Hair Policy

The purpose of the regulations listed below is to ensure that children at Clifton are always neat and tidy. The state of their hair reflects positively on the school.

Hair should be considered acceptable for school and look neat at all times. Hair should be cut and maintained so as not to draw attention.

Clifton Hair Policy: Boys

While we do not have a rigid ‘short back and sides’ policy in place, we expect Clifton boys’ hair to remain within the parameters of what might be expected in any prep school: to be neat, tidy and modest at all times, meeting the following requirements:

• Hair should be in its natural form, and be easy to maintain

• Hair must be kept short on top

• When fully extended, the fringe should not go beyond the eyebrow line

• Hair should be kept off the ears

• Hair should not be near the collar

• The fade at the back should not develop into an obvious step

• Hair must not be relaxed, straightened, bleached, coloured, or highlighted

• No sculptured styles or designs shaved into the hair are permitted

• No dyeing, colouring or tinting of hair is permitted other than at our annual CANSA Shavathon event

• Use of hair products such as styling gel is not permitted

• Dreadlocks, braiding, stitched braids and/or corn-rows braids are not permitted

• Any cultural or ceremonial needs that require a variation from these rules must be discussed with the Headmaster during the admission process.

Clifton Hair Policy: Girls

• Girls' hair must be neat.

• Girls may use tie-backs or Alice bands which are in the Clifton colours (red, black, white) or a combination thereof

• Hair must not be bleached, coloured, or highlighted

• Girls are to retain their natural hair colour only, other than at the time of the annual CANSA Shavathon event

•  Hair must be kept out of the eyes. A neat ponytail or neat bun is expected if hair is shoulder length or longer

• No sculptured styles or designs shaved into the hair are permitted

• Braids are permitted, provided that they are of a natural colour, neat, practical and manageable

• Any cultural or ceremonial needs that require a variation from these rules must be discussed with the Headmaster during the admission process

Jewellery Policy

Clifton children are not permitted to wear jewellery, with the following exceptions:

• Medical necklaces/ bracelets are permitted

• Earrings (girls only): Hooped earrings or plain round metal (silver or gold) studs. Multiple piercings are not permitted.

• Necklaces: only faith-based necklaces/ pendants are permitted

• Wristbands: only faith-based wristbands are permitted

• Wrist watches without internet, gaming, camera, or phoning functions may be worn. No smart watches are allowed on campus 

Non-Compliance

The above regulations are intended as a guideline. The final decision regarding the acceptability of any learner’s hairstyle and jewellery rests with the School’s Management and the school ethos.