Passport Photo Hairstyles: Guidelines and Considerations

A hairstyle refers to the way in which a person's hair is arranged or styled. This can be achieved through haircuts with scissors or styling using hair products such as gel or hairspray. Usually, a hairdresser is responsible for creating a hairstyle.

Types of Hairstyles

There are countless types of hairstyles, including:

• Afro: a hairstyle where the hair is styled into a large ball around the head. Afros can be massive, sometimes several times the diameter of the head. A famous wearer of this hairstyle was Michael Jackson in his early years.
• Bob: a hairstyle where all of the hair is cut to the same length, typically at the jawline, with a straight fringe. For instance, worn by Joan Crawford.
• Dreadlocks: matted hair that can occur naturally if curly hair is left uncombed for some time. These dreadlocks are permanent and difficult to remove. A well-known wearer was Bob Marley.
• Fauxhawk: a hairstyle where the head is shaved except for a narrow strip in the middle. The remaining hair is held upright with hairspray, creating a hairstyle that resembles the comb of a rooster. This hairstyle is often worn by punk rockers.
• Mullet: a hairstyle where the sides of the hair are shaved or cut short, while the back is left long, or a few straggly hairs remain. This hairstyle was popular in the 1980s.
• Comb-over: a hairstyle used by balding men, where a strand of hair is combed over the scalp to conceal baldness. A well-known wearer is Donald Trump.
• Ponytail: a hairstyle where long hair is tied back with an elastic band at the back of the head, so that it sticks out towards the back and then hangs down. For example, worn by Ronaldinho.
• Payot: sidelocks of long hair worn by Orthodox Jewish men.
• Skinhead: a bald head or closely cropped hair, worn by Gabber fans in the 1990s.
• Spiky hair: a hairstyle where the hair is held upright by gel or hairspray, creating a spiky effect.
• Quiff: a hairstyle where the long hair on top of the head is combed forward and upward, sometimes with a loose curl on the forehead. This hairstyle is particularly associated with Elvis Presley.
• Braids: a strong bundle consisting of three or more strands of hair that are woven together. A well-known wearer was Pippi Longstocking.
• Marcel wave: a hairstyle where waves are applied to the head hair.

Rules for Hairstyles on Passport Photos

Regarding passport photo rules, there are generally no specific requirements for hairstyles. You may wear your hair in any hairstyle that you prefer. However, it is crucial to ensure that you look the same in the photo as you do in person, so your hairstyle should be the same as when you apply for your document. The government official must be able to identify you quickly.

In passport photo regulations, it is stated that hair may hang over the face as long as it does not obscure the eyes or eyelids. This relates to facial recognizability.

Your hair may also fall over your ears as long as your earlobes are visible. This is necessary to determine the width of your face.

If your hairstyle is a large mane, it does not need to be fully displayed in the passport photo.