Army Grooming Requirements

The army has not been left behind when it comes to grooming standards. They have always been present and served not only an aesthetic but functional purpose. The dressing and appearance of army men and women have been very modest and conservative in the past to uphold safety while discharging their duties. In 2021, the AR-670-1, a policy that outlines the standard of grooming for Army workers, was updated. It includes various changes to hair and appearance discussed in this article.

The need for diversity and inclusion necessitated the changes to the grooming policy in the army. The regulations cover hair, beards, moustaches, tattoos, piercings, etc.

Hair Regulations

Men

The regulations governing the grooming of the hair in the military are such that they should allow for proper and appropriate wear of standard military headgear. This means that any hairstyle that distorts the shape or placement of the headgear is not permitted.

The military permits using dyes on the hair, but the colours must portray a natural look. Bold, bright colours such as neon, pink and purple are not allowed. As of 2021, highlights are allowed as long as they adhere to the standard natural look.

The hair length under the grooming policy should not be too long as it falls at the eyebrows or beneath the ears.

The updated policy also allows for different hairstyles, including cornrows, braids, and locks, as long as the width is not more than ½ inch. Wigs or closures are not allowed unless they serve to cover a condition such as male pattern baldness or injuries and scars.

Women

The regulations for women’s hair are similar to that of men in that it has to support the proper placement of the headgear. Previously, the appropriate length was less than 1/4 inch, but the updated policy eradicates this restriction.

The hairstyles permitted should be neat and professional and include small locks and cornrows not more than ½ inch in width. They also do not permit lopsided hair or the use of accessories that are not plain and do not match the hair colour. Parts should be straight, and no free hair past the back collar of the uniform is allowed. The bun size, which most women with long hair wear, should not be more than 31/2 inches from the back collar of the uniform.

Beards And Moustaches

The regulations on beards and moustaches are quite strict. Although they are allowed, they have to be neatly trimmed and professional. the moustache should not cover the upper lip or exceed the corner of the lips in length or the tip of the nose in height. Sideburns are also allowed but cannot fall past the ear opening.

Piercings

Piercings are NOT allowed in the military for men. There is, however, an exception for women where they are permitted to wear a pair of small matching earrings. Any dangling earpieces are not allowed, and the jewelry can be in gold, diamond, or silver and cylindrical.

Tattoos

The army was previously very strict on rules regarding tattoos. They had a limit of four tattoos and limited the size below the arms and knees. With the 2021 update to the grooming regulations, there are no limits to how many tattoos you can get. Additionally, you can get any size tattoo anywhere on your body except for the wrists and below, the face, and the neck.

Tattoos that are prohibited regardless of their placement on your body include those that are sexist, racist, or indecent. Any tattoo that is visible when wearing a t-shirt is also not permitted. As such, it is important to research and consult a possible army recruiter before getting tattoos if you have plans to join the military.

Other Regulations

The army relaxed its policies on makeup and nail polish recently. Clear nail polish is now allowed for men, while women can wear neutral-coloured nail polish and are allowed to get acrylics as well. The regulation on nail length is still the same: they have to be short and trimmed. They cannot be longer than ¼ inch from the fingertip.

Makeup should be minimal and natural, and lipstick is allowed as long as it blends in with your natural licolouror. False eyelashes are, however, prohibited unless you have been granted an exception.

Perfume and fragrances are allowed as long as they are not too strong or distracting in the curse of duty.

Conclusion

Now we have learnt “Army Grooming Requirements’, Army grooming standards uphold appropriate professional presentation, promote some diversity, and complement the duties and responsibilities that come with the job. The rule of thumb is always to maintain a clean, neat, and simple look if you consider joining the army.

How many military men identify as part of the LGBTQ community?

About 4% of military men identify as gay or bisexual.

Are French tip nails allowed in the army?

No, they are not. The colors allowed are pink or neutral