Hair Grooming

Hairstyles are generally different for men and women. The standards that pertain to the military are different as well. One myth about women in the military is that they will have to cut their hair short once they join. The regulations that encompass hairstyles do justifiably differ between men and women in the military.

In general, there are several hairstyles acceptable in the Army. So long as the soldier’s hair is kept in a neat and clean manner, the acceptability of the style will be judged solely by the criteria described below. Extreme or faddish haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. If dyes, tints, or bleaches are used, colors used must be found in natural human hair and not present an extreme appearance. Lines or designs will not be cut into the hair or scalp. Styles of hair and texture differ among the different ethnic groups and these differences affect the length and bulk of hair, as well as the style worn by each soldier. Haircuts, without reference to style, will conform to the following standards:

Males

1. The hair on top of the head will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will present a tapered appearance and, when combed, will not fall over the ears or eyebrows or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck. The block cut fullness in the back is permitted in moderate degree as long as the tapered look is maintained. In all cases, the bulk or length of hair will not interfere with the normal wear of headgear or protective masks.
2. Sideburns will be neatly trimmed. The base will not be flared and will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.
3. The face will be clean-shaven, except that mustaches are permitted. If a mustache is worn, it will be kept neatly trimmed, tapered, and tidy and will not present a chopped-off appearance. No portion of the mustache will cover the upper lip line or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth. Handlebar mustaches, goatees, and beards are not authorized. If appropriate medical authority prescribes beard growth, the length required for medical treatment will also be specified.
4. The wearing of a wig or hairpiece by males in uniform or on duty is prohibited, except as indicated to cover natural baldness or physical disfiguration caused by accident or medical procedure. When worn, it will conform to the standard haircut criteria as stated.

Females

1. Hair will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar while in uniform. Hairstyles will not interfere with proper wearing of military headgear or protective masks.
2. A hairnet will not be worn unless it is required for health or safety reasons. If the commander requires its wear, it will be provided at no cost to the soldier.
3. Wigs or hairpieces may be worn as long as the wig or hairpiece is of a natural hair color and the style and length conform to appearance standards.
4. Hair-holding ornaments (such as, but not limited to, barrettes, pins, clips, bands), if used, must be unadorned and plain and must be transparent or similar in color to the hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized.

Females are authorized to wear lipstick and nail polish with all uniforms as long as the color is conservative. Extreme shades of lipstick and nail polish such as purple, gold, blue and white will not be worn.

In uniform, you may wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and no more than two rings (wedding ring sets are considered one ring). Women may also wear screw-on, clip-on, or post earrings with service dress or mess uniforms.

Earrings must not exceed 6 mm or 0.236-inch in diameter and must be gold, silver, white pearl, or diamond; unadorned and spherical. Matched pairs must be worn.

Under no circumstances are men permitted to wear earrings while on duty. They can’t wear them while in uniform, in civilian clothes on duty, or in civilian clothes off duty while they are on a military installation.

Also, the regulation states that there will be no attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to, under, or through the skin while in uniform, in civilian clothes while on duty, or in civilian clothes off duty on any military installation or other places under military control, except for earrings for females as outlined in paragraph 1-14, Army Regulation 670-1.

Visible tattoos or brands on the neck, face, or head are prohibited. Tattoos on other areas of the body that are prejudicial to good order and discipline are prohibited. Additionally, any type of tattoo or brand that is visible while wearing a Class A uniform and detracts from a soldierly appearance is prohibited. This policy supersedes the tattoo policy stated in paragraph 1-8 of Army Regulation 670-1.

Commercial rucksacks, gym bags, or similar articles may be worn over the shoulder while in uniform. Backpacks may also be worn over the shoulder when riding a bicycle or motorcycle. All items worn over the shoulder must be black, with no logos.