Hairstyles of a spiky and unorthodox nature have reportedly been banned in Iran because they are "devil worshipping", while tattoos and other male bodily adornments are also being outlawed.
Jagged haircuts have become fashionable for Iranian youths in recent years but have divided opinion, and authorities have deemed them western and un-Islamic.
"Devil-worshipping hairstyles are now forbidden," Iran's Barbers Union head Mostafa Govahi said cited by the ISNA news agency.
"Any shop that cuts hair in the devil-worshipping style will be harshly dealt with and their licence revoked."
He said if a business cut hair in such a style this would "violate the Islamic system's regulations".
As well as tattoos being banned, solarium treatments and the plucking of eyebrows — another rising trend among young Iranian males — would not be tolerated, the report said.
Mr Govahi blamed unauthorised barbers for offering the spiky hairstyles and other treatments.
"Usually the barber shops who do this do not have a licence," he said.
"They have been identified and will be dealt with."
The Barbers Union represents only male hairdressers in Iran, with female stylists having a separate trade organisation.
AFP
