A century-old Jamaican institution is facing criticism after announcing a ban on laid edges, also known as styled baby hairs, on campus.
St. Andrew High School for Girls (SAHS), one of the island’s most prominent all-girls schools, issued a social media reminder as the new school term began:
“Absolutely NO EDGES.” The post, accompanied by a cartoon image and the phrase, “Curtains belong in the house, not on foreheads,” quickly went viral.
The policy prohibits not only styled baby hairs but also dyed hair, with school officials saying the goal is to keep students “neat” and “school-ready.”
But many parents, students, and cultural commentators argue the rule goes far beyond discipline. Critics say it polices Black expression and forces Eurocentric beauty standards on young Black girls.
“Sounds like a messy female staff member did this 😂,” someone wrote on Instagram.
Another said:
“😂😂 Ima wear my hair, edges, the way I want! While it may bother others I think the young black girls are just extremely creative these days and it’s their form of expression. I love the way they lay the edges lashes can be a little shorter but hey I’m a 80s baby I’m not knocking the new waves tho just be classy never ghetto ❤️❤️❤️”
Edges, often styled with gel into swoops and waves, have long been celebrated as a symbol of creativity, pride, and cultural identity in Black communities worldwide.
SAHS, founded nearly 100 years ago, has built a reputation for discipline and excellence. Yet this decision has sparked a wider debate about whether strict grooming rules respect tradition or reinforce outdated notions of respectability.
For critics, the issue is about more than appearance — it’s about how schools shape identity and whether such rules deny students the right to embrace their culture within the classroom.
