Medium and long hair may be styled with braids, cornrows, twists, or locks (see glossary for definitions).
Each braid, cornrow, twist, or lock will be of uniform dimension, have a diameter no greater than a 1/2 inch, and present a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance.
Each must have the same approximate size of spacing between the braids, cornrows, twists, or locks.
Each hairstyle may be worn against the scalp or loose (free-hanging).
When worn loose, such hairstyles must be worn per medium hair length guidelines or secured to the head in the same manner as described for medium or long length hair styles.
Ends must be secured inconspicuously.
When multiple loose braids, twists, or locks are worn, they must encompass the whole head.
When braids, cornrows, twists, or locks are not worn loosely and instead worn close to the scalp, they must stop at one consistent location of the head and must follow the natural direction of the hair when worn back, which is either in general straight lines following the shape of the head or flowing with the natural direction of the hair when worn back with one primary part in the hair (see para 3–2a(1)(c)).
Referenced Paragraph: para 3–2a(1)(c)
- Soldiers who have a texture of hair that does not part naturally may cut a part into the hair or style the hair with one part.
- The part will be one straight line, not slanted or curved, and will fall in the area where the Soldier would normally part the hair.
- Soldiers will not shape or cut designs into their hair or scalp
Hairstyles may not be styled with designs, sharply curved lines, or zigzag lines.
Only one distinctive style (braided, rolled, twisted, or locked) may be worn at one time.
Braids, cornrows, twists, or locks that distinctly protrude (up or out) from the head are not authorized.
The bulk of the hair may not be such that it impairs the ability to wear the advanced combat helmet (ACH) or other protective equipment or impedes the ability to operate one’s assigned weapon, military equipment, or machinery.
A fully serviceable ACH including all of its component parts must be worn in accordance with its technical manual to ensure a proper fit for safety.