Hair

[aghayes]

As a woman, if I joint the Army will I have to cut my hair?

[Americanguy21787]

Yes you will have to get it cut but they dont cut womens hair like they did in the movie GI Jane but yes you will have to cut your hair about neck length ;)

[rangerhopefull_1162]

haha
that movie was so stupid. lol good point dude

[mrsxwarhorse_55]

well, you will eather cut it to your neck or you will have to wear it in a bun all the time

[SoldierofAmerica]

BCT requires that your hair, while down, does not touch your collar. Which really isn't all that bad, you won't have to look like a boy or anything my, wife cut hers short already, so she can get used to it before BCT and it actually looks good. After BCT, they are not very strict as long as you wear it up in uniform.

[jcjcjc]

I never saw GI JANE. I should rent that.

[VeteranArmySGT]

That actually has to do with what branch you join I believe. When I was a young High School kid I declined the Navy just because the recruiter told me I would have to cut my hair!! :D I had very long hair and wanted to keep it that way.

I joined the Army and never had a problem with my hair. As long as you can keep it up without fly aways you are OK. The manner in which it is tied up generally has to be conservative, nothing funky. Pony tails are not allowed. A bun is the most accepted method. The hair tie you use much be as close to the color of your hair as possible. If you cut it short it has to be above your collar. I chopped mine nice and short before I deployed.

[Tacky]

As long as it is well kept and up and off of the collar, no branch requires females to cut their hair.

That said, cut it at least neck length - nothing annoys me (and it is, all about me) more than watching a female with her M-16 tucked between her legs, LOOKING DOWN THE BARREL, while she refirms her wisps in a rubber band thing.

Most of the females I've .. er, I know, cut their hair so that it is at least off of their collar naturally, but are still able to do whatever funky things they need to do to it for a social life.

[Pappy]

Straight from the US Army Soldier's Handbook:

16. Hair and Grooming

(2) Female Soldiers

(a) Females 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.

(b) 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 hair-holding devices comply with the standards in AR 670-1. Dreadlocks(unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes.

(c) Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, which will be neatly and incon****uously fastened or pinned. Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited.

(d) Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized; however, these additions must be of natural hair color and the style and length must conform to appearance standards. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with the grooming policies set forth in AR 670-1.

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

(f) A hairnet will not be worn unless required for safety or health reasons. If the commander requires a hairnet, it will be provided at no cost to the soldier.

(g) Hair holding ornaments, such as, but not limited to, barrettes, pins, clips, if used, must be unadorned, plain, transparent, or similar in color to the hair, and will be incon****uously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized.

[VeteranArmySGT]

Straight from the US Army Soldier's Handbook:
Thanks Pappy... I was just looking for that to stick up here. Looks like you beat me to it :D

[USArmywidow]

Hi,
In my hubbys unit there is a woman with waistlength beautiful hair. She somehow manages to put it up in a very tight bun. don't know if it makes a difference, she is in the Army Reserve. Maybe they have other regulations?

god bless you all

[Tacky]

Hi,
In my hubbys unit there is a woman with waistlength beautiful hair. She somehow manages to put it up in a very tight bun. don't know if it makes a difference, she is in the Army Reserve. Maybe they have other regulations?

god bless you all

As long as it is off of her collar, she is within Army regs.