Ghanaian actress and writer Lydia Forson has publicly criticized the strict haircut policies enforced in senior high schools (SHSs), describing the rule as “archaic” and questioning its relevance in modern education.
Her remarks, shared on X, followed a widely circulated video showing a newly enrolled student at Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS in tears over being forced to cut her hair.
The ‘Never About the Hair’ Argument
Lydia Forson dismissed the common arguments—that short hair helps girls focus or prevents distraction—as outdated and failing to address the real issues affecting student performance.
“Schools that allow braids, puffs, locs and all, shockingly, still produce excellent students. Because the issue was never hair,” she wrote.
The actress further linked the policy to broader societal issues of self-esteem among women, explaining how such practices shape negative perceptions of natural hair from childhood.
Lydia Forson advocated for a review of the rules, arguing that students should be allowed to keep neat, natural hairstyles while being taught proper hair care as part of a comprehensive hygiene education.
*sigh
Every time this conversation comes up, an army shows up in my mentions with the same tired lines: “It helps them focus.” “It makes them less attractive to predatory men.” “It disciplines them.”
Meanwhile, girls are still harassed, struggle in class and can be truant if… https://t.co/GwrkMM4Twg
— miss forson (@lydiaforson) October 22, 2025
Source: Africa Publicity
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