their view. but in my opinion their clothing looks super fun and just for kicks, bamba, gonguro and mamba look very similar to the way some people dress just taken to more extremes. the way they dress is alike popular fashion to day, just brighter and more extavigant, is that realy a crime? because if some see this as a 'fashion disaster' then take a good look at some of the 'latest fashion' of recent trends and alot of it could be encorperated into this style in wich case there must be alot of 'fashion disasters' out in the streets.

I'm all for fun and individuality, but...
written by .x.Seraphim.x., August 09, 2008

"HOT"??? How?! Honestly??? Last time I checked, guys with SENSE didn't seem to like it when women piled on tons of trashy make up - and white glitter ALL OVER YOUR DAMN FACE is as excessive as it can get. Heh... that says a lot about the kind of girls THEY'RE attracted to... I assume they're attracted to drag queens too xD
And those TANS... AAAGH!!!! Japanese women are beautiful, and that's ruined when they try to be black (it was hard to tell if most were even Asian)! That skin color is UGLY on them - it doesn't flatter them or their features in any way. How can they even stand to look in the mirror? They're going to look back one day and be mortified at how ridiculous they looked! There's a reason Japanese people naturally have pale or slightly tan skin - because they look best that way.
Anyone who could look at those poor delusional girls and call them "hot" is obviously blind. Disregarding rebellion, individuality, society's norms, prejudice and all that excess fluff, it all comes down to this: there is attractive, there is UNattractive, and an area in between the two. Yes, there is variance among the preferences of individuals, but you're fooling yourself if you don't admit there are also universal standards - and those girls fall into the UNATTRACTIVE category, no matter how you look at it. Unless, of course, you like your girls on the trashy side. Though I do respect what they're trying to do, they can express their autonomy (if they even have any, seeing as they all seem to look alike) and at the same time actually manage to look like sane humans instead of fake-baked aliens from the planet Skank.

Freedom to Express taken to the EXTREME!!!!
written by Cary, August 11, 2008

This is the first time seeing different sub-cultures in Japan. I only knew of the Ganguro culture which tripped me out at first, but I get it. I think it's really awesome how they express themselves with their styles. Who are we to judge what is improper or ugly. I've gotten an idea of how Asian culture is and for the Japanese teens to self express shows that they are growing as a society. I really dig Japanese culture and always found it's values to be very respectable, which I believe every single Japanese citizen would agree with. Just because the teens are expressing themselves doesn't mean that they don't hold the traditional Japanese values, they just want to be heard and have fun. The one thing I would like to know is which Japanese teens are doing the sub-cultures listed. Are they lower class, mid class, or upper class? the article said Tokyo, so I assume upper class, but I'm just curious.

This is ridiculous
written by anon, August 22, 2008

Will you nay sayers stop being so self-absorbed. So you don't like the style trend? Fine. So you don't find the girls attractive? fine. But who are you imply that these girls are crazy for for following this trend and how they'll regret it as they get older? Hell, at least they have the balls to express their sense of style and protest the constricting norms in a manner that makes them happy and tells passersby where they stand. Do American youth have the guts to do the same? No. You're a yuppie, urban, nerd, goth/rocker/emo, or a product whore for whatever line a celebrity is wearing. No creativity whatsoever.

As for the tans, they do not translate in an attempt to be Black and therefore cancel out their beauty. There are attractive Blacks & Asians and while I do think the tanning in the photos above can be too dark, a darker skin color does not equal a decrease in beauty. If you think they're tanning is an attempt to be Black, then there are hell of a lot White women in the Americas and in Europe who are trying to look Black.