Which military branch can you have long hair?

Author: Amara O'Keefe  |  Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2026

The Army also recently updated its grooming policy allowing female soldiers more flexibility in hairstyles, including short, medium, and long ponytails and braids, as well as dreadlocks/locks and twists. In contrast, the Marine Corps historically has stricter hair regulations.

What branch of the military allows long hair?

The updated standard will also allow females with long hair the option to wear a ponytail while wearing an Army Combat Uniform during physical training, or while wearing tactical headgear during tactical training or combat operations. The Army defines long hair as a length that extends beyond the collar.

What branch of the military can you keep your hair?

Unfortunately, none of the branches allow for long, unrestrained hair. The rules are strictly enforced for uniformity and safety. When it comes to deciding which branch to join, consider factors like the branch's mission, culture, and opportunities, along with lifestyle considerations like hair rules.

Can I have long hair in the Army?

While there is no specific rule against having long hair, it is advisable for male candidates to keep their hair trimmed and styled in a way that looks tidy and is in accordance with military standards. Female candidates with long hair should ideally tie it back to present a clean look.

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.

Every US Military Branch in 5 Minutes

Can I join the military and keep my 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.

Can marines have long 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.

Can you have long hair in the navy?

(3) Hair length, when in uniform, may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1-1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar. Long hair, including braids, will be neatly fastened, pinned, or secured to the head.

Can Army cadets have long hair?

Do you have to have short hair? No, although you will need to keep your hair neat and tidy when on cadet activities, and back from your face and ears. You must also be able to wear your uniform head dress properly, with no hair showing below the brow band.

Do I have to cut my hair in the military?

While men usually have to cut their hair extremely short to undergo basic training in the military, the same is not true of female candidates. In the US military, times are changing, and women are now permitted to buzz cut their hair.

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.

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.

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.

What's the longest hair you can have in the military?

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 hair touch ears with air force?

Hair will not touch the ears or protrude under the front band of headgear. Cleanly shaven heads, military high-and-tight or flattop cuts are authorized. Airmen may have one (cut, clipped, or shaved) front to back, straight-line part, not slanted or curved, on either side of their head, above the temple.

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.

Is Army Cadets strict?

The ACF is an accommodating youth organisation with a military theme. It expects certain standards from everyone and that means there are some rules. But discipline is much more than that.

Does military school make you cut your hair?

It is recommended that male cadets have their hair cut at least every two weeks. Some may have to get it cut once per week depending on how fast the hair grows. Cadets must be in regulation AT ALL TIMES and any time they are on campus (whether school is in session or not).

How long is Navy boot camp?

U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command > What to Expect12345. Recruit training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long. The goal of this training is to transform you from a civilian into a Sailor with all of the skills necessary to perform in the fleet.

What is the Secret Service hair policy?

Hair will be clean and neatly groomed. The bulk of the hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance.

Can you go to MEPS with long hair?

General Hair Guidelines for MEPS

Length Restrictions: Hair shouldn't extend below the collar. For men, it shouldn't cover the ears or touch eyebrows. Women may have longer hair, but it must be put up neatly. No Extreme Styles: Avoid eccentric hairstyles.

How much do you make in the Marine Corps?

The average U.S. Marine Corps salary ranges from approximately $23,000 per year for Small Arms/Artillery Repairer to $98,489 per year for Company Commander.

Can you let your hair grow in the Marines?

New growth (defined as hair that naturally grows from the scalp and has not yet been braided, twisted or locked) will not exceed 1/2 inch at any time. Braids, twists and locks that do not meet these standards and do not present a neat and professional military appearance are not authorized.

Can you have long hair in the Royal Marines?

No. On duty, your hair needs to be neatly groomed and must not extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar.

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