Mullets, horseys and fades: Why these Pacific hairstyle trends are more than just a haircut

In Semisi's Qalica's barber shop, young men want a style that'll turn heads. Bleached mullets, shaved horseys, fades and hair tattoos, they want what their favourite sporting star has.These trending cuts across the Pacific go beyond just looking good— they represent identity, culture, and deeper connection to community.You'll hear from Tongan former rugby star turned hairdresser, Tevita Mailau — well known for his iconic horsey. Plus hairdresser Semisi Qalica dishes what fresh styles he's seeing on the streets of Suva, and Eric Whipps, owner of OJ Cutz Hairdressing in Koror, shares the cuts he's most asked for by young Palauans.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.