Taliban Initiate Raids on Underground Beauty Salons in Afghanistan

August 31, 2025

Kabul, Afghanistan – The Taliban have issued a nationwide order to suppress independently operated beauty salons operating in secret throughout Afghanistan, warning operators they face arrest if they continue to operate beyond a one-month deadline.This escalation in restrictive policies further limits opportunities for women in the country and deepens concerns about a systematic campaign of gender-based oppression.

The Closure of a Vital Economic Lifeline

In August 2023, the Taliban officially banned all beauty salons across Afghanistan, effectively eliminating approximately 12,000 businesses and leaving over 50,000 women jobless. Despite the ban, many women continued to operate salons discreetly, providing essential services and income for their families.Now, the Taliban are actively seeking to dismantle this underground network, directing community leaders and elders to identify and report salon operators to authorities.

Frestha,a 38-Year-Old Mother of Three residing in Kabul,explained the desperate circumstances driving women to continue working. “When the Taliban initially closed our salons, I was solely responsible for supporting my family; my husband was ill, and I had three children to provide for,” she stated. “But it was more than just income; bringing a sense of beauty and happiness to other women gave me purpose. Now, the risks are too great, but I don’t know what other options I have. No one seems to acknowledge our plight.”

A broader Pattern of Repression

The clampdown on beauty salons is part of a wider pattern of restrictions imposed on women as the Taliban seized power in August 2021. these restrictions include bans on most forms of employment, limitations on education-preventing girls from attending secondary school or university-and stringent rules regarding public appearance, such as mandatory covering and the prohibition of unaccompanied travel.

Human Rights organizations now describe the situation in Afghanistan as a de facto system of gender apartheid, systematically denying women fundamental rights and participation in public life. Beyond salons, women are barred from accessing public parks, and face increasing limitations on their freedom of expression.

Restriction	Date of Implementation
Ban on Beauty salons	August 2023
Restrictions on WomenS Employment	August 2021
Ban on Girls’ Secondary Education	August 2021
Restrictions on Movement Without a Male Companion	August 2021

Did You Know? According to UNICEF, Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are systematically denied access to education beyond primary school.

International Response and Future Outlook

The international community has largely condemned the Taliban’s policies, but meaningful action to address the situation remains limited. Concerns are growing that the ongoing repression could lead to further instability and humanitarian crises within Afghanistan. The future for women in Afghanistan appears increasingly bleak without substantial changes to the Taliban’s policies and enhanced international support.

Pro Tip: To stay informed about the evolving situation in Afghanistan, follow reports from reputable human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

The Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Rights

The situation in Afghanistan underscores the broader global challenges facing women’s rights. Even in regions not experiencing overt conflict, women continue to confront systemic discrimination and barriers to equality. Supporting organizations that advocate for women’s empowerment and education worldwide is crucial for achieving lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions About the taliban and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

• What is the Taliban’s justification for banning beauty salons? The taliban claim that beauty salons violate Islamic law, although this interpretation is widely disputed.
• How many women have been affected by the ban on beauty salons? The ban directly impacted over 50,000 women who worked in the sector, as well as countless others who relied on their services.
• What other restrictions have been imposed on women in Afghanistan? Women face restrictions on employment, education, movement, and public expression.
• Is there any international aid being provided to support women in Afghanistan? While some aid is directed towards humanitarian assistance, targeted support for women’s rights organizations and programs is limited.
• What can individuals do to support women in Afghanistan? Supporting organizations advocating for women’s rights, raising awareness, and advocating for stronger international action are all impactful steps.

What are your thoughts on the international response to the Taliban’s actions? Share your opinions in the comments below.

How does the Taliban’s justification for banning beauty salons align with broader interpretations of Islamic law regarding women’s roles in society?

The Crackdown on female Entrepreneurship & Personal Expression

As regaining control in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically restricted women’s rights in Afghanistan. A recent adn intensifying development is the aggressive targeting and closure of beauty salons – even those operating discreetly underground. This crackdown represents a notable escalation in the suppression of women’s freedoms and economic opportunities. The situation is impacting not only salon owners and employees but also Afghan women who rely on these spaces for social interaction and self-care.

Understanding the Taliban’s Ban on Beauty Salons

The Taliban initially issued edicts banning women from working in most areas of public life, including beauty salons, in December 2022. While some salons initially remained open, defying the ban, the regime has now launched coordinated raids to enforce the prohibition. These raids are frequently enough accompanied by confiscation of equipment, public shaming, and arrests.

Justification: The Taliban cite religious grounds and a perceived violation of Islamic principles as the basis for the ban. They claim salons promote “immorality” and are incompatible with their interpretation of Sharia law.

Impact on Women: Beauty salons were one of the few remaining spaces where women could gather freely and find employment. Their closure eliminates a vital source of income for thousands of Afghan women and restricts their access to social networks.

underground Operations: Many salons have attempted to continue operating in secret, offering services in private homes or limiting hours to avoid detection. However, these underground operations are increasingly vulnerable to finding.

The Rise of “Hidden Salons” and the Risks Involved

The demand for beauty services remains strong among Afghan women, leading to the emergence of clandestine “hidden salons.” these operate with heightened security risks and frequently enough charge higher prices.

Increased risk of Arrest: owners and employees of underground salons face the constant threat of arrest and punishment. Penalties can range from fines and imprisonment to public flogging.

Security concerns: Operating in secret makes these salons vulnerable to exploitation and potential security breaches.

Limited Access: The scarcity of underground salons means that access to services is limited, especially for women in rural areas.

Economic Hardship: While providing some income, these operations are often unsustainable due to the risks and costs involved.

The Economic Consequences of the Ban

The closure of beauty salons has far-reaching economic consequences, exacerbating the already dire economic situation in Afghanistan.

Job Losses: An estimated 60,000 women were employed in the beauty salon industry, representing a significant portion of the female workforce. The ban has resulted in widespread job losses and increased poverty.

Loss of Income: The closure of salons has deprived women of a crucial source of income, impacting their ability to support their families.

Impact on Related Industries: The ban also affects related industries, such as cosmetics suppliers and salon equipment vendors.

Wider Economic Impact: The loss of economic activity in the beauty sector contributes to the overall economic decline in Afghanistan.

International Response and Advocacy Efforts

the international community has widely condemned the Taliban’s ban on beauty salons and other restrictions on women’s rights.

UN Condemnation: The United Nations has repeatedly called on the Taliban to respect the rights of women and girls, including their right to work and access education.

Human Rights Organizations: Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the abuses faced by Afghan women and called for accountability.

Sanctions and Aid Restrictions: Some countries have imposed sanctions on Taliban officials and reduced aid to Afghanistan in response to the restrictions on women’s rights.

* Advocacy Campaigns: Activists and advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about the situation in Afghanistan and pressure the Taliban to reverse their policies.

Real-World Example: The Case of Kabul Salons

Prior to the ban, Kabul boasted a thriving beauty salon industry. Salons were not merely places for haircuts and manicures; they were social hubs where women could connect, share experiences, and find support. Reports from Kabul in late 2022 detailed salons being actively monitored and then raided, with equipment destroyed and owners detained. The swiftness of the crackdown demonstrated the Taliban’s determination to enforce the ban.

The Future of Women in Afghanistan

The future of women in afghanistan remains uncertain. The Taliban’s continued suppression of their rights raises serious concerns about their well-being and their ability to participate fully in society. The crackdown on beauty salons is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Afghan women and the urgent need for international action to protect their rights.