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Zoey Zhang

An influencer in southern China, renowned for crafting dramatic animal and artistic hairstyles that ignited a subculture among small-town youth, has shifted his focus to fashion and theatre.
Luo Fuxing, a hairstylist from Guangdong, is one of the country’s pioneering influencers.
Luo, 30, with his flowing locks, styles his hair using gel after washing, showcasing unique silhouettes resembling aeroplanes, birds, and houses. He asserts that dedicating just two days a month to his hairstyling endeavours and sharing his creations online allows him to earn between 30,000 and 50,000 yuan (US$4,000 to US$6,800).
Luo draws inspiration from popular films and life experiences.

In January last year, he crafted an extraordinary tap-shaped hairstyle that even dripped water, mirroring its real counterpart, and garnered 240,000 likes.
He explained that this design was a celebration of the Year of the Dragon, as in Chinese folklore, the tap – referred to as a “water dragon” – symbolises a dragon living in the clouds and spouting water to summon rain.
On another occasion, Luo transformed his hair into a gas mask, whimsically branding it a “hair mask” for those suffering from rhinitis. Earlier this year, his Medusa-inspired style featuring snakelike hair went viral across mainland social media platforms.
Luo noted that while some viewers have ridiculed his work as unprofessional and absurd, he remains unfazed. “What they think does not matter to me. I am not catering to the mainstream,” he stated.
Luo’s parents worked far from home, leaving him with minimal contact and a lonely, love-deprived upbringing as a left-behind child.
During his primary school years, influenced by video game characters, Luo dyed his hair into a striking pink afro, pierced multiple holes in his ears, donned black lipstick, and clad himself in dark, Gothic attire.

His daring fashion choices quickly became a source of inspiration for other left-behind children seeking attention, leading them to emulate his distinctive style.
In the early 2000s, Luo initiated several online groups and founded the “Shamate Family”, which swiftly grew to over 100,000 members, primarily comprising young individuals from impoverished, rural areas.
Luo explained that the term Shamate is a transliteration of the word “smart”, symbolising avant-garde fashion.
The Shamate culture evolved into a vibrant subculture cherished by rural youth, characterised by its exaggerated Gothic hairstyles. Luo viewed these bold styles as a means for marginalised youth to stand out and be acknowledged.
He remarked that members of the Shamate Family frequently support one another online, sharing job opportunities and providing emotional encouragement.
In 2016, Luo’s life took a significant turn when his father passed away due to illness.
“Faced with the pressure of supporting my family, the misunderstandings from my girlfriend, and the demands from companies during job hunting, I decided to cut off my colourful long hair,” he reflected.

Luo began to explore new avenues. He immersed himself in acting and fashion design, took part in a theatrical production, organised several art exhibitions, and worked as a stylist for fashion events.
He stated: “The non-mainstream Shamate culture is a thing of the past. If I can engage in something more interesting and meaningful during my lifetime, I aspire to be remembered by others long after I’m gone.”
Luo now shares short videos showcasing his hairstyle designs, amassing over 600,000 followers on Douyin.


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China influencer Luo Fuxing, known for dramatic animal hairstyles, shifts focus to theatre

Chinese influencer Luo Fuxing, known for his dramatic animal hairstyles, is shifting his focus to theatre and fashion. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

Luo’s striking animal and artistic hairstyles sparked a subculture among small-town youth, providing them with opportunities to express their identities and gain recognition. Photo: Weibo

Luo has crafted various quirky, dramatic hairstyles, including a Medusa-inspired look, above, with snakelike hair that went viral across mainland social media platforms. Photo: Weibo

Confronted with the pressures of supporting his family and the demands of job hunting, Luo ultimately decided to cut off his long hair. Photo: Weibo

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Luo experienced lonely, love-deprived upbringing as left-behind child, with parents working far from home, providing minimal contact


Luo experienced lonely, love-deprived upbringing as left-behind child, with parents working far from home, providing minimal contact.


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Profile | China influencer Luo Fuxing, known for dramatic animal hairstyles, shifts focus to theatre

Luo experienced lonely, love-deprived upbringing as left-behind child, with parents working far from home, providing minimal contact

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