The topic of hairstyles may seem inconsequential when compared to the gravity of issues raised in North Korea, however, it is still important to understand the culture and restrictions on appearance in North Korea. The North Korean government has passed multiple laws and regulations which affect the way individuals dress and the way they style their hair. Although this may seem like a minor detail, it reveals much about the inner workings and principles of such a closed and oppressive nation.
The North Korean government is infamous for its strict rules and regulations, and its hairstyle regulations are as stringent as laws on other aspects of life. Haircuts in North Korea have been limited to 15 approved hairstyles for men and 18 for women. Men are only allowed to have one of these 15 approved haircuts and it is controlled by the Ministry of the People’s Security. Women have to choose from 18 styles dictated by the government, with options including the “Socialist Bouffant”, “Short Bob” and the “Short in Back”. All approved hairdos are long and groomed and very few deviations from the pre-approved styles are acceptable in North Korea.
The rules serve to emphasize the conformity required by the government, while also attempting to maintain a sense of unity and discipline among the North Korean people. North Korean citizens are required to obtain a permit from their local government to get their hair cut in any style. The hairstyles which are approved by the government symbolize national unity and loyalty to their supreme leader, Kim Jong-Un. The rules are designed to discourage individuality, to emphasize the importance of loyalty to the state, and to reflect the idea that citizens should present a unified and clean appearance.
Apart from the 15 approved hairstyles, North Koreans are also encouraged to stay away from eccentric or flashy haircuts. Those who violate this restriction often face stern punishment, including harsh lectures from their local government. Local government officials often inspect people to make sure they are in compliance with the hair regulations. They will check for the length of the hair and for any rebellious looks or styling that are not in line with the approved rules.
It is not only the hairstyles that are regulated in North Korea, but also the manner in which they are worn. Men and women should not use hair styling products or color their hair, as they are considered extravagant and a sign of individualism. North Koreans are expected to keep their hair clean and tidy and maintain the same hairstyle for at least a month.
Given the current political situation in North Korea, it is not difficult to see why such restrictions have been put in place. It is clear that the North Korean government tries to discourage any form of individual expression or deviation from the state’s rigid expectations. It is likely that these restrictive laws on hairstyles will remain in place for the foreseeable future, as the government continues to prioritize conformity and control over freedom of expression and individuality.
Cosmetology Industry in North Korea
Despite North Korea’s strict regulations on hairstyles, the cosmetology industry has still managed to thrive and grow over the last decade. Given the lack of resources and the difficult living conditions, it may seem unlikely that North Koreans would be able to access beauty care services. However, due to the country’s strong emphasis on appearances, the North Korean government has created an industry which provides basic beauty services to its people.
North Korea has more than 500 hair salons and barbershops across the country, although they are limited to the upper classes of North Korea. Hair salons in North Korea have to adhere to the strict standards imposed by the government, and are only permitted to provide basic services such as haircuts and shampoos. Despite the restrictions, these salons are popular places for North Koreans to visit, especially for women. Women in North Korea often view salons as a rare opportunity to escape the mundane duties of their everyday lives.
The North Korean government also allows beauty schools to operate, despite the country’s lack of resources. These beauty schools train students to be stylists and offer services such as hair styling, makeup, and manicures. While the training is mostly done in the classroom, students are also encouraged to practice on each other. These beauty schools are quite popular and admission is highly competitive.
The cosmetology industry in North Korea has experienced a tremendous growth in the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down. Many North Koreans view it as a sign of progress and a symbol of hope for the future. Despite the restrictions and the difficult living conditions, the North Korean people have managed to establish an industry which provides services to both its citizens and visitors.
North Korean Hairstyles in Pop Culture
In recent years, North Korean hairstyles have become more visible in the public eye and are commonly seen in pop culture. Many people are now aware of the North Korean style and its influence on South Korean style. North Korean hairstyles have become popular in South Korea, where they are seen as a symbol of rebellion and a way to express individualism. The “Socialist Bouffant”, the “Short Bob” and the “Short in Back” are some of the most popular North Korean hairstyles in South Korea.
North Korean hairstyles are also often seen in K-pop music videos. Artists such as Seulgi of Red Velvet, Kim Dong-Hyun of Monsta X and Doyeon of Weki Meki have worn North Korean hairstyles in their music videos, giving the look a modern twist. This has helped to further popularize the look, making it more widely accepted in South Korea.
The increasing popularity of North Korean hairstyles has led to a surge of interest in North Korean culture and fashion. South Koreans, who are eager to learn more about the country, are now exploring North Korean fashion and hairstyles, with the help of South Korea’s own fashion blogs and magazines. North Korean hairstyles and fashion have become an important part of South Korean culture, and they are often seen as a symbol of rebellion against societal norms.
Future of North Korean Hairstyles
It remains to be seen whether North Korean hairstyles will become more accepted in the future. However, one thing is certain: North Korean hairstyles are not going away anytime soon. North Koreans are proud of their culture and their hairstyles, and they will continue to embrace them despite the restrictive regulations imposed on them by the government. It is possible that North Korean hairstyles may become more accepted in the future, as more people become exposed to them, and as North Koreans become more open to outside influences.
Furthermore, it is likely that the cosmetology industry in North Korea will continue to grow and expand. North Korean hair salons and beauty schools may become more available to the general public, offering more services and more advanced techniques. As North Korea continues to grow and develop, it is possible that restrictions on personal expression and hairstyles may be eased, allowing North Koreans to express themselves more freely.
Inter-Korean Relations and North Korean Hairstyles
The increasing rapprochement between the two Koreas has had an impact on the availability of North Korean hairstyles. While the North Korean government was once fiercely hostile towards the South Korean hairstyle industry and South Korean culture in general, it is now more open to such influences. South Korean hairstylists have been allowed to travel to North Korea, opening up possibilities for the spread of South Korean hairstyle trends. North Koreans are now also more able to access South Korean media, which may lead to more North Koreans embracing South Korean hairstyles.
North Korean hairstyles may also be adopted more widely in international pop culture. As more North Korean celebrities become popular in the mainstream, there is a growing interest in the culture and its hairstyles, which may lead to a more widespread acceptance in the future. North Korean hairstyles are now being seen in mainstream media, fashion, and even Hollywood movies, and it is likely that they will remain popular in the coming years.
Clothing and North Korean Hairstyles
The restrictive laws imposed by the North Korean government have also affected the clothing industry in the country. Clothing is highly regulated in North Korea, with clothing items limited to a specific style and color. North Koreans are encouraged to follow the government-mandated look at all times, and flashy clothing items are largely discouraged. This restrictive attitude towards clothing also extends to hairstyles, and North Koreans are expected to follow the government-mandated hairdos at all times.
Although clothing and hairstyles are heavily regulated in North Korea, it is interesting to note that clothing and hairstyles in South Korea have been heavily influenced by North Korean style. South Korean fashion has taken cues from the North Korean style, with some clothing items and hairstyles becoming popular in the country. This is indicative of the growing openness of South Koreans towards North Korean culture and their willingness to explore North Korean fashion and beauty.
Overall, it is evident that North Korea has a highly controlled and restricted system of hairstyles which are closely monitored by the government. Although these laws may seem restrictive, they serve to emphasize the importance of national unity and loyalty to the state. North Korean hairstyles have become popular in South Korea and are now seen in mainstream media, fashion and culture. It remains to be seen whether North Korean hairstyles will become more accepted in the future, but for now, they remain an intrinsic part of North Korean culture.
