North Korea's Guide to State-Sanctioned Haircuts
28 Approved Styles for Women and Men
In a bizarre twist, the North Korean government has released an official guide to state-sanctioned haircuts. Citizens are now required to choose from a limited selection of 28 approved styles, with 18 options for women and 10 for men.
Women's Haircuts
Female citizens must select from a range of short, conservative styles. The longest permissible option is a chin-length bob, while more daring styles like perms and coloring are strictly forbidden.
Men's Haircuts
Men are prohibited from growing their hair longer than 5 cm (less than 2 inches). Older men may get away with up to 7 cm (3 inches). Notably, the list of approved styles does not include long hair, suggesting that the government views it as a symbol of rebelliousness.
Government's Motivation
The reasons behind the government's strict haircut regulations remain unclear. Some speculate that it is an attempt to enforce uniformity and control over its citizens' appearance. Others believe that it reflects a deeper fear of individual expression and creativity.
Regardless of the motivation, the new haircut guide has sparked mixed reactions from North Koreans. While some have expressed resignation, others are reportedly finding creative ways to subtly defy the regulations.
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