The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military population.
Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative.
It is the responsibility of leaders at all levels to exercise good judgment when enforcing Army policy.
All Soldiers will comply with hair, fingernail, and grooming policies while in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.
(a)
Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the guidance in this chapter and by the ability to wear all types of headgear (such as beret, patrol cap, or service cap/hat) and any protective equipment (such as protective mask or combat helmet) properly.
Hairstyles (including bulk and length of hair) that do not allow Soldiers to wear any headgear properly, or that interfere with the proper wear of any protective equipment, are prohibited.
Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably, without bulging or distortion from the intended shape of the headgear and without excessive gaps between the headgear and the head.
Hairstyles that pose a health or safety hazard are not authorized.
(b)
Extreme, eccentric, or faddish haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized.
If Soldiers use dyes, tints, or bleaches, they must choose a natural hair color.
Colors that detract from a professional military appearance are prohibited.
Therefore, Soldiers must avoid using colors that result in an extreme appearance.
Applied hair colors that are prohib-ited include, but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors.
It is the responsibility of leaders to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on a Soldier’s appearance.
(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.