Hairstyle uniform policy

[memememum]

Please does anyone know what 'clear of the collar and ears' means? This is a boys' school. I wonder if this is their way of saying it has to be short (above the ear) or if long hair tied back would qualify. The full text is: "Hair must be of a straightforward style, clear of the collar and ears".
Thanks for any help.

I think you’d need to check that with the school or, failing that, people with kids at the school. I don’t think it’s obvious enough from the statement itself.

I would read that as short enough not to cover collar or ears - or long enough to be tied back so that it doesn't cover collar or ears.

DS school has the same policy, he has waist length hair, he wears it tied back and no one has said anything.

Thanks very much, I will check. I'm hoping it's the latter, as he doesn't want his hair short!

If it’s a private boys school you need to check if long hair is allowed at all, clear of the ears suggests very short.

At my school it meant short enough to not touch ears or collar. No ponytails allowed.

I think it means no boys with bobs. Short back n sides only.

I think it means short. I personally think that’s a bonkers rule but I’ve seen worse. It’s definitely better to check.

To be honest if he has long hair and wants to keep it that way, I'd say nothing and send him in with a smart ponytail. If you're worried then in a bun style. The way it's worded you would be following the rules. If they meant no long hair tied up then it is up to them to have a policy to say that, which it doesn't.

Not even sure if they could enforce no long hair as long as it's styled appropriately. There are cultures where it is very significant. Tell the school he is a Maori warrior, so can't cut it 😂

It means cut above the ears. It’s what’s deemed to be a professional haircut. He could have the back and sides shaved or tapered, and the top long, but the top can’t go down past his ears if that makes sense?

He may be able to have it tied up in a bun as long as it doesn’t go past the collar bone when tied up. It will have to be neat and tidy, well kept and clean. I would still recommend a trip to the hairdressers for a trim beforehand because schools with strict uniform policies can argue it’s not well kept otherwise.

Good luck!

If he goes for the short back and sides with the longer top, the rule usually states the fringe can’t go past the eyebrows.

@memememum what was the outcome? I'd be so sad if in 2022 some schools are still dictating on what is an "acceptable" hairstyle on a boy.