YANGON’S youth are spending increasing amounts of time at the hairdresser as new styles and trends are hitting the streets, hairdressers and trend setters told the Myanmar Times.

Renowned hairstylist Ko Ko says Korean styles are popular among the cool crowd and many guys and girls are going for longer cuts than before.

“Alternative styles are in at the moment,” Ko Ko says.

Hairstylist Ma Nge says girls are wearing their hair longer these days, and many are experimenting with curls, layers and colours.

Ko Htet Aung, a 28-year-old who sports a short and spiky ‘hip hop’ hairdo, says the way people style their hair has become important to young people who want to be individual. Ko Htet Aung says his hair style is his trade mark.

“Years ago, all the hairstyles looked very similar and everyone had their hair cut in a certain way even if it didn’t suit them,” Ko Htet Aung says.

“Now things are different and there are more styles to choose from so people are using their hair as a form of expression.”

Ma Nwe Ni, a 24-year-old with a Korean style cut that is straight and layered, says a person’s hairstyle reveals a lot about their attitude to life.

“Hair says a lot about a person’s lifestyle. I chose a hairstyle that would suit my personality,” Ma Nwe Ni said.

Ma Nge says putting effort into keeping your hair healthy is as important as keeping your body in shape.

“There are still some girls who don’t realise that your hairstyle is as important as your make-up and your clothes sense,” Ma Nge says.

And while a change is as good as a holiday and trimming our hair can give be a bit of a confidence boost, Ma Nwe Ni says her hairstyle sense is hitting her purse hard.

“When you have your hair styled, you have to spend money on a variety of different shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair healthy. Maintaining a new hairstyle costs a lot, plus everyone wants to go to the best stylists,” Ma Nwe Ni says.

Ko Ko agrees that as Myanmar guys and girls get more adventuress with their hair, they spend increasing amounts of time and money at the hairdressers.

“Some people are even going to the hairdresser once a week to maintain the hairstyles they have,” Ko Ko says.