Peru Bans Long Hair for Boys and Makeup for Girls in Schools

Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, has announced a new regulation banning long hair for boys and makeup for girls in public schools across the country.

According to the announcement, students will also be prohibited from dyeing their hair, as part of a broader effort to enforce stricter dress and appearance codes in the public education system.

The policy has drawn comparisons to the governing style of El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, who has become known internationally for his authoritarian approach to public order and security.

Some analysts argue that Fujimori may be borrowing elements of Bukele's political playbook, which has proven popular with voters who favor firm, visible action from their leaders, even when it limits individual freedoms.

The Peruvian government has so far released limited details about how the new rule will be implemented or what sanctions students might face for breaking it.

Supporters of the measure claim that stricter appearance rules will improve classroom discipline and reduce distractions, allowing students to focus more on academic performance.

Critics, however, contend that the policy infringes on students' personal expression and diverts attention from more pressing issues in Peru's education system, such as school infrastructure and teacher training.

The announcement has triggered a wider public debate in Peru over the proper role of the state in regulating personal appearance, particularly among minors in public institutions.

Some commentators have also raised questions about whether the rule disproportionately targets certain groups, given that it specifically singles out hairstyles for boys and makeup for girls, reinforcing traditional gender norms.

It remains unclear when the regulation will take effect nationwide, and whether it will face legal or political challenges before implementation begins in Peru's public schools.