Iran on Monday released a catalogue for male hairstyles approved by the culture ministry to help Iranian men choose appropriate Islamic haircuts. The catalogue was presented by ministry officials in a press conference ahead of the "Modesty and Veil Festival". It includes pictures of men sporting short and conservative haircuts, some styled with gel. "These hairstyles are inspired by the Iranians' complexion, culture and religion, and Islamic law," said Jaleh Khodayar, who is in charge of the festival, which will be held later this month. "We are happy that the government has backed us in designing these hairstyles."
The move, which is being implemented together with the University of Tehran and the local association of barbers, is to distribute the permitted haircuts for men in the Islamic Republic, "in order to avoid inappropriate hairstyles and encourage an Islamic culture."
The catalogue was distributed in accordance with a clothing law approved by the Iranian parliament four years ago at the start of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's first term as president. Iranian police occasionally raid barber's shops offering 'Western hairstyles". Their owners are warned or "guided" and must commit not to repeat their actions.
