The Rocker Hair trend has invaded the Middle East, where it is being met with much less enthusiasm than here in the States.
Rebellious rocker teens in Iran are sporting faux hawks, spikes and pompadours, and most offensive or all the rooster. This has put the Basij, Iran's religious police, in an uproar. Tehran is the fashion capitol of Iran, and here the trendsetters have the difficult task of incorporating western fashion trends into a conservative status quo.
A great article in this month's issue of VICE goes behind the scenes in Tehran's beauty salon black market. As Travis Beard reports, "the Basij's zero-wacky-haircut-tolerance policy" has not been too effective. Despite a recent crackdown on trendy coiffures, the teens risk arrest by actively seeking out the renegade style shops, where they can get their gel and arm up for a little cultural warfare against religious fundamentalism.
Iranian Rocker Hair
Kids Fight to Keep Their Hair Styles
Trend Themes
1. Rocker Hair Trend - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop alternative hair products that cater to conservative societies while still allowing individuals to express their rebellious style.
2. Black Market Beauty Salons - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create an underground salon app or platform that connects individuals in conservative societies to hairstylists who can provide trendy cuts and styles in secret.
3. Renegade Style Shops - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a network of hidden style shops that offer unconventional haircuts and styles while providing a safe space for individuals in conservative societies.
Industry Implications
1. Haircare Products - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and market hair styling products specifically targeted towards rebellious youngsters in conservative societies.
2. Beauty and Barber Salons - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a salon chain that caters to individuals in conservative societies who desire non-traditional hairstyles, while respecting cultural norms and regulations.
3. Technology and E-commerce - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online platform that allows individuals in conservative societies to virtually try on different hairstyles to find one that aligns with their personal style while adhering to cultural norms.