When Protpittayapayat School, located close to Suvarnabhumi airport, posted on Facebook that it will allow students to choose their own hairstyle to match their preference and gender identity, many people lauded the school executives and teachers for this action.
One comment stated that this is a good decision which is in line with the times while another said: "I admire the director and teachers. Students will want to go to a school like this."
Protpittayapayat School says short hairstyles can be worn by male and female students who identify as male and long hairstyles can be worn by female or male students who identify as female. However, they must keep their hair tied up neatly with a ribbon of the colour corresponding to their grade.
The Student Hairstyle Regulations of 2023 state that students are allowed to sport either long or short hair. However, individual schools have the discretion of setting their own rules using the regulations as a guideline. Each school's regulations are determined by stakeholders such as school executives, teachers, students and parents. Other practices such as perming, colouring and keeping facial hair remain prohibited.
Life spoke to students, teachers and parents to get their opinion on Protpittayapayat School's new policy for LGBTI students.
Protpittayapayat School posted its new hairstyle policy on Facebook
Gina -- 14-year-old government school student
The hairstyle policy of Protpittayapayat School is great. Students should be allowed to have the freedom to be themselves. My school doesn't allow LGBTI students to have hairstyles that match their gender identity. It would be nice if my LGBTI friends could sport a hairstyle they like. However, they should still follow the rules. For female students, they should tie their hair back neatly. For male students, they can sport a high fade with bangs, but not too long. I believe that allowing students to have freedom of expression does not have a negative impact on their academic performance.
Chanakan Suramon -- 17-year-old government school student
Other schools should have the same hairstyle policy as Protpittayapayat School since students should go to school feeling confident about their hairstyle. I attend an all-boys school where the rules about hairstyles aren't strict. I can have a high fade with bangs as long as they don't cover my eyebrows. I'm comfortable with this rule. Whether a school is strict about hairstyles or not, it doesn't affect the students' academic performance. However, it can greatly boost students' confidence.
Supakorn Nunkrathok -- 15-year-old student
A hairstyle policy like that at Protpittayapayat School would lead to happy student life. Students, especially those who are LGBTI, would be able to express themselves the way they want to and consequently develop confidence. It is great to see schools implementing such policies.
Students should be allowed to style their hair however they want, whether it be curled, straight or braided. This is a basic human right. Styling hair has no negative impact on learning. Schools in the United States allow freedom of hairstyles, yet students still excel in their studies and critical thinking. Personally, even though I have slightly long hair, I still maintain a 4.00 GPA.
Protpittayapayat School's post on Facebook about its new hairstyle policy. Protpittayapayat School Facebook
Chayanan Pangjarojn -- social studies teacher, student affairs officer
In 2020, students at Prathandongrungwittayakarn School in Kanchanaburi requested that the school allow them to have their hair styled according to their gender identity. The result was the school implemented a policy allowing LGBTI students to sign an individual MoU requesting to have hairstyles according to their gender identity.
Allowing students to have hairstyles according to their gender identity helps them feel comfortable. Having confidence and the ability to express oneself is important during teenage years.
While the hair policy doesn't have a negative impact on most students, there have been some cases where students became overly focused on their appearance. A female secondary school student brought a hair straightener and make-up to school but not her textbooks, prioritising beauty and fashion. This raises concerns that if students are given too much freedom, they might prioritise their personal interests over studies. However, if there are any issues, teachers will always talk to students to find a solution.
Sutep Upayak -- guidance counsellor, school admissions committee member
I agree with this hairstyle policy because it helps students who have different personalities and preferences feel confident about themselves.
At Pibulwitthayalai School, LGBTI students in the past had to submit requests if they wanted their hairstyles to match their gender identity. Currently, the school is more flexible because the Ministry of Education regulation includes the word, 'appropriate' in the hairstyle guidelines which is a broad term that can be interpreted in various ways.
I believe that styling one's hair has no negative effects on learning. If students are confident and happy, they will enjoy learning more. Schools should be a space where students find joy in learning and living. If a student is unhappy, they won't be able to focus on their studies.
Pornpimon S -- manager, mother of 16- and 18-year-old boys
I wasn't surprised by this hairstyle policy because there are some schools which allow students who work in showbiz to dye their hair. I am fine if the schools where my sons study allow LGBTI students to have hairstyles to match their gender identity as long as they follow the rules, such as keeping their hair neat. Additionally, schools shouldn't allow students to dye their hair in flashy colours because it may make people feel like it isn't a school environment.
In some cases, over-focusing on their hairstyles can affect students academically because they are more concerned about their appearance. I know a boy who used to be one of the top students at my youngest son's school. After he realised that he wanted to be a K-pop singer, his interest shifted to his looks and attire, but his grades dropped.
Watjanasin Charuwattanakitti -- entrepreneur, father of a four-year-old girl
This policy is a good guideline as it provides opportunities for high school students to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. It allows them to discover themselves and develop decision-making skills on their own. I would like to see parents and teachers supporting and guiding them through this period of self-discovery.
Allowing hairstyles according to gender identity certainly doesn't affect learning. However, I think it is inappropriate for children to have unusual hairstyles such as extensions, dreadlocks or colouring, because these things need maintenance which will make students pay less attention to study.
Kwanjit S -- employee at a private company, mother of a 15-year-old boy
I think this policy isn't appropriate. In my workplace, we have male staff who identify as women, but they still have short hair and wear trousers to work. Students should abide by rules and regulations. LGBTI students' hair doesn't have to be very short. They can have a low fade haircut, but shouldn't have long hair like women.
Allowing hairstyles according to gender identity might not impact learning. Moreover, LGBTI individuals are often talented both in studies and extracurricular activities. However, as students, they still need to adhere to rules and regulations and practise discipline.
