Like Russian senator Valentina Petrenko, these politicians too opted for unique hairstyles...
Recently, Twitter was abuzz with pictures and memes of Russian senator Valentina Petrenko, No, it wasn’t due to her political achievements, but because of her quirky hairstyle. Barring the late APJ Abdul Kalam, who was known for his unique haircut, most Indian politicians prefer to stick to the conventional. However, that’s not the case abroad. After Hrs takes a look at people in powerful positions, who stood out for their choice of hairdo.
Valentina Petrenko
While Petrenko’s bizarre mane has left many intrigued by its sheer volume, it also features in various hilarious memes. Some folks are trying their best to demystify this fascinating hairstyle... While few think the 62-year-old’s staccato tresses are inspired by Marge Simpsons of The Simpsons, others have called it a Hunger Games-style coif. Disagree? We leave you to figure it out on your own!
Boris Johnson
In most pictures clicked of the British politician, it looks like he’s having a hard time trying to tame his wild locks. His trademark messy hair reminds one of Jeff Daniel’s character Harry in the movie Dumb And Dumber (1994).
Donald Trump
For years, people have been commenting on the US President’s blonde mop hairstyle and trying to decode it, with some even alleging he’s wearing a wig. Trump’s hairdo doesn’t only find its way in the form of memes circulating online but also in many comedy sketches and impersonations.
Kim Jong Un
The first thing one notices about the North Korean leader is his signature hairstyle that has seen many variations over the years. Apparently, he first started wearing his hair in the voluminous style as a nod to his grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.
Expert speak
Hairy business
Hairstyles are intrinsically connected to one’s self-esteem and self-confidence, it’s that one aspect of ourselves we change or manage in many ways, giving us a sense of control unlike other aspects of skin colour or body type we can’t or have much control over, says Bhakti Thakkar Bauva, consulting clinical psychologist, Fortis Hospital.
A political gimmick?
Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr Anjali Chhabria doesn’t deny that it could be used as a political gimmick at times to create a buzz amongst the social media as any physical/cosmetic change is quickly noticed.
Favourable or unfavourable?
Does sporting peculiar hairstyles work in their favour? Thakkar Bauva says this is a tricky space as it does work in their favour even though it doesn’t appear to be the case always. “In the past, only the topmost leaders in the hierarchy of a country were known to people. But thanks to the power of social media today, even a Russian senator is getting talked about globally. Psychologically speaking, when we form memories about an individual, we tend to focus on their differences rather than similarities we share with them. This helps give a strong recall value. And politics is a field wherein you want to be noticed, stand out and make an impression,” she explains.
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