Latest News

Why Orange Hair Is Everywhere In Bangladesh
Monday, October 21, 2019 IST
Why Orange Hair Is Everywhere In Bangladesh

Orange hair -- whether it's beards, moustaches or on heads -- is everywhere
 
From shades of startling red to hues of vivid tangerine, brightly coloured beards have become a fashion statement on the streets of Bangladesh capital Dhaka.

 
 

Facial hair of sunset tones is now the go-to look for older men wanting to take off the years, with an array of henna options available to the style-conscious.
 
"I have been using it on my hair for the last two months. I like it," says Mahbubul Bashar, in his 50s, whose smile reflected his joy at his new look.
 
Abul Mia, a 60-year-old porter at a local vegetable market, agrees that the vibrant colouring can be transformative.  
 
"I love it. My family says I look a lot younger and handsome," he adds.
 
While henna has been used widely in the country for decades, it has reached new heights of popularity. It is now virtually impossible to walk down a street in a Bangladesh city without seeing a coloured beard.
 
Orange hair -- whether it's beards, moustaches or on heads -- is everywhere, thanks to the popularity of the coloured dye produced by the flowering henna plant.  
 
"Putting henna on has become a fashion choice in recent years for elder men," confirms Didarul Dipu, head fashion journalist at Canvas magazine.
 
"The powder is easily found in neighbourhood stores and easy to put on," he adds.
 
But the quest for youth is not the only reason why more and more Dhaka barbers are adding beard and hair colouring to their services.
 
Top imams also increasingly use henna powder colour in what experts say is a move to prove their Muslim credentials as some religious texts say the prophet Mohammed dyed his hair.
 
In Bangladesh most of the population of 168 million is Muslim.
 
"I heard from clerics that the prophet Mohammed used henna on his beard. I am just following," says Dhaka resident Abu Taher.
 
- Beard fervour -
 
Henna has long been a tradition at South Asian weddings. Brides and grooms use henna paste to trace intricate patterns on their hands for wedding parties.
 
It has also long been used in Muslim communities in Asia and the Middle East for beards.
 
Previously, aficionados created the dye by crushing henna leaves to form a paste. It was messy and time-consuming but modern henna powder is far more user-friendly.
 
Taher, who goes by one name, believes the dye has given his beard added vigour.
 
"Look at this growth. Isn't it strong?" he exclaims pointing to his chin.
 
"The powder turns the grey hair red but does not change the remaining black hair," he explains.
 
Some believe henna powder has health benefits and, as it is natural rather than created using man-made chemicals like some dyes, does not cause any medical issues.
 
The new trend has also boosted barbers' fortunes -- more men feel compelled to dye their hair and to do it more often at the salons.
 
"In the past we hardly would get any customers for this," recalls Shuvo Das, who works at the Mahin Hairdressers in Dhaka's Shaheenbagh neighbourhood.
 
 

 
 

"But now there are clients who come every week to get their beard dyed," he says.
 
"It takes about 40 minutes to make the beard reddish and shiny. It is also cheap. A pack cost only 15 taka (four US cents)," Das explains as he massages the dye mixture -- imported from India -- into a customer's beard.
 
According to Dhaka University sociology professor Monirul Islam Khan, the growing number of henna beards "is a sign of increasing Muslim fervour in Bangladeshi society."
 
But, he adds, even those who are not strict followers do it.
 
He explains: "They want to look younger. Even the women are getting fond of it as it makes their hair glitter."

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
Saba Qamar Video Going Braless in White Shirt Leaked After Private Photos Cause Uproar on Social Media!

Troubles mount for Pakistani actress Saba Qamar as a sensational new video from her controversial photo shoot has made its way on the Twitter. A few days ago, Saba ...

Recently posted . 8K views . 6 min read
 

 Article
Hansika Motwani's private pictures get leaked online!

Actress Hansika Motwani is the latest to fall prey to the evil side of the internet as her private swimsuit pictures got leaked online without her consent. The Sout...

Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
31 Bollywood Movie Names For Dumb Charades To Win The Game

It’s a lazy spring afternoon. You are at home and relaxing lousily on your couch but overall you are getting bored and searching means to entertain yourself. ...

Recently posted . 4K views . 4 min read
 

 Article
18 Bollywood Pairs Whose Real Height Will Definitely Surprise You

When Karan Johar showed Jaya Bachchan using a stool to help her husband, Amitabh Bachchan, wear his tie in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham , it was a classic case of a tal...

Recently posted . 4K views . 1 min read
 

 
 

More in Entertainment & Fun

 Article
Akshay Kumar debuts Bachchan Pandey’s striking new look, postpones film for Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha

Laal Singh Chaddha will be a solo release on Christmas this year after Akshay Kumar postponed Bachchan Pandey’s release dates at Aamir Khan&rsqu...

Recently posted. 564 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Shah Rukh Khan attends hairstylist’s sister’s wedding, leaves the guests thrilled. Watch video

Actor Shah Rukh Khan recently attended the wedding of his hairstylist’s sister’s in Mumbai and gave him and his bride a warm hug on stage.

Recently posted. 752 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Here's What Deepika Padukone's Wedding Saree Designer Has to Say on Sabyasachi Controversy

K Radharaman, owner of Angadi Galleria, said to discredit any designer is unfair and he felt obligated to speak up against the erroneous credit on behalf of the ent...

Recently posted. 992 views . 1 min read
 

 Video
Akshay Kumar Comedy



Recently posted . 735 views
 

 Article
After Struggling For 6 Years, Gully Boy's MC Sher Aka Siddhant Chaturvedi Roars. His Story

Siddhant mentors Ranveer Singh's onscreen character in Gully Boy. He said that he was often 'replaced from films and he built his confidence slowly'

Recently posted. 696 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
A Filipino senator claims to be Thanos’ wife, poses like Avengers: Infinity War villain for pics

After learning that the final scene of Avengers: Infinity War was partially shot in her country, a Filipino senator is claiming that she’s Thanos’ wif...

Recently posted. 828 views . 1 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.”
Amy Poehler

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top