Hairstyles in military for women

LadyFlexible

Hi,

I'm considering joining the Army. I know that hair is off the collar, cut short or tied in a bun out your face. Do you have to cut your hair short or use a bun or can you use hair styles to keep your hair out of the way?

headofphat

Hi,

I'm considering joining the Army. I know that hair is off the collar, cut short or tied in a bun out your face. Do you have to cut your hair short or use a bun or can you use hair styles to keep your hair out of the way?

If you join the military you belong to the government and you'll wear your hair the way they say you can. Don't sweat it if you can't control it. Good luck.

JoyeII

Female Hair Standards

Female soldiers will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any holding devices comply with the standards. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU).

Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized only if these additions have the same general appearance as the individual's natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with grooming policies.

Females will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of military headgear, protective masks, or equipment at any time. When headgear is worn, the hair will not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear or below the bottom edge of the collar.

Hair-holding devices may be used only for 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 bands. 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 clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

teresamwhite

I cut my waist-length hair off and did a cute pixie cut when I went to basic training. Gradually I let it grow out and did the tucked-under-ponytail thing until it was long enough to do a French braid, and I tucked the tail up into the braid. When it got really long, then I pulled it into a ponytail, braided it and wrapped it into a bun. I used light brown colored ponytail holders and blonde bobby pins and crap-ton of hairspray to keep it in place.

Some women choose to go with a short bob. I liked being able to let my hair down after hours (so to speak). It was halfway between my butt and my knees when I got out.

Some things to consider with hairstyles is versatility...can you wear your hat AND your helmet? The hat is sort of like a boxier baseball cup, and it can accommodate a bun and braids. The helmet is much harder to deal with because it doesn't flex and the webbing inside is a pain. I wore my braid high on my head and circled it around and pinned it in place, like a crown. Try a style and then put a baseball helmet on to get an idea of whether or not it will work.

The poster above me is absolutely correct...there are a LOT of restrictions when it comes to the hair standard, and some of it is left to interpretation by your command, too. What you consider "distracting" and what s/he considers distracting can be two different things. I do know there are some changes coming up, in regards to black female soldiers and some hairstyles that were not addressed in previous versions of the standard (kinky twists and certain types of extensions, that I am aware of).

I got out 14 years ago, so maybe someone else has a more current experience.

LadyFlexible

Thank you Teresa and Joyell, especially for those instructions.