What are the hair rules for the Army?

The U.S. Army's hair rules (Army Directive 2025-18) focus on natural, neat appearances, limiting bulk to 2 inches on top and 1 inch on the sides for men, with strict fades; women can wear ponytails, braids, and twists (max 2 inches wide, 6 inches long) in uniform but not dress uniforms, with all colors limited to natural shades and extreme designs banned for both. Shaved heads are allowed, and hair must not interfere with headgear, but recent updates aim for clearer standards and address issues like pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) for men.

What are the rules for Army hair?

You can have any hair length if it is worn up, but it cannot be longer than six inches from the top of the collar while in a braid or ponytail. If worn down, your hair should not extend beyond the lower edge of your collar when standing up straight in uniform.

What hairstyles are not allowed in the Army?

Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, twists, dreadlocks, or locks while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair- cuts with a single, untapered patch of hair on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss) are considered eccentric and are not authorized.

What does AR 670-1 say about hair?

The length of men's hair, specifically the “bulk” at the top of the head, is now maxed out at 2 inches, and fade and taper requirements are stricter. Designs in the hair and asymmetrical cuts are prohibited, and hair color must be natural with “no extreme contrasts.” Shaved heads are authorized for men and women.

Can males have dreadlocks in the Army in 2025?

No, male soldiers generally cannot have dreadlocks (locs) in the U.S. Army in 2025, as recent updates (Army Directive 2025-18) prohibit them, along with braids, twists, and cornrows, requiring neat, tapered hairstyles with strict length and bulk limits (max 2 inches on top, 1 inch on sides). Exceptions for religious accommodation might exist but would require specific waivers and adherence to strict guidelines, though standard policy forbids them. 

Army getting strict on appearance and grooming standards

What disqualifies you from the military?

You can be disqualified from the military for significant criminal history (especially felonies), certain medical conditions (like untreated mental health disorders, severe chronic illnesses, or some vision/hearing issues), significant drug/alcohol abuse, or not meeting specific physical/moral standards, though many issues, particularly criminal or minor medical ones, might be eligible for a waiver depending on the branch and offense. Key areas of disqualification include felony convictions, major psychiatric diagnoses, substance abuse, and certain physical limitations.
 

Are braids allowed for men?

It is permissible for men to grow their hair long and if need be to braid it as this act was done by Prophet the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when his hair came down to his earlobes, and sometimes it reached his shoulders. When his hair grew long, he would put it in four braids.

What are the new Army grooming regulations 2025?

The Army just updated its grooming standards: All Soldiers must be clean‑shaven in uniform or on duty, with limited exceptions only for medical or approved religious reasons . Medical exceptions (e.g. razor bumps/PFB) now require a current medical profile (DA 3349) and an ETP memo signed by an O‑5 commander.

Are taper fades allowed in the military?

(a) Hair will be tapered or faded starting at zero length (skin fade) or at 1/4-inch length at the sideburns and hair around the ears (low, mid, and high fades). Hair must blend evenly around the sides and back and will not fall over the ears.

Is the Army getting rid of ponytails?

The updated rules for hair, as outlined by the Army, include: Shaved heads are authorized for both male and female soldiers. Women are allowed to wear ponytails only with Army combat uniforms and physical fitness uniforms; they're prohibited in dress uniforms.

Is a 2 or 3 longer haircut?

A number 3 haircut is longer than a number 2 haircut, with a #2 leaving hair at 1/4 inch (6mm) and a #3 leaving it at 3/8 inch (10mm), offering more length for texture and blending, often used in crew cuts. While #2 is very short and full, #3 provides a bit more coverage, making it a good starting point for fades or crew cuts.
 

Are twists allowed in the military?

Under the current standard, Soldiers are allowed to braid, twist, lock, or cornrow their hair if they are uniform and no greater than 1/2 inch in width. Individuals must also have appropriate size and spacing between each braid, cornrow, twist, or lock, and are authorized one distinct type of hairstyle at one time.

Why isn't long hair allowed in the military?

Again, this is a personal hygiene thing and it also means that soldiers look uniform and part of a unit. However, some militaries do allow their soldiers to have mustaches and beards of certain lengths.

What hairstyles are not allowed in the military?

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 headgear.

What is the new military grooming policy?

AUG 2 0 2025

The grooming standard set by the U.S. military is to be clean shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance. When authorizing individual exceptions, commanders must apply consistent criteria and appropriately consider the Department's interests in safety and uniformity.

Are two ponytails authorized in the Army?

Hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, singular ponytail, two braids or singular braid. Multiple locs, braids, twists or cornrows may come together in one or two braids or a single ponytail.

What is the 7 day haircut rule?

The "7-day haircut rule" suggests a haircut looks best about a week after getting it because it allows the hair to "settle," softening the initial stiffness, letting natural oils redistribute, and finding a more natural flow after the blunt, fresh-cut look. It's a guideline for events, recommending getting a cut several days prior (like Tuesday/Wednesday for a Friday event) rather than the day before, giving time for adjustment or minor corrections, and is part of a general idea that a cut peaks around 7-10 days for a "lived-in" feel.
 

What happens if I refuse to shave in the Army?

According to direction by Hegseth, when needed, medical officers will provide written recommendations concerning shaving waivers to a service member's commander; service members with approved waivers will participate in a medical treatment plan; and commanders will initiate separation of those who still require a ...

What does 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mean in haircuts?

In haircuts, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 refer to clipper guard sizes, which dictate hair length, with lower numbers being shorter (e.g., #1 is 1/8 inch, #2 is 1/4 inch) and higher numbers being longer (e.g., #5 is 5/8 inch), allowing for buzz cuts, crew cuts, and fades by specifying exactly how much hair to leave on the scalp, notes High End Barbershop, bestbomg, and The Rooted Barber Experience.
 

How long can my hair be in the Army?

Hair may not touch the ears or collar. It also cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk cannot be more than 2.0 inches.

Did the Army get rid of shaving profiles?

The policy also ends permanent shaving profiles for those who suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps. Current troops with razor-bump profiles can be granted shaving exemptions for up to 12 months, but they must also have a treatment plan.

Is the Army going to allow beards?

The update reinforces the Army's long-standing policy that all Soldiers must be clean-shaven when in uniform or civilian clothes while on duty, with temporary exemptions for medical reasons and permanent exemptions for religious accommodations.

What does God say about braids?

God doesn't explicitly forbid braids, but biblical passages like 1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Timothy 2:9 encourage inner beauty, modesty, and good works over elaborate outward adornment, including "braided hair," suggesting a focus on character over vanity, though interpretation varies on whether this forbids all braiding or excessive, prideful adornment. Some traditions see braids as symbolic of vanity or worldly focus, while others view them as cultural or spiritual, with meaning depending on the heart behind the style. 

What hairstyles are allowed in the military for men?

MALES: Haircuts, zero above the ear (skin), tapered on the sides, and hair length not to exceed 3 inches in length on top or 2 inches of bulk. Facial hair: clean shaven every day. Fresh/new haircut at least every 2 weeks.

What is the 2 inch rule for short hair?

Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.