Iran’s ministry of culture has released a catalog of government-approved hair styles, in an effort to eliminate the menace of “decadent Western cuts.” According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, forbidden ‘dos include ponytails, mullets and spiky hair. But styles resembling those of Elvis Presley, Simon Cowell, or eighties-era floppy fringes are totally fine. Also, hair gel in moderation is acceptable. With the exception of goatees, facial hair is frowned upon.
Remember now, just months ago an Iranian cleric decreed: “Many women who do not dress modestly lead young men astray and spread adultery in society, which increases earthquakes.” Wonder what disasters the verboten hairdos for men cause?