Does the Air Force shave your hair?

Author: Marlene Grady  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Do I have to cut my hair during basic training? During initial processing for Basic Military Training (BMT), male Airmen will have their heads completely shaved. Female Airmen are not required to have hair cut.

Do they shave your hair in the Air Force?

As for you haircut, when you are on duty you must maintain the military standard haircut. In basic they shave your head. Once you complete training you can maintain the standard, off the ears, no long side burns, tapered appearance with a clean neck and face.

Does Air Force allow long hair?

Hair Length and Style: For men, hair must be neatly trimmed and cannot extend below the top of the ears or the collar. For women, hair can be longer but must be styled in a way that keeps it off the face and secured in a bun or ponytail if it extends past the shoulders.

What is the new hair policy for the Air Force?

1, senior Air Force leaders announced Jan. 29. Among the changes: Duty Identifier Patches are no longer authorized, hair cannot touch a male Airman's ears, Airmen must shave every day if they do not have a medical or religious waiver, and female Airmen must comply with tighter restrictions on nail polish.

Do Air Force pilots have to cut their hair?

Male pilots are expected to have short, military style haircuts. Think of what you see any military officer having and that will be acceptable, long hair is not allowed for men. As to facial hair, mustaches are allowed but beards and goatees are not as the hair prevents the oxygen masks from sealing.

Haircut Rules All Air Force Men Must Follow

Can you join the Air Force without cutting your hair?

Women are not required to cut their hair as long as they are able to secure it in a manner that prevents it from falling in their faces, obstructing vision or touching their collars. It must present a neat, professional appearance at all times.

Can I have long hair as a pilot?

Long hair that falls below the shoulder must be pulled up. Male students' hair may not extend over the top of the ear or be longer than the top of the shirt collar. Extreme hair colors are not permitted.

Do they cut your hair in Air Force basic training?

'During initial processing for Basic Military Training (BMT), male Airmen will have their heads completely shaved. Female Airmen are not required to have a hair cut; however, hair must be worn up or short enough not to touch the collar.

Can you have tattoos in the Air Force?

Tattoos, brands and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, tongue, lips and scalp. One neck tattoo is allowed, but it cannot exceed one inch in measurement in any direction and must be placed behind either ear.

Can you get a shaving waiver in the Air Force?

If granted a shaving waiver for medical reasons, airmen are required to "keep all facial hair trimmed to the same length and it may not to exceed 1/4-inch in length," according to the Department of the Air Force instruction, which also says they "may shave or trim their facial hair to present a neat, clean, ...

Can you chew gum in uniform Air Force?

S/He may not smoke, eat or drink while walking. Hands should not be in their pockets unless they are placing or retrieving an item. Chewing gum or smoking while in uniform is not "military" conduct. In the event of bad weather, they should have a "solid black colored" umbrella, he/she is not allowed any other color.

How long is basic training for the Air Force?

Air Force Basic Military Training lasts eight-and-a-half weeks and takes place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Training focuses on getting your flight assignment, individual duty assignment, equipment, uniforms and orientations. You'll learn the basics of military life: How to handle and fire a weapon.

Can I keep my long hair in 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.

Do they shave your head for basic training?

Although all branches of the U.S. armed forces employ the tradition of the induction haircut, the U.S. Marines have adopted the most severe version – a "zero-length" clipper blade to the scalp, although not shorter to avoid any minor injuries to recruits' head moles or other lesions.

What is the 7 day option in the Air Force?

"Exercising the 7-day option" or "7-day opting" means to apply for separation from the Air Force within the allowed 7-day window rather than accepting the next assignment.

What is the signing bonus for the Air Force?

The U.S. Air Force has added new opportunities for qualified future Airmen to receive bonuses up to $40k upon entering active-duty service. All Air Force bonuses are earned upon completion of training and a six-year commitment.

Is the Air Force hard to get into?

Standards Are High Because Expectations Are High

The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most competitive schools in the nation. You must meet high academic, physical, character and medical standards to be eligible for an appointment. Knowing what these standards are is the first step to surpassing them.

What is the oldest age to join the military?

Age limits

Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41. Marine Corps: 17 - 28.

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.

What is life like in the Air Force?

Life in the Air Force requires hard work, but also allows time for your own pursuits. Typically, you can expect an eight-hour workday, leaving plenty of time to relax, recharge and do other things you enjoy once you change out of uniform.

What do soldiers eat in basic training?

Instead, you'll consume a meal ready-to-eat -- commonly known as an MRE -- that contains an entree, fruit or vegetable side dish, crackers or bread with spread such as peanut butter or cheese, a dessert, candy, a beverage like a sports drink or coffee and possibly hot sauce or a seasoning.

Is long hair allowed in the Air Force?

Regardless of hairstyle, hair must not exceed length and bulk standard, and ensure proper wear of headgear, helmet, or chemical mask to conform to safety requirements.

Is it better to be tall or short as a pilot?

Myth: Being Tall Gives You an Edge in Aviation

Taller pilots are not automatically better suited for the job and are not preferred by airlines. Skills, experience, and training are more relevant in hiring decisions.

Can a pilot wear a ring?

As aviators, one of the first things we're taught is to not wear any rings when working around aircraft. We've seen pictures of what can happen if your ring gets caught on a piece of equipment, and there's usually one or two posters around the hangar reminding us of the consequences of not following this practice.

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