Tonsorial Traditions at Brentwood

When casually walking to class any given morning, the longer-haired boys of Brentwood might hear that dreaded warning from a houseparent or Mr. Felix: “It’s time for a haircut, kiddo”. Enough to make you shake in your polished dress shoes or simply inspire your own rebellion, a haircut will come soon enough. Maintenance of appearance is an instilled value at Brentwood, and quite understandably, hair is a major factor in outward appearance. A key element to first impressions, hairstyle can also be a unique form of expression and a statement of personality. At Brentwood, hairstyles have a special meaning when dictated by school guidelines, but also hold their own freedoms as well.  While length is closely governed for boys, girls are allowed much greater freedom. Keeping in mind natural factors like degree of curl or wave, longer hair allows for options such as straightening, curling, and even a combination of both. Commonplace in bathrooms and dorms of girls’ houses, straightening irons are a much-used aesthetic appliance. With this simple tool, a little artistic flair and perhaps some hairspray, you can be the master of your hair-domain: styles abound.  Abundant options exist for boys as well. There is the faux-hawk, the comb-over, the ski-jump, the full-shave, the Beiber-bangs, the slick-back and everything in between. With a little gel, mousse or other products, men can shape their doo into anything they want. For those who prefer a close trim, the buzzcut is a popular option, and it cuts down on shampoo. Some boys are required to grow hair for roles in our artistic productions such as Musical Theatre and Senior Acting. I required long hair two years running and even had to dye my hair to match extensions for a production. By the time closing night rolled around, I was looking forward to a trim.  When the time does come for a haircut, Brentonians have a plethora of choices. Professional salons in Mill Bay include Jada Hairstylists and Freestyle Salon, both within walking distance. Each has its own ambience and style, to suit the tastes of its customers and provide the perfect cut. Brentwood also has the fortune of its own on-campus hairdresser, Ms. Cindi Nash. Available Wednesday afternoons for appointments, Ms. Nash has worked with Brentwood for over 5 years. Clipping over-long hairs and trimming unruly curls, Ms. Nash sets up station in 107A in the lower floor of the Academic Annex, complete with its own professional barber chair. For boarding students, these haircuts are complimentary and the only thing Ms. Nash is missing is the red-and-white barber pole! 
Next time you’re wandering around campus, take a look at the variety of hairdos strolling around our school. No two are the same. Long and short, wavy and straight, diversity abounds in tonsorial traditions at Brentwood. While some students hide from the haircut-wrath of Mr. Felix, there is even something pleasant and refreshing about a change of appearance. And besides, a good haircut is no “Rape of the Lock”.