As of now, Nezha 2 ranks seventh in global box office earnings. Many international viewers watching this film might have a common question: Why does Nezha (哪吒) always have those two little buns on his head? Anyone familiar with Chinese mythology or artistic adaptations knows that, whether in TV dramas or animated films, Nezha’s appearance never changes—he always sports the same iconic hairstyle. Can’t we give him a different look?

Ⅰ. What Is Nezha’s Hairstyle Called?

In Chinese history, Nezha’s hairstyle can be traced back to a traditional children’s hairstyle known as double buns or zongjiao (总角). According to ancient beliefs, “One’s body, hair, and skin are gifts from one’s parents and should not be damaged—this is the foundation of filial piety.” Because of this, young children were expected to keep their hair long. Starting around the age of eight or nine, Han children—both boys and girls—would part their hair into two sections and tie them into small buns on top of their heads, resembling little horns. This distinctive style was called zongjiao.

A well-known reference to this hairstyle can be found in the poem Meng (氓) from the  Classic of Poetry, which says: “总角之宴, 言笑晏晏,” describing two children with zongjiao playing and laughing together—a nostalgic image of childhood innocence and joy.

Ⅱ. The Origin of Nezha’s Hairstyle

For young girls in ancient China, their hair buns were often styled to resemble branching twigs, giving rise to the term ya ji (丫髻). This distinctive shape was closely associated with the nickname yatou (丫头), which eventually became a common way to refer to young girls. Children typically kept these hairstyles until they reached adolescence, around the ages of thirteen or fourteen. As a result, the term zongjiao (总角) later became synonymous with childhood itself.

When it comes to the depiction of children with hairstyle in Chinese mythology, the most famous example is undoubtedly Nezha. While Nezha’s appearance and attire have varied across different artistic interpretations, his signature double buns on top of his head have remained consistent. These hair buns have become an iconic feature of his image, making him instantly recognizable.

 Ⅲ. The Visual Representation of Nezha

The earliest classic depictions of Nezha, whether in animation or live-action films, have always featured his signature round topknots. Two landmark works, Havoc in Heaven and Nezha Conquers the Dragon King, truly solidified this image. Even Nezha 2 paid tribute to the iconic designs from these classic animated films.

While there have been occasional variations, the round topknots version of Nezha remains the most deeply ingrained in people’s minds. From a character design perspective, this hairstyle makes Nezha feel more approachable and youthful, reinforcing his mischievous and childlike nature.

In the ending of The Legend of Luo Xiaohei (《罗小黑战记》), when Luo Xiaohei comments that Nezha’s hairstyle is cute, Nezha responds, “It’s recognizable.” He later changes his hairstyle, but this moment highlights how the round topknots look became an integral part of Nezha’s identity through decades of influence from animation and film.

Ⅳ. Hairstyles of Young Deities  

When it comes to youthful-looking deities, similar representations can be found not only in China and Japan but also in Western mythology. For example, in Japanese folklore, the deity Sukunabikona (スクナビコナ)—associated with medicine and nation-building—appears as a child with a traditional chigo-gami/ちごがみ (稚児髪) hairstyle, arriving on a floating gourd vessel (gagaimo no mi/ガガイモの実).  

In Greek and Roman mythology, Cupid is often depicted with golden curls, sometimes adorned with myrtle leaves. The youthful god Dionysus is shown with his hair bound in grapevines, while Idun, the Norse goddess of youth, is often portrayed with long, braided hair. Celtic folklore describes fairy changelings with silvery locks, further emphasizing their otherworldly nature.  

These hairstyles are more than just aesthetic choices—they reflect the personality, identity, and cultural significance of these deities. Whether mischievous or solemn, their hair becomes part of the storytelling, offering insight into the traditions and beliefs of the societies that worshiped them.

Summary

Some say that without his signature bun hairstyle, Nezha just wouldn’t feel like Nezha anymore. Likewise, if Cupid were suddenly depicted as a bearded adult, people might feel like their whole world had turned upside down. After all, deeply ingrained perceptions can be like mountains—difficult to move, but not impossible.

Whether it’s how Chinese people view foreign cultures or how the world perceives Chinese traditions, it’s important to approach things with an open mind. Instead of making quick judgments, we should strive to understand and appreciate the unique charm and significance behind these cultural elements.

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!