“The 28 State-Approved Haircuts of North Korea: Fashion Under Dictatorship”
In North Korea, fashion isn’t about style, it’s about state control. Citizens are banned from wearing blue jeans, which leader Kim Jong Un considers a symbol of Western imperialism.
The government also prohibits ripped denim, branded T-shirts, piercings, and spiky hairstyles.
Even haircuts are regulated: only 28 are approved, with men and women each limited to 14 styles.
Kim’s own hairstyle is notably excluded to keep it unique. In a country where personal expression is restricted, fashion has become another tool of political conformity.
“Inside North Korea’s Strict Haircut Rules: Only 28 Styles Are Allowed”
In North Korea, even a simple haircut is a matter of state control. Citizens are only allowed to choose from 28 officially approved hairstyles — 14 for men and 14 for women. The government claims these limits help maintain “social order” and promote a “socialist lifestyle,” but in reality, it’s another way to control individuality and self-expression.
For men, the state encourages short, clean cuts that reflect discipline and loyalty. Women’s styles are chosen based on age and marital status — younger women may wear modest curls, while married women are expected to keep their hair neatly tied or trimmed short. Hair dyeing, extravagant designs, and foreign trends are strongly discouraged, as they’re seen as symbols of “Western influence.”
This unusual policy is more than a fashion rule; it’s a window into how deeply North Korea’s leadership influences daily life. Every haircut, every length, every curl must reflect the ideals of conformity and obedience. In a nation where freedom is limited, even something as personal as hairstyle becomes a quiet statement of power and control.
