Ponytail Regulation Changes 2025
Female Soldiers are authorized to wear ponytails in all uniforms.
- Hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in one of the following styles:
- Bun
- Singular ponytail
- Two braids
- Singular braid
- Multiple locs, braids, twists, or cornrows may come together in:
- One or two braids
- A single ponytail
Braids and singular ponytails may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms.
- However, the length will not extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades when standing at the position of attention.
- There is no minimum length for the wear of a ponytail or braid(s).
Safety Note: Please consider safety concerns such as ripping, tearing, pulling, or tangling if hair is not properly secured and becomes caught on an object or obstacle.
Ponytail Regulation Exceptions/Waiver
- The only exceptions to ponytail or braid length apply while conducting tactical or physical training in the:
- Army Combat Uniform (ACU)
- Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU)
During these activities:
- The length of secured hair should not hinder performance or increase risk to safety.
- No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed:
- 2 inches (except for a bun)
- 3½ inches for a bun (which must be:
- Worn centered on the back of the head
- No wider than the width of the head)
In all uniforms:
- Unsecured hair will be:
- Worn centered in the back of the head
- The ponytail will not be placed on the side or top of the head
- Hair will not be wider than the width of the head
- Hair will not interfere with proper wear of authorized Army headgear
Safety Note: Please consider safety concerns such as ripping, tearing, pulling, or tangling if hair is not properly secured and becomes caught on an object or obstacle.
Army Ponytail Regulation Considerations
- The braid(s) or ponytail cannot be worn over the shoulder or pulled in front of the body.
- It must go down the female Soldier’s back.
While wearing equipment such as:
- Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmets
- Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH)
Female Soldiers are authorized to wear their hair in a ponytail and/or long braid(s) secured inside their utility uniform top.
Commanders will analyze the risk of a free-hanging ponytail or braid and use commander’s discretion to determine if long hair should be secured/tucked inside the uniform top.
Safety Note: Please consider safety concerns such as ripping, tearing, pulling, or tangling due to hair being caught on an object or obstacle if not properly secured.
