what are the grooming standards for a girl in the army?

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Brianna

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Ive been told a million different things from a million different people. Im joining the amry ina few months and one of the things they keep telling me or different people keep telling me is im gonna have to change my hair first, grow out my bangs, cut my hair short, cant have it died has to be my natural hair color..blha blah blah...can someone please tell me what the real answer is! Thanks!
 
There partially right in the sense that you cannot do extreme things with your hair. Im in the army and I didnt have to change my hair one bit. You can have bangs but in uniform you must pin them back. Your pins cannot be excessive or like crazy colors, they should match your hair.

Also, if your hair reaches your collar, it must be tied back into a tight bun in which you can still put your hat on. The best way to do it is just to gel it or mousse it so all your hairs are into place and in the bun neatly so you don't catch hell. It can be any natural color (blond, brunette, black, natural red) even if you dyed it that way.

Your fingernails cannot be long, i forgot the exact length but pretty much dont let them be over 1/8(i think) over your fingertip itself. The nail polish must be clear or nude. The only jewelry can be a wedding ring.
 
if you're leaving in a few months why don't you ask your recruiter? anyway, just keep it pretty well kept, no longer than your collar, so about shoulder length, maybe shorter would be good. you'll be keeping it in a bun most of the time anyway.
 
Female haircuts will conform to the following standards:

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. 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 hairholding devices comply with the standards below. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness uniform (PFU/IPFU).

Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), 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 have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with the grooming policies set forth in this paragraph.

Females will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with 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 front of the headgear, nor will it extend below the bottom edge of the collar.

Hair-holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hairholding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the soldier’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

As with hairstyles, the requirement for standards regarding cosmetics is necessary to maintain uniformity and to avoid an extreme or unmilitary appearance. Females are authorized to wear cosmetics with all uniforms, provided they are applied conservatively and in good taste and complement the uniform. Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment in the enforcement of this policy.

Females may wear cosmetics if they are conservative and complement the uniform and their complexion. Eccentric, exaggerated, or trendy cosmetic styles and colors, to include makeup designed to cover tattoos, are inappropriate with the uniform and are prohibited. Permanent makeup, such as eyebrow or eyeliner, is authorized as long as the makeup conforms to the standards outlined above.

Females will not wear shades of lipstick and nail polish that distinctly contrast with their complexion, that detract from the uniform, or that are extreme. Some examples of extreme colors include, but are not limited to, purple, gold, blue, black, white, bright (fire-engine) red, khaki, camouflage colors, and fluorescent colors. Soldiers will not apply designs to nails or apply two-tone or multi-tone colors to nails.

Females will comply with the cosmetics policy while in any military uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty.

All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Females will not exceed a nail length of 1/4 inch, as measured from the tip of the finger. Females will trim nails shorter if the commander determines that the longer length detracts from the military image, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties.
 
Ok the standards are in the Uniform Regulations.

Your best bet is to talk with the recruiter and voice your concerns. He can produce a copy of the Regulations. I can say, that it is probably similar to the Navy Regs. Natural color (It can be dyed, but it must be a natural color, and single colored), must be able to be put up in a bun or similar hairstyle, no braids, which can be worn underneath a military cover(Hat). It cannot touch your collar and must be away from your face/eyes etc.
 
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