Looks are very important in Mexico. With schools that means that both the buildings and people there have to look pretty. Part of looking pretty is looking uniform. Part of looking the same is having the same haircut. So essentially what I'm saying is that haircuts are very important.
Every couple weeks the Prefecta (ranked one step below principal) comes around to each class to check on peoples hair. Girls just have to keep it looking reasonably clean and they do this without the Prefecta's nagging. On the other hand, guys have to pass a test from her that usually depends on her mood. Each boy gets a rough grab at the back of their head to test the length. If she decides it is too long, you get told to cut it and she writes your name down in her little notebook of secrets.
One day we were in gym class playing soccer on the field. The Prefecta comes out on the third floor balcony on the building and watches us for while. After about 5 minutes she roars, "JOSE FERNANDEZ, COME HERE!" Jose, a boy in my class, went running into the building. It was very impressive, even though I had no idea what was going on. For the next few classes he wasn't there. Eventually he showed up, with his hair cut! After asking some questions I found out that if you don't get your hair cut within 2 days of the Prefecta telling you to, the school will phone your mom or dad and make them come and get you, doesn't matter if they are busy or at work, they MUST come. You have to leave school with your parent, get your hair cut and return. It is unacceptable to wait until after school that day.
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