In this Chinese village of 'real-life Rapunzels,' women only cut their hair once in their lives

Isaiah ReynoldsMar 5, 2023, 19:52 IST

Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

In Huangluo village of Guangxi Zhuang, hair is deeply connected to womanhood.
The Red Yao women are widely known for growing their hair nearly six feet long as a sign of longevity.

The Red Yao women of Huangluo Yao village are visited by people from around the world to witness the most remarkable feature of beauty in their culture — their hair.

VW Pics/Getty Images

The Red Yao women of Huangluo Yao village are visited by people from around the world to witness the most remarkable feature of beauty in their culture — their hair.

The Red Yao women, referring to their traditionally red clothing, only cut their hair once, typically on their 18th birthday.

China News Service/Getty Images

Growing their locks to nearly six feet long, the women have a traditional cleansing routine they follow to maintain hair health and color.

Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

Yao women mark their first haircut as a sign they are open for marriage. This hair does not go to waste, however — the hair is preserved by family until the woman is married.

VCG/Getty Images

Yao women mark their first haircut as a sign they are open for marriage. This hair does not go to waste, however — the hair is preserved by family until the woman is married.

As the women mature, certain styles signify different marital and family statuses.

VW Pics/Getty Images

For centuries, hair was so sacred there were specifications on who could or could not see a woman's hair.

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One of the most unique results of their hair regimen has been eradicating grey hairs — the Red Yao women claim that many do not experience hair graying until well into their 80s.

VW Pics/Getty Images

One of the most unique results of their hair regimen has been eradicating grey hairs — the Red Yao women claim that many do not experience hair graying until well into their 80s.

People around the world marvel at the traditional beauty of the Red Yao women and their customs. They are lauded as the "rapunzels" of their province, which has created a substantial market to present the traditions they've preserved for centuries.

VCG/Getty Image

People around the world marvel at the traditional beauty of the Red Yao women and their customs. They are lauded as the "rapunzels" of their province, which has created a substantial market to present the traditions they've preserved for centuries.

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In this Chinese village of 'real-life Rapunzels,' women only cut their hair once in their lives

The Red Yao women of Huangluo Yao village are visited by people from around the world to witness the most remarkable feature of beauty in their culture — their hair.

The Red Yao women, referring to their traditionally red clothing, only cut their hair once, typically on their 18th birthday.

Growing their locks to nearly six feet long, the women have a traditional cleansing routine they follow to maintain hair health and color.

Yao women mark their first haircut as a sign they are open for marriage. This hair does not go to waste, however — the hair is preserved by family until the woman is married.

As the women mature, certain styles signify different marital and family statuses.

For centuries, hair was so sacred there were specifications on who could or could not see a woman's hair.

One of the most unique results of their hair regimen has been eradicating grey hairs — the Red Yao women claim that many do not experience hair graying until well into their 80s.

People around the world marvel at the traditional beauty of the Red Yao women and their customs. They are lauded as the "rapunzels" of their province, which has created a substantial market to present the traditions they've preserved for centuries.