Can females in the Army wear two braids?

Author: Prof. Kory Herman PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

3. C. (U) Amend paragraph 3– 2(3)(c), 3–2(3)(d), and 3–2(3)(j) to authorize female Soldiers to wear ponytails in all uniforms. Hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, singular ponytail, two braids or singular braid.

Can I wear two braids in the Army?

Hairstyles may not be styled with designs, sharply curved lines, or zigzag lines. Only one distinctive style (braided, rolled, or twisted) may be worn at one time. Braids, cornrows, or twists that distinctly protrude (up or out) from the head are not authorized.

What are the rules for Army female hair?

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

Hairstyles may not be styled with designs, sharply curved lines, or zigzag lines. Only one distinctive style (braided, rolled, twisted, or locked) may be worn at one time. Braids, cornrows, twists, or locks that distinctly protrude (up or out) from the head are not authorized.

What does AR 670-1 say about female hair?

(a) 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.

New Army Hair Standards | Women Can Wear Ponytails

Can females have dreads in the Army?

The Army directive says that each lock, or dreadlock, "will be of uniform dimension; have a diameter no greater than 1/2 inch; and present a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance." All female Soldiers can opt to wear dreadlocks, Moore said.

How short can women's hair be in the military?

No minimum hair length. Allowing multiple hairstyles for women, which were previously limited to buns for longer hair. Allowing earrings to be worn with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) Adding more lip and nail colors for female soldiers.

What braids are allowed in the military?

Hair extending beyond the securing accessory may be braided or allowed to extend naturally. The wear of a single braid, French braid, or a single ponytail in Service, Working, and PT uniforms is authorized. The following criteria pertain to the wearing of ponytail hairstyles while wearing a U.S. Navy uniform.

How old can a woman be to join the military?

Age limits for women vary by branch, with maximums from 28 (Marine Corps) to 42 (Air Force/Space Force). Age waivers allow specialized professionals and veterans to serve beyond standard limits. Programs like JROTC and DEP offer early entry options for younger women.

Can you wear makeup in the basic training Army?

Other than earrings, no jewelry or ornamentation attached or affixed to or through the skin may be worn while in uniform. These accessories are also prohibited when you're on base and out of uniform. Cosmetics will not be applied at BCT.

How do female Soldiers wear their hair?

The army now allows ponytails and braids across all uniforms, as long they do not extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades. This change came just months after authorizing the wearing of ponytails tucked under the uniform blouse with tactical headgear.

How long does your hair have to be to wear a ponytail in the Army?

Braids and singular ponytails may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms, but length will not extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades when standing at the position of attention. There is no minimum length for the wear of a ponytail or braid(s).

Can females wear wigs in the Army?

Wigs, if worn in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty, must look natural and conform to this regulation. Wigs are not authorized to cover up unauthorized hairstyles. (6) Physical training. Long length hair, as defined in AR 670-1, may be worn in a single pony-tail during physical training.

Is two braids a protective style?

Two thick, braided pigtails are a simple way to protect your natural hair while creating a cute, low-maintenance look.

Can Soldiers have cornrows?

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.

What happens if you show up to basic training bald?

Like everyone said, you'll still go through the barber line like everyone else. If you don't have any hair to cut, idk, the barber might just hit you in the head with the clippers or something. Basically showing up bald will make the first day 1% more annoying than it already is.

What is the easiest military branch for females?

Lastly, the Coast Guard, which is smaller than the other branches, is also an option to consider as they are highly community-focused and involved in various roles, from maritime law enforcement to environmental protection. Regarding being 'more welcoming' for women, each branch has its own reputation and culture.

What disqualifies you from the Army?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Which Army job is best for females?

Best Ways for Women to Join the Indian Army
  • UPSC CDS OTA Entry. ...
  • Military Nursing Service (MNS) Entry. ...
  • Territorial Army Entry. ...
  • SSC Technical Entry. ...
  • NCC Special Entry. ...
  • JAG Entry. ...
  • Army Medical Corps (AMC) Entry. ...
  • Army Dental Corps (ADC) Entry. Indian Army will publish the ADC notification 2024 for dental aspirants.

What are the new Army rules for female hair?

No minimum hair length for female Soldiers. Multiple hairstyles to be worn at once (i.e. braiding twists or locs) Ponytails to be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms; the length not to exceed the bottom of the shoulder blades while at the position of attention (effective May 6, 2021)

Can you have box braids in basic training?

The new rules clarify that braids, cornrows and now twists can be worn in a ponytail during physical training; it also specifies that wigs, which were previously authorized, cannot be worn to cover up an unauthorized hairstyle.

Can females wear headbands in the Army?

Hair must still comply with bulk and appearance standards. Headgear must fit properly. Headbands or fabric scrunchies will not exceed one-inch in width.

Can you have braids in the military as a female?

Multiple locs, braids, twists or cornrows may come together in one or two braids or a single ponytail. Braids and singular ponytails may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms, but length will not extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades while at the position of attention.

Can females wear earrings in the Army?

This is from the Army Regulation regarding Wear and Appearance of the Uniform, AR 670–1. d. Females only are authorized to wear earrings with the service, dress, mess, and evening mess uniforms. will not exceed 6 mm or 1⁄4 inch in diameter, and they must be unadorned and spherical.

What are the physical requirements to join the Army?

Each service branch requires its own unique fitness test, but generally, they include:
  • Pushups, between one and two minutes, timed.
  • Situps, between one and two minutes, timed.
  • A one-and-a-half, two or three-mile timed run.
  • Other fitness requirements, such as pullups, flexed-arm hang and lifts.

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