WHAT'S WITH THE HAIR..

the 'gong shaped' hair styles

As a member of the State Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Committee, I would like to take the opportunity to clear the air on the infamous gong hairstyles of the UNK Participants. 

Contrary to popular belief, the GONG style is NOT a prerequisite to the competition. Participants or hairstylists are free to choose other styles such as the modern 'sanggul' as long as the hair is up. 

The modern 'sanggul' (right pic)

The Unduk Ngadau Organizer have since several years ago held briefing to the district's organizers, to advise the participants and make-up artists on these hair rulings. Briefing was also made to the Participants on the 27th and 30th May (competition day was 31st May) to advise their make-up artists and that hints were even made that Judges may even deduct points should the hair becomes too big and does not complement with the participants' face. 

 
The modern 'sanggul'

District winners with the modern 'sanggul'

But each year, some hair becomes bigger and even I cringed with pity for the poor girls. Some even commented that it makes the girls look like "auntie".. and I don't blame them.  

I am compelled to say something about it in the Unduk Ngadau Facebook page and also here when I noticed so many negative comments about the hair.  Some even  resorted to name-calling.  Now that was comical, amusing  but unkind to say the least. But they had a point.   If only it was  commented it in a more professional way instead of ranting like a mad person and not only about the darned hair but about so many other things related to Unduk Ngadau.  

some does look nice when done tastefully

(Miss Melinda Louis, UNK 2012)

Anyway, I can't even remember when this hairstyle came into being.  I don't remember the Unduk Ngadau of yesteryears sporting this hairstyles at all. But am sure it must have started somewhere.  I am not denying that some of them do look nice especially when done tastefully and may have contributed to the 'hair revolution' when that particular girl won the competition!  But then again it is not for everyone. 

The hairstyles of UNK of yesteryears..

Miss Jeremiah Ginajil, UNK 1998

Miss Kathie Renjus, UNK 1999

Miss Nicoleta Sanseh (UNK 2001)

UNK 1991

                    

(Pictures from newspaper cuttings, courtesy of Dolly MJ)