Hairstyles, makeup and manicure: what Kazakhstan’s schools can ban for students

Tengrinews.kz — New school requirements for students’ appearance are being widely discussed on social media. Many schools have introduced recommendations and restrictions on hairstyles for girls, while boys face requirements concerning the length and style of their haircuts. How legal are these rules, and what does the Ministry of Education say about them?
What are the new rules
Posts criticizing strict appearance requirements in Kazakh schools are gaining traction on social media. Users are sharing guidelines issued to parents and questioning whether such restrictions are justified.
Screenshot from Threads
Among the rules being discussed are bans on curly, dyed and “extravagant” hairstyles, shaved patterns at the temples, the use of hair gel, makeup and bright manicures.
Judging by the guidelines, the level of strictness varies from school to school. Some educational institutions have banned girls from wearing ponytails and buns, describing them as “bright and extravagant” hairstyles. Braids are the only permitted option.
Screenshot from Threads
There are also schools where female students are prohibited from weaving ribbons into their braids. Only white bows in three approved styles are allowed. One school published such guidelines on its official Instagram page.
Screenshot from the school's official Instagram page
What the ministry said
The Ministry of Education told Tengri Education that each school sets its own requirements for students’ appearance. These are determined by the school’s internal regulations and coordinated with the board of trustees, parents’ committee and student self-government. The requirements are then formally approved at a general parents’ meeting.

“The administration of a general education school has the right to require students and parents to comply with the charter of the educational institution, its internal regulations and other acts governing its activities,” the ministry said in its response.

If a student violates school uniform requirements, the school first records the violation and holds a preventive discussion with the student. Parents are then informed and reminded of the rules.
If violations are repeated, the case materials may be referred to the education quality assurance department to consider whether the parents should be held administratively liable.
Parents who fail to fulfill their obligations in the field of education may receive a warning or a fine of 5 MCI (21,625 tenge in 2026). If the same violation is repeated within a year after an administrative penalty, the fine rises to 20 MCI (86,500 tenge in 2026).