There are rules and regulations for every occupation to hire people, same is the case with the military. They have some strict regulations regarding the appearance of the recruit. Here we will specifically focus on military haircut regulations as our blog is only about haircuts and beards. Regulations are a very important factor in ones life. If you are never faced with rules, then you might never learn manners and limitations.
Military is very strict about their rules and regulations because they represent our country on a national as well as international level. And so it is required to show unity and uniformity through their way of living, in which styling plays a vital role.
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General Military Haircut Regulations
You need to maintain a nice, clean, and well-groomed appearance with your haircut (combed or brushed). Hairstyles and haircuts will give the impression of a well-balanced professional military look. Hairstyles and haircuts worn in uniform or while on duty will meet the requirements mentioned in this article.
Hairstyles/haircuts used with the uniforms or even in a duty status can have haircut off the ears and over the collar. When headband is removed, your hair should reach only two inches in bulk, four inches of length, and not extend below the brows. When headband is sported, hair should not show underneath.
What Is A Bulk Of Hair?
To simply define; Bulk of hair is reference of the masses of your hair, from the distance of the skull to downward, we call it bulk.
What Are Military Haircut Regulations In Reference To Uniform?
Hairstyles shown in uniform would not impede with the appropriate wear of any and all uniforms coverings or safety devices. Hairstyles with locks just above ears and all around the collar will be trimmed at minimum 3/4 inch from lowest hair on top upwards and not more than 3/4 inch outwardly to mix with longer hair. Hair colouring should appear natural. Hair that is more than one hue is not permitted.
Specifications For Different Textures Of Hair
Curled, waves, and straight hair have distinct qualities and textures, and the 3/4-inch tapering at the nape of the neck might be difficult to achieve in some situations.
Hairs from back and sides should have a graded aspect from the forehead upward in any circumstances. Just at nape of the neck, there may be a flat, obstructed, or rounded edge line. Single slim, fore and aft section, no more than Four inches in lengths and no wider over 1/8th inches in width, may be trimmed, clipped, or shaved.
What Are The Military Haircut Regulations Regarding Different Styles?
Hairstyles such as Flat tops, fade haircuts, military high and tight haircut, high top haircuts and skin fades, Afro, and such similar haircuts are examples of allowed hairstyles. On the other hand prohibited haircuts in uniform or on duty include plaited, twisted, locks, spirals, Mohawk hairstyles, and hairstyles that seem similar.
For the sideburns, they will be trimmed and contoured in the same way as the haircut is. The thickness of sideburns would not surpass the length of the haircut where they connect. Sideburns should not fall beyond the centre of the ears, be of even length (not flared), and end in a crisp horizontal line. With bald hairstyles, sideburns are not permitted. “Mutton chops,” “ship’s captain,” and similar terms are not permitted.
Are There Any Military Haircut Regulations for Haircuts With Beards?
The military recruits are expected to be clean shaven, unless there is an allowance from the higher authorities or a religious reason is given. And as per Mustaches, they are permitted, but they must be maintained well cropped and according to the regulations.
No part of the moustache will protrude below the top lip’s lip line. It will not extend beyond a longitudinal line drawn from across the roof of the mouth or further than a perpendicular line drawn from the gum line by more than 1/4 inch.
An individual moustache hair will not exceed 1/2 inch in length when fully stretched. Handlebar moustaches, goatees, beards, and hair below the lower lip or on the chin are prohibited. Beards will be groomed properly. The beard’s outside edges on the face and neck may be selectively edged. Light clipping or cutting of locks or at the outer rim of the facial hairs to give it a sculpted appearance is referred to as outlining, edging, or shaping the beard.
If the outlining causes skin irritation, stop edging the beard. Beards will not exceed 1/4 inch in length unless a religious accommodation waiver is granted. Candidates with therapeutic shaving waivers will have supervisors who will actively supervise and ensure that the improved treatment is maintained. Except when medical clearances or religious accommodations have been granted, the foregoing personnel are not permitted to have facial hair.
Are Hair Extensions Allowed In the Military?
Wigs or hairpieces must be of acceptable quality and fit, have a natural appearance, and meet the grooming requirements outlined in these rules. They must not obstruct the correct performance of duties, nor should they pose a security and FOD (Foreign Object Damage) risk. Wigs or hair extensions can sometimes be used by active duty members while in uniform or on service for cosmetic purposes to mask genetic baldness or disfigurements, but solely for cosmetic reasons.
Conclusion
We have discussed all the rules and military haircut regulations. What things they are strict about and what might have a chance to go unnoticed. If you are thinking about getting into military, then these regulations above will surely help you as they are updated and researched based, there have been no personal advice discussed here.
Because we are aware of how the military can be strict with its rules and regulations, and we won’t let you risk it. The rules are pretty simple and straightforward, all you need to do is follow them. And you will be good to go. All of these rules are to make the candidates focus on their duties and to show uniformity.