The Iranian government has issued a list of acceptable male hairstyles that includes side-partings and Elvis quiffs in a bid to rid the country of "decadent Western cuts". Iran's culture ministry produced a catalogue of haircuts that meet government approval, and a list of the banned hairstyles, which includes ponytails, mullets and elaborate spikes.
Most of the models featured in the catalogue were clean-shaven though one man had a goatee beard, which was previously frowned upon by Iran's conservative clerics. The "journal of Iranian hairstyles approved by the ministry of [culture and Islamic] guidance" was previewed at a government-approved hairdressing show in Tehran.
"The proposed styles are inspired by Iranians' complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law," the Telegraph quoted Jaleh Khodayar, who is in charge of a Modesty and Veil Festival at which the guide will be promoted. "We are happy that the Islamic republic of Iran's government has backed us in designing these hairstyles," he added.
Western-style dressing is also frowned upon, and the Iranian police carry out regular morality checks.
