In a country known for its strict control over nearly every aspect of daily life, North Korea’s regulations on haircuts are among the more curious and widely discussed. Haircuts in North Korea are not just a matter of personal preference—they are heavily influenced by the state’s ideology, political structure, and the cult of personality surrounding the ruling Kim family. In fact, haircuts in North Korea are seen not only as a reflection of individual style but also of one’s adherence to social norms and the government’s expectations.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, cultural significance, and contemporary rules surrounding haircuts in North Korea. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of this unique and sometimes controversial aspect of North Korean society.
The Historical Context of Haircuts in North Korea
To understand North Korea’s strict haircut regulations, it’s important to first understand the country’s totalitarian system and the cult of personality that surrounds the Kim family. When Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, came to power in 1948, he began implementing strict rules on many aspects of public and private life. Personal appearance, including hairstyles, was seen as a way to promote social order and reinforce the communist ideals that the state was trying to instill in its citizens.
Initially, haircuts in North Korea were not drastically different from those in other communist countries or even the Soviet Union, where the idea of uniformity and conformity was promoted. However, over time, the Kim family regime introduced more specific standards, likely as a way to further control public behavior and to foster loyalty to the state. Under Kim Il-sung and his successors, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un, North Koreans were expected to adhere to certain hairstyles, which were seen as a reflection of their adherence to the state’s values.
Types of Haircuts in North Korea
While the idea of a “North Korean haircut” may sound unusual to outsiders, in the country itself, hairstyles are carefully regulated and are expected to conform to certain styles considered appropriate by the government. Some of the most common and officially approved haircuts in North Korea include:
1. The “State-Approved” Haircut for Men:
- Men are typically required to keep their hair short and neatly trimmed. The most common haircut for North Korean men is the short back-and-sides style, where the hair is shaved close to the scalp on the sides and kept slightly longer on top.
- The haircuts are intended to give off a clean, disciplined appearance that aligns with the country’s ideological values of conformity and control.
- North Korean men are discouraged from wearing any long or unruly hairstyles, and facial hair is generally not allowed.
2. Women’s Hairstyles:
- Women’s haircuts in North Korea tend to be more modest and conservative. The most common styles involve medium-length hair or short, neatly styled bobs, often with the hair slightly curled or styled into waves.
- North Korean women are not encouraged to adopt any modern or extravagant hairstyles that could be seen as too Western or rebellious. Hair must always be kept neat and tidy, and anything that stands out or is perceived as “too fashionable” may be frowned upon.
3. Kim Jong-un’s Famous Hairstyle:
- One of the most iconic and widely discussed hairstyles in North Korea is that of Kim Jong-un, the current leader. His distinctive flat-top haircut has become a symbol of his leadership.
- This hairstyle, with short sides and a longer top that is combed flat, is not just a personal style choice but a reflection of North Korea’s personality cult surrounding its leader. It is said that many young men in the country now adopt a similar style to imitate their leader, although this has not been officially mandated.
4. The Influence of “Socialist Realism” on Haircuts:
- North Korea’s government promotes socialist realism not just in art and literature but in appearance as well. The idea is to foster a sense of uniformity and discipline among citizens.
- Hairstyles that are seen as flashy, trendy, or connected to Western fashion are heavily discouraged. The government promotes styles that are considered conservative and practical, designed to avoid individual expression that could lead to discontent or challenge the state’s authority.
The Role of Hair Salons in North Korea
Hair salons in North Korea are strictly regulated, and only those that adhere to the government’s standards are allowed to operate. In fact, there are reports that North Korean citizens often have limited choices when it comes to selecting a barber or hairstylist. Barbershops in North Korea are trained to give only approved hairstyles, and the options available are not based on personal choice but rather on what is acceptable according to state ideology.
In Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, hair salons are generally state-run or government-controlled, and customers are encouraged to stick to traditional and modest styles. Some reports suggest that certain salons cater specifically to tourists or high-ranking officials, offering more variety, but these services are typically restricted from the general population.
Haircuts and the Cult of Personality
The Kim family’s influence on haircuts goes beyond simple aesthetics. The country’s rulers have used haircuts as a tool for maintaining control over citizens, reinforcing the cult of personality that has surrounded the Kim family since Kim Il-sung’s leadership. North Koreans are encouraged to adopt hairstyles that reflect their loyalty to the state and their commitment to its ideals.
The most famous example of this is the Kim Jong-un haircut, which has become an unofficial symbol of North Korean nationalism. Many North Korean men, particularly the youth, are encouraged to adopt this hairstyle as a sign of respect for their leader, and it’s even said that young men may feel pressure to sport similar looks.
The Relationship Between Hairstyles and Social Control
In a society as highly controlled as North Korea, seemingly small aspects of personal life, such as hairstyles, are used to regulate behavior and maintain social order. Haircuts, as a form of personal expression, are tightly controlled to minimize any opportunities for individualism or rebellion. With no room for personal choice in appearance, North Koreans are constantly reminded of the party’s ideological control over both the public and private spheres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there restrictions on hairstyles in North Korea?
Yes, North Korea has strict regulations on hairstyles. Men are generally expected to wear short, neat haircuts, while women’s hairstyles are typically conservative. Anything too flashy or resembling Western trends is discouraged.
2. What is the most common haircut for men in North Korea?
The most common haircut for men is a short back-and-sides style, where the hair is shaved close to the scalp on the sides and kept a little longer on top.
3. Can North Koreans choose their own hairstyles?
While North Koreans technically have the freedom to choose their own hairstyles, they are strongly encouraged to adhere to state-approved styles. Haircuts that do not conform to government standards can be viewed as rebellious or disrespectful.
4. Why is Kim Jong-un’s haircut significant?
Kim Jong-un’s flat-top haircut has become an iconic symbol of his leadership and a representation of the personality cult surrounding him. Many young men in North Korea imitate his hairstyle as a sign of loyalty to their leader.
5. Are there any exceptions to the haircut rules in North Korea?
Although the rules apply broadly, there may be some exceptions for high-ranking officials or foreigners. In cities like Pyongyang, there may be more variety in hair salons catering to elites or visitors, but for the average citizen, choices remain limited.
6. How do North Koreans feel about the strict haircut regulations?
While it is difficult to gauge public opinion in a society with limited freedom of expression, many North Koreans likely see these regulations as a normal part of life. Some may feel pressure to conform, while others may accept them as part of the broader social order.
Conclusion
North Korea’s regulations on haircuts are just one example of the country’s strict control over its citizens’ personal lives. Haircuts, much like other aspects of North Korean life, serve as a tool for enforcing conformity and loyalty to the regime. While these grooming rules may seem unusual or excessive to outsiders, in North Korea, they are part of a larger effort to maintain social order, reinforce the cult of personality around the ruling Kim family, and ensure the country’s adherence to state ideology. Whether it’s adopting the Kim Jong-un hairstyle or sticking to the short, neat cuts required for everyday citizens, North Koreans live in a society where personal choice is often subordinated to the needs of the state.
