5 Hairstyles That Were Once Illegal (Number 2 Came With A Death Sentence)

Long Hair In Ancient Rome — The 416 AD Ban

In 416 AD, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius and his Eastern counterpart Theodosius II issued a decree banning long hair and clothing made from animal hides in Rome and its surrounding areas. The law wasn’t about hygiene or fashion—it was about social control. Historians suggest the ban was aimed at Romans who had adopted the “barbarian” appearance of German soldiers and nobility, blurring the lines between civilised citizens and the empire’s recent enemies. The restrictions even applied to slaves, who could be sent to forced community service for violations. The decree didn’t specify how long was too long, but the intent was clear: look Roman, or face the consequences.