Final answer:
One universal guiding standard for all hairstyles is their role in symbolizing cultural identity and social status. Hairstyles can also have practical requirements, such as safety precautions, which include the need to tie back long hair in certain settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
One guiding standard for all hairstyles that has persisted across many cultures and eras is the symbolization of cultural identity and social status. For instance, certain hairstyles can signify membership in specific religious sects, such as the Muslim hijab, or indicate a person's familial background and social status, as seen in ancient African civilizations. Outside of cultural significance, there are also practical guidelines for hairstyles, particularly in certain environments, such as the need to tie back long hair for safety reasons.
The grooming and styling of hair have been important aspects of cultural expression and personal identity throughout history. In traditional Muslim cultures, headscarves like hijabs represent modesty, whereas in certain African and African diasporic cultures, intricate hair-grooming practices signal a variety of statuses and traits. The Romans and Greeks had their unique beauty standards associated with hair, such as the preference for blonde hair during certain periods.
Today, permanents or 'perms' are examples of hairstyles aimed at maintaining a particular look for an extended period. They exemplify how hairstyles have evolved to not only signal cultural identity but also to cater to personal aesthetic preferences and desires.