Female haircuts and hairstyles
The illustrations provided in figure 3–4 are intended only to clarify language regarding authorized hair lengths and bulks.
The requirements for hair regulations are to maintain uniformity within a military population for female Soldiers while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty, unless otherwise specified.
Female hairstyles may not be eccentric or faddish and will present a conservative, professional appearance.
For the purpose of these regulations, female hairstyles are organized into three basic categories: short length, medium length, and long length hair (see fig 3–3).
Figure 3–3 provides female hairstyle category guidance.
Key guidance includes:
- Short length hairstyles
- Medium length hairstyles
- Long length hairstyles
- Authorized bulk and appearance standards
(a) Short length
Short hair is defined as hair length that extends no more than 1 inch from the scalp (excluding bangs).
Hair may be no shorter than 1/4 inch from the scalp (unless due to medical condition or injury), but may be evenly tapered to the scalp within 2 inches of the hair line edges.
Bangs, if worn, may not fall below the eyebrows, may not interfere with the wear of all headgear, must lie neatly against the head, and not be visible underneath the front of the headgear.
The width of the bangs may extend to the hairline at the temple.
(b) Medium length
Medium hair is defined as hair length that does not extend beyond the lower edge of the collar (in all uniforms), and extends more than 1 inch from the scalp.
Medium hair may fall naturally in uniform, and is not required to be secured.
When worn loose, graduated hair styles are acceptable, but the length, as measured from the end of the total hair length to the base of the collar, may not exceed 1 inch difference in length, from the front to the back.
Layered hairstyles are also authorized, so long as each hair’s length, as measured from the scalp to the hair’s end, is generally the same length giving a tapered appearance.
The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in para-graph 3–2a(3)(a), apply.
Related Guidance — paragraph 3–2a(3)(a)
Paragraph 3–2a(3)(a) establishes standards for short female hairstyles and bangs.
No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp, will exceed 2 inches.
(c) Long length
Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar.
Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the lower edge of the collar (except when worn in ac-cordance with para 3–2a(j)), except that bangs may be worn.
Referenced Paragraph: para 3–2a(j)
The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in para-graph 3–2a(3)(a) apply.
Referenced Paragraph: paragraph 3–2a(3)(a)
No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp as styled, will exceed 2 inches (except a bun, which is worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 1/2 inches from the scalp and be no wider than the width of the head).
(d) Additional hairstyle guidelines
Faddish and exaggerated styles, to include shaved portions of the scalp other than the neckline, designs cut in the hair, unsecured ponytails (except during physical training), and unbalanced or lopsided hairstyles are prohibited.
Hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of all uniform head-gear.
All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps.
When headgear is worn, hair should not protrude at distinct angles from under the edges.
Hairstyles that do not allow the headgear to be worn in this manner are pro-hibited.
Examples of hairstyles considered to be faddish or exaggerated and thus not authorized for wear while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty include, but are not limited to hair sculpting (eccentric texture or directional flow of any hairstyle to include spiking); buns with loose hair extending at the end; hair styles with severe angles or designs; and loose unsecured hair (not to include bangs) when medium and long hair are worn up.
(e) Devices
Hair holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair.
Soldiers will not place hair holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes.
All hair holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier’s hair as is possible or clear.
Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair or head bands.
Such devices should conform to the natural shape of the head.
Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited.
Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw or alligator clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.
Foreign material (for example, beads and decorative items) will not be used in the hair.
Soldiers may not wear hairnets unless they are required for health or safety reasons, or in the performance of duties (such as those in a dining facility).
No other type of hair covering is authorized in lieu of the hairnet.
The commander will provide the hairnet at no cost to the Soldier.
(f) Braids, cornrows, twists, and locks
Medium and long hair may be styled with braids, cornrows, twists, or locks (see glossary for definitions).
Referenced Section: glossary
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)
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.
(g) Hair extensions
Hair extensions are authorized.
Extensions must have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair and otherwise conform to this regulation.
(h) Wigs
Wigs, if worn in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty, must look natural and conform to this regulation.
Wigs are not authorized to cover up unauthorized hairstyles.
(i) Physical training
Long length hair, as defined in paragraph 3–2a(3)(c), may be worn in a ponytail during physical training.
Referenced Paragraph: paragraph 3–2a(3)(c)
A single pony tail centered on the back of the head is authorized in physical fitness uniforms only when within the scope of physical training, except when considered a safety hazard.
The pony tail is not required to be worn above the collar.
When hair securing devices are worn, they will comply with the guidelines set in paragraph 3–2a(3)(e).
Referenced Paragraph: paragraph 3–2a(3)(e)
Hairstyles otherwise authorized in this chapter (such as braids, twists, and locks) may also be worn in a ponytail during physical training.
(j) Physical training in utility uniforms
Pony tails are authorized using guidelines set forth in paragraph 3–2a(3)(j), while conducting physical training in utility uniforms.
Referenced Paragraph: paragraph 3–2a(3)(j)
However, if the helmet is worn during physical train-ing, hair must be secured using guidelines in paragraph 3–2a(3)(a) through (j).
Referenced Paragraphs: paragraph 3–2a(3)(a) through (j)