Zac Efron's controversial new hair style prompts calls of cultural appropriation

Zac Efron has divided fans with a new look. Photo / Getty Images

Zac Efron's fans were quite excited when he posted a glimpse of a new hairstyle on Thursday, but the new look quickly became polarising.

The 30-year-old High School Musical star posted a snap of himself sporting dreadlocks, with the caption "just for fun".

View this post on Instagram

Just for fun 🤘

A post shared by Zac Efron (@zacefron) on Jul 5, 2018 at 10:24am PDT

The new look prompted many fans to accuse the Baywatch star of cultural appropriation.

User Matzbros commented "it's a no from me," while a less than convinced Juliannepenrod stated "I love you but this looks weird".

So, Zac Efron, cultural appropriation is ok if it’s ‘just for fun’ 🙄

— Daisy (@Happy_Dais) July 6, 2018

I’m not here to police Zac Efron’s choices but please remember that #wordsmeanthings and #Googleisyourbestfriend. Cultural appropriation has a definition whether we like it or not. Locs have historical, cultural and religious significance.

— St. Roe (@salsaintroe) July 6, 2018

However, others came to Efron's defense.

Syros93 responded to several negative comments with an explanation: "Haha love the comments as if everyone is an expert on the history of dreadlocks. Might wanna look it up. Many cultures and races have worn dreadlocks over thousands of years including Caucasians."

Nothing wrong with it. he's just having fun. living his life. This is far from real appropriation.

— Wakanda Carmel Apple Curtis: 2020 grief counselor (@Currtis25Harr) July 6, 2018

I AM SOO Tired of people saying “Cultural appropriation” can we just let others appreciate different cultures, that’s not gonna make us less Latino or less Asian or black or whatever. Just because they adapt to a certain look doesn’t mean they’re doing it disrespectfully.

— Salsa Valentina (Dula Peep Stan) (@Gostopits) July 6, 2018