Cuban mother says she won't let her daughter cut her hair until she's 18, sparking debate: "I want it longer."

A Cuban mother on TikTok sparks a debate about parental control after deciding that her daughter should not cut her hair until she turns 18. Users are discussing autonomy and the care of curly hair.


A Cuban mother has sparked controversy on TikTok after sharing a video in which she demonstrates how she cares for her teenage daughter's curly hair, while also admitting that she does not allow her to cut it until she turns 18. The video was uploaded by the user @yisi9 and quickly ignited a debate among thousands of users.

"I want it much longer", says the mother in the clip as she styles and defines her daughter's curls. She explains that her daughter cannot manage her own hair because it is too long, and that is why she takes on all the responsibility for its care. She asserts that only when her daughter reaches adulthood will she be able to make decisions about her appearance.

The phrase "I want it longer" was the spark that ignited the controversy. Many questioned whether the mother's desire should take precedence over the daughter's will. "It's not her decision," commented some users, while others pointed out that the teenager should be able to decide for herself about her hair.

There were also those who defended the mother, acknowledging the effort and love with which she keeps the hair healthy and shiny. "Beautiful hair, healthy, natural. Your work is great," commented a user, while others asked for advice on the products and techniques she uses.

However, most of the comments revolved around the limits of parental control. Some compared her attitude to that of Rapunzel's mother, while others raised concerns about the impact it could have on the young woman's self-esteem. "What if she decides to shave her head at 18? What will happen then?" one user wondered.

As the video continues to gain views and reactions, the story of this Cuban mother continues to provoke reflections on the role of parents, the autonomy of children, and the limits of love in deeply personal matters such as hair.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Debate on Parental Control and Adolescent Autonomy in Cuba

Why doesn't the Cuban mother let her daughter cut her hair until she turns 18?

The mother wants her daughter to keep her hair long and believes that, since she is still a minor, she cannot take care of her hair by herself. For this reason, she takes on the responsibility for its upkeep and decides that she can only cut it when she turns 18, when she will be legally an adult.

What reactions has the mother's decision about her daughter's hair generated?

The mother's decision has sparked intense debate on social media, especially on TikTok. Many users criticize the mother for imposing her wishes on her daughter’s will, arguing that the daughter should have autonomy over her appearance. However, others defend the mother's care and effort to maintain healthy hair.

What are the main arguments for and against the decision of the Cuban mother?

On one hand, some users appreciate the effort and dedication of the mother in taking care of her daughter's hair, viewing this as an expression of love. On the other hand, the lack of autonomy that the daughter has regarding her own image is criticized, and the impact that this lack of decision-making could have on her self-esteem is questioned.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.

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