Are you allowed to grow your hair in the military?

Author: Dr. Alexa Miller  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Hair should be no longer than 4.0 inches. Hair may not touch the ears or collar. It also cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk cannot be more than 2.0 inches.

Can you let your hair grow in the military?

In the US military: Army: Soldiers are generally required to keep their hair neat and professional. Long hair is allowed for women, but it must be tied up and maintained in a way that does not interfere with the uniform or safety equipment. Men must keep their hair short and neatly trimmed.

Can you have longer hair in the military?

In the US military: Army: Soldiers are generally required to keep their hair neat and professional. Long hair is allowed for women, but it must be tied up and maintained in a way that does not interfere with the uniform or safety equipment. Men must keep their hair short and neatly trimmed.

Can I join the military without cutting my hair?

While men typically receive a “buzz cut” during basic training, women are allowed to keep their hair as long as it doesn't reach below their shoulders. After training, men can grow their hair out as long as it doesn't touch their collar.

How long can marines grow their hair?

Hair may be no longer than 3 inches long and the bulk of the hair (as you hair lies flat on your head it may not extend beyond 2 inches from your scalp) restriction applies equally to male Marines.

How Long Can You Have Your Hair In The Air Force

What military branch lets you keep your hair?

Women in the Army don't have to cut their hair. You can have any hair length if it is worn up.

Can marines have tattoos?

Marines may have tattoos on any area of the body, excluding the head, neck, and hands in accordance with this Bulletin. Marines are advised there are future career implications regarding the application of tattoos. A tattoo that is not specifically prohibited may still prevent future duty assignments.

Is 27 too old to join the military?

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.

Why is the military strict about hair?

These regulations were enforced for practical reasons, as long hair and facial hair could interfere with the proper fitting of helmets and gas masks. During World War II, the military expanded its regulations to include a wide range of personal appearance standards.

What do military guys look for in a girl?

Military guys, just like anyone else, look for someone they can connect with emotionally, intellectually, and physically. They value qualities such as loyalty, understanding, and flexibility in their partners.

Can Soldiers have tattoos?

Where's It Not Allowed. Army tattoo policy prohibits tattoos on the head, face, neck above the t-shirt collar, wrists or hands other than one ring tattoo per hand that must rest where a normal ring would. Army tattoo policy also states that leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee.

What disqualifies you from joining the Army?

If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.

Is 30 too old to join the military?

Is 30 Too Old to Join the Military? While the Department of Defense generally restricts enlistment to those 35 and younger, exceptions exist, and 30 is not too old to enlist. For example, an exception exists that allows prior enlisted members to subtract previous service years to extend eligibility.

Can you get a green card by joining the military?

You cannot get a green card by joining the military but you can help your family get one. The benefits for noncitizen U.S. military servicemembers are ample and generous.

Does the military hair test you?

Military drug testing is designed to maintain operational readiness and safety by deterring substance use among service members. A comprehensive drug testing protocol includes urinalysis, blood, and hair follicle tests to detect a wide array of illicit and prescription substances.

What happens if you get diagnosed with ADHD while in the military?

That said, in the Army, it's possible to receive an ADHD diagnosis and treatment during active service. Commencing treatment, especially stimulant use, may require other role-, training-, and/or division-specific considerations.

Will the military ever allow long hair?

U.S. ARMY GROOMING GUIDELINES 2021

Implementing the Army Green Service Uniform. Allowing breastfeeding female soldiers to wear an undershirt. No minimum hair length. Allowing multiple hairstyles for women, which were previously limited to buns for longer hair.

Can I keep my hair if I join the military?

When wearing the uniform or in a duty status, hairstyles/haircuts will have hair off the ears and above the collar. Hair will be no more than 2 inches in bulk, 4 inches in length and not to extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed or show underneath when headwear is worn.

Can I refuse to cut my hair in the military?

"You will be obligated to keep your hair neat, clean and well groomed." It also states that hair should be no longer than 4.0 inches and it must not touch the ears or collar. Ultimately, when you serve in a country's armed forces, you will be required to look presentable.

Can a 70 year old join the military?

Unfortunately, the age limit for joining the military currently ranges from 17 to 41 years old.

Which military branch pays the most?

All branches of the U.S. military offer the same base pay based on rank and years of service. However, other factors can impact a military member's pay, including: Special pay: Some service members receive additional pay based on their job specialty or tasks performed.

How long is boot camp?

You're ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America.

What tattoos will disqualify you from the military?

Don't expect to be able to join ANY branch of the military with sexually explicit, extremist, racist, or sexist tattoos. Each military branch has a tattoo waiver available for recruits except for the Coast Guard.

What disqualifies you for the Marines?

Eligibility Requirements

Both enlisted and officer candidates must pass a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. New recruits must pass The Initial Strength Test, or IST, to demonstrate their physical fitness. The IST consists of pull-ups or push-ups, plank pose, and a 1.5-mile timed run.

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