Guide to Military Grooming: Which Haircuts for Men are Not Allowed? - Barber Craft (2024)

This guide will delve into the prohibited hairstyles for men in the military, exploring the regulations surrounding braids, cornrows, twists, locs, and other unconventional styles1. It will also cover guidelines for facial hair, religious accommodations, and accessory restrictions to provide a comprehensive overview of grooming requirements in the armed forces.

Braids, cornrows, twists, and locs are strictly prohibited hairstyles for men in the military when in uniform or on duty in civilian clothes2. These styles, along with shaved designs (except for a hard part) and styled sideburns, are considered faddish or extreme and are not allowed23. The reasoning behind this prohibition is to ensure uniformity and prevent any hairstyles that could potentially interfere with the proper seal of a gas mask3.

While braids, cornrows, twists, and locs are currently prohibited, the military has made exceptions in the past. For instance, during World War II, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (nicknamed the “Filthy Thirteen”) adopted the mohawk hairstyle and war paint as a morale boost5. However, mohawks are generally not allowed in the U.S. military today per Army Regulation 670-15.

The Air Force has stringent regulations regarding acceptable hairstyles for men. One prohibited style is the mohawk, which is considered faddish and extreme6. Mohawks, along with mullets, cornrows, and dreadlocks, are strictly forbidden, as they do not align with the military’s emphasis on uniformity and professionalism6.

Permitted hairstyles for men in theAir Force include:

To achieve these styles, airmen can use clippers with varying guard sizes, techniques like temple fades and line-ups, and styling products6. However, the overall bulk of the hair cannot exceed 2.5 inches6.

The content does not directly discuss a specific “third prohibited military haircut for men.” Instead, it provides an overview of the general haircut regulations across different branches of the U.S. military7.

The U.S. Navy’s grooming standards for men’s hairstyles require that hair be neat, clean, and well-groomed, with hair off the ears and above the collar8. Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and not extend below the middle of the ear8. Mustaches are authorized but must be neatly and closely trimmed, not extending below the lip line or beyond the corners of the mouth8. Beards are not permitted unless authorized by a medical or religious waiver8.

The general guidelines for men’s hair in the military are that it cannot touch the collar, ears, or eyebrows, and it must be tapered or have a “moderate” block cut in the back3. Allowed styles include shaved bald, buzz cut (all hair the same length), and tapered cut that does not touch the collar, ears, or eyebrows3.

The U.S. Army’s regulations state that hair must be neatly groomed and not trendy, spiky, or disheveled9. Hair must conform to the shape of the head, with a tapered neckline, and cannot fall over the ears or touch the collar (except the tapered neckline)9. A classic taper or Ivy League haircut is normally the preferred style9. Any hair coloring must be a natural shade9.

The Marine Corps’ guidelines require hair to be evenly graduated from zero length at the hairline, with no outline or edging9. Hair cannot be more than three inches long or protrude from the scalp more than two inches9. It must be styled so it does not protrude beneath properly worn headgear9. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the person’s complexion9.

For the Air Force and Navy, regulations mandate that hair be neat, clean, well-groomed, tapered above the ears and nape of the neck, and not touching the ears, eyebrows, or collar9. The Army also requires neatly groomed hair conforming to the head’s shape, with a tapered neckline and no hair falling over the ears or touching the collar9.

The strict hair standards are primarily to ensure a proper gas mask seal and maintain a neat, professional military appearance3.

As members of the armed forces, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the acceptable hairstyles outlined by each branch’s regulations. For those seeking a fresh military-approved cut, considerbooking a haircut at BarberCraft, where skilled barbers can expertly execute the permitted styles while ensuring compliance with the strict grooming standards.

Military personnel must adhere to specific haircut regulations when in uniform or on duty. Hairstyles must keep hair off the ears, above the collar, and not extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed. Haircuts should not allow hair to show underneath headwear. The hair must not exceed 2 inches in bulk or 4 inches in length.

No, military personnel cannot refuse to get a haircut that complies with regulations. If an order is given to get a haircut, it is not open to debate or refusal. Service members are expected to follow such orders without contention.

Yes, men in the military are allowed to wear cornrows, provided they adhere to the current standards. Cornrows must be uniform and cannot be wider than 1/2 inch. Other acceptable styles under these standards include braids, twists, and locks.

[1] –https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements/appearance.html[2] –https://www.themodestman.com/army-haircut-for-men/[3] –https://www.quora.com/What-haircuts-are-not-allowed-in-the-military[4] –https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/hair-has-long-and-short-history-in-armed-forces/[5] –https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-history-of-the-mohawk-haircut-in-the-US-military-Are-there-any-current-US-military-units-that-allow-soldiers-to-have-a-mohawk-haircut[6] –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLpVsEHyQ-k[7] –https://militaryspousebookreview.com/2014/03/17/know-your-military-member-by-haircut/[8] –https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-2/2201-Personal-Appearance/[9] –https://www.liveabout.com/mens-military-haircut-regulations-2326643

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