Appearance and Grooming Standards Summary

The below is a summary of the appearance and grooming standards based on Army Regulation 670-1 and Army Directive 2025-18 (Appearance, Grooming, and Army Body Composition Program Standards). It is meant to familiarize applicants with the appearance and grooming required to volunteer with the MDDF.  MDDF complies with these standards.   The below is a summary and it is not intended to cover all of the details involving the appearance and grooming standards that all volunteers must follow. 

TATTOO, BRANDING, AND BODY MUTILATION

The following types of tattoos or brands are prohibited anywhere on a Soldier’s body:

(1) Extremist. Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, sex, or ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S. Constitution, and Federal or State law (see AR 600–20).

(2) Indecent. Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, propriety, or professionalism.

(3) Sexist. Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on sex.

(4) Racist. Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. 

Tattoos or brands, regardless of subject matter, are prohibited on the head, face (except for permanent makeup, neck (anything above the t-shirt neckline to include on or inside the eyelids, mouth, and ears), below the wrist bone, and hands, except volunteers may have one ring tattoo on each hand, below the joint of the bottom segment (portion closest to the palm) of the finger. The wrist bone is defined as the joint that bridges the hand to the forearm. 

Applicants, for enlistment or appointment, may not cover tattoos or brands with bandages or make up in order to comply with the tattoo policy

Volunteers are prohibited from any unauthorized form of body mutilation, which is the willful mutilation of the body or any body parts in any manner. This prohibition does not include authorized medical alterations performed at a medical treatment facility or cosmetic, reconstructive, or plastic surgery procedures the commander normally approves. Examples of unauthorized body mutilation include, but are not limited to, tongue bifurcation (splitting of the tongue), ear gauging (enlarged holes in the lobe of the ear that are greater than 1.6 mm), unnatural shaping of teeth, ear pointing (or “elfing”), scarification (cutting to create intentional scarring), or body modifications for the purpose of suspension (hanging by body hooks). Soldiers who entered the Army with approved body mutilation before 31 March 2014 may request an exception to policy from DCS, G–1. See DA Pam 670–1 for processing guidance.

JEWELERY

Attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to, through, or under their skin, tongue, or any other visible body part is prohibited. This applies to all volunteers on duty. The only exception is the wear of earrings consistent with paragraph 3–4d, AR 670-1.  The term “skin” is not confined to external skin but includes the tongue, lips, and inside the mouth.

The use of dental gold caps, platinum caps, or caps of any unnatural color or texture (permanent or removable) for purposes of dental ornamentation is prohibited. Teeth, whether natural, capped, or veneered, will not be decorated with designs, jewels, initials, or similar ornamentation. Unnatural shaping of teeth for nonmedical reasons is prohibited. 

As per Army Directive 2025-18 (Appearance, Grooming, and Army Body Composition Program Standards)

Jewelry—Earrings.

a. Male Soldiers. Male Soldiers are not authorized to wear earrings while in any military uniform or while on duty in civilian attire.

b. Female Soldiers. Female Soldiers are authorized to wear earrings in the ACU, dress, and service uniforms. No other facial or visible piercings, aside from authorized earrings worn on the earlobe, are permitted in any uniform. Clear nose ring gauges and nose ring retainers are not authorized.

(1) Earrings must be worn as a matched pair, with only one earring per standard earlobe, and are not authorized to be worn in the cartilage, industrial, transverse lobe, tragus, or conch part of the ear.

(2) Stud earrings may be screw-on, clip-on, or post-type earrings in gold, silver, clear diamond, or white/ivory pearl. The earring will not exceed 6 millimeters or 1/4 inch in diameter (defined as the straight-line distance across the center of the earring, measured from one edge to the opposite edge), and they must be unadorned (plain), spherical (round), or square (for example, princess cut).

(3) When worn, the earrings will fit snugly against the ear. Hoop, two-sided, or drop earrings are not authorized.

(4) Earrings are not authorized to be worn during physical fitness activities, in tactical/field environments, during combat or operational-related deployments, or in locations where access to regular hygiene is not available. Earrings are not authorized in the APFU.

BEARDS, MUSTACHES

General Rule:  The standard MDDF policy requires volunteers to be clean-shaven when in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. 

Medical Exemptions:  Volunteers may be granted an exemption for medical reasons, such as skin conditions that are aggravated by shaving. These waivers are often temporary or require annual review. 

Religious Accommodations:  Volunteers can request to wear beards for religious reasons, and the Army has expanded its policies to allow this under certain circumstances. 

Mustaches: Mustaches are permitted, but must be neatly trimmed and tapered, with no handlebar or other exaggerated styles.  Must comply with AR 670-1 guidelines.  Neat and Tidy: Mustaches must be kept meticulously groomed. 

Tapered: The mustache should taper, meaning it gradually thins at the edges, rather than being a straight, blocky shape. 

No Coverage of the Lip: The mustache cannot cover the upper lip line. 

No Extension Beyond Mouth: The mustache cannot extend beyond the corners of the mouth. 

HAIR

Certain hairstyles are prohibited when wearing a military uniform. This includes any hairstyles that distort the fit of prescribed headgear, interfere with the proper use of protective equipment, or create any health or safety hazards. These restrictions apply regardless of whether the headgear is being worn at the time. Headgear will fit snugly and comfortably without bulging or distorting its intended shape. There will be no excessive gaps between the headgear and the head. Soldiers will not wear oversized headgear to fit bulky or protruding hairstyles.

a. Male Haircuts and Hairstyles

(1) Hair Color. Hair color must present a professional and natural appearance (defined as any shade of hair that grows from the scalp without artificial coloring). Only natural shades of hair coloring are authorized, and must be applied in a blended, subtle manner. Hair color must be free of abrupt or extreme artificial contrasts in shading.

(2) Hair Style.

(a) Hair will be tapered or faded starting at zero length (skin fade) or at 1/4-inch length at the sideburns and hair around the ears (low, mid, and high fades). Hair must blend evenly around the sides and back and will not fall over the ears. The bulk (defined as the distance the hair protrudes from the scalp) of the hair at the top of the scalp will not exceed 2 inches, and the bulk of the hair at the sides of the head will not exceed 1 inch. Only shaved or closely cut hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar of the uniform.

(b) Male Soldiers are authorized to shave or trim their heads (whole scalp). Edged or outlined cuts are authorized if they are natural to the Soldier’s hairline. If the hair does not part naturally, the male Soldier may cut a part in the area where the Soldier would normally part the hair (no wider than 1/8-inch width). The part will be one straight line, or if slanted or curved, align with the natural hairline. Male Soldiers are not authorized to wear locs, braids, or twists.

(3) Shaping and Cutting Designs. Male Soldiers will not shape or cut designs into their hair or scalp. Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle based on the guidelines found within this directive and the ability to wear all types of headgear (such as beret, garrison cap, patrol cap, or service cap/hat) and any protective equipment (such as a protective mask or combat helmet) properly.

b. Female Haircuts and Hairstyles. 

Hairstyle techniques will encompass the entirety of the scalp (defined as the skin covering the head, excluding the face). Bangs must remain above the eyebrows when worn and, at a minimum, be no shorter than the middle of the forehead. There is no minimum hair length for female Soldiers. Female Soldiers are authorized to shave or trim their heads (whole scalp). Female Soldiers are not allowed to wear braided or unbraided ponytails when in any variation of the dress uniform. Hair must be styled above the collar or secured in a bun above the collar when in service or dress uniform variations.

(1) Hair Color. Hair color must present a professional and natural appearance (defined as any shade of hair that grows from the scalp without artificial coloring). Only natural shades of hair coloring are authorized, and must be applied in a blended, subtle manner. Hair color must be free of abrupt or extreme artificial contrasts in shading.

(2) Buns. Buns will be worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 inches from the scalp and no wider than the width of the head. Buns will be centered at the back of the head, positioned horizontally in line with the top of the ears when viewed from the side. The bottom portion of the bun may fall at or above the collar.

(3) Ponytails. Female Soldiers are authorized to wear their hair in a single braided or a single unbraided ponytail while in the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or the Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU). Hair must be neatly fastened and secured in a single ponytail. The bulk of the ponytail must not exceed the width of the head. The ponytail length must not exceed 6 inches from the top of the collar. The minimum length is at least 1 inch, measured from the base of the ponytail holder. The ponytail will be centered at the back of the head and positioned horizontally in line with the top of the ears when viewed from the side. Female Soldiers are not allowed to wear ponytails when in any variation of the dress uniform.

(4) Braids, Locs, Twists, and Cornrows. Multiple braids, locs, twists, or cornrows may be uniformly styled and gathered into braids or a single ponytail to ensure a cohesive appearance (when braids, locs, twists, or cornrows are gathered into a ponytail, ponytail must conform to paragraph 1b(3) of this enclosure). Female Soldiers are allowed to wear up to two braids (must run down the center of the back, parallel to each other and in equal length and width), with no braid exceeding 2 inches in width, and no longer than 6 inches when measured from the top of the collar. The braids or braided ponytail cannot be worn over the shoulder or pulled in front of the body. Female Soldiers are not allowed to wear braided ponytails when wearing any variation of the dress uniform.

(5) Hairstyle Techniques. Female hairstyles involving shorter sides and back, with significantly longer hair on top, are authorized provided they adhere to the following standards: The top section will not exceed 2 inches in length when measured from the scalp and must blend smoothly into the shorter sides and back, avoiding a stark disconnect. Styles involving shorter sides and back will not incorporate buns, braids, twists, or ponytails. A gradual transition in length is required, creating a blended contrast instead of a sharply defined undercut. Asymmetrical (defined as unbalanced or lopsided) haircuts and hairstyles are prohibited.

(6) Tapered or Faded Haircuts.

(a) At the discretion of the wearer, female Soldiers may taper or fade their hair, starting at zero length (skin fade) or at 1/4-inch length at the sideburns and hair around the ears (low, mid, and high fades). Hair must blend evenly around the sides and back and will not fall over the ears. The bulk (defined as the distance the hair protrudes from the scalp) of the hair at the top of the scalp will not exceed 2 inches, and the bulk of the hair at the sides of the head will not exceed 1 inch. Only shaved or closely cut hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar of the uniform.

(b) Edged or outlined cuts are authorized if they are natural to the Soldier’s hairline. If the hair does not part naturally, the female Soldier may cut a part in the area where the Soldier would normally part the hair (no wider than 1/8 inch in width). The part will be one straight line, or if slanted or curved, align with the natural hairline. Female Soldiers may not combine tapered or faded haircuts with other authorized hairstyles. No part of the hair’s bulk, measured from the scalp in its styled position, may exceed 2 inches in length, except in styles such as buns, braids, and ponytails.

(7) Shaping and Cutting Designs. Female Soldiers will not shape or cut designs into their hair or scalp. Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle based on the guidelines found within this directive and the ability to wear all types of headgear (such as beret, garrison cap, patrol cap, or service cap/hat) and any protective equipment (such as a protective mask or combat helmet) properly.

(8) Devices. Visible hair-holding devices used to secure hair will closely match the Soldier’s hair color. Devices must blend naturally with the hair, should be discreet and complement the overall appearance, and be no larger than 1/2-inch thick. Authorized devices must closely match the wearer’s hair color. These devices include, but are not limited to, small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair or head bands. Such devices should conform to the natural shape of the head.

2. Cosmetics. Cosmetics are defined as decorative preparations intended to enhance the appearance of the body, particularly the face.

a. Male Soldiers. Cosmetics are prohibited for males, unless by medical exemption. All Soldiers are permitted to use clear lip moisturizers.

b. Female Soldiers. Female Soldiers are authorized to wear cosmetics if they abide by the following:

(1) Facial Makeup. Facial makeup is applied for the purpose of achieving an even, uniform skin tone that matches their natural complexion on the face and neck. Makeup will be applied in a conservative manner that maintains a professional and uniform appearance. Makeup will not be used to enhance or alter facial features by adding color that does not match their natural complexion. Makeup designed to cover tattoos is prohibited.

(2) Semipermanent Makeup. Semipermanent makeup, defined as depositing pigments into the skin, is authorized if the makeup conforms to the standards outlined in this directive. 

Factors such as skin type, sun exposure, lifestyle, and the quality of the pigment cause the pigment to fade and/or disappear over time and require maintenance touch-ups. Tattooed makeup is permanent and is not authorized.

(3) Eyelash Extensions. Eyelash extensions of any kind are not authorized. False eyelashes are authorized only through a medical profile to address a condition causing the loss of natural eyelashes and subsequent lack of eye protection. False eyelashes must match the Soldier’s natural color and will not exceed 9 millimeters in length.

(4) Lip Cosmetics. Lipstick is not authorized. Female Soldiers may wear clear or skin-tone tinted lip gloss. All Soldiers are permitted to use clear lip moisturizers. Lip liner is not authorized unless by medical exemption.

c. Fingernail Grooming. Fingernails should be clean and well-groomed to maintain a professional appearance and ensure safety. Given the nature of maintenance work and other physically demanding military occupational specialties, nails can easily become dirty. Soldiers will keep nails at a practical length to avoid snagging on tools or safety equipment. Additionally, nails should not interfere with the fit of gloves or uniforms.

(1) Male Soldiers. Male Soldiers are not authorized to wear nail polish of any kind, which includes clear nail polish, unless by medical exemption. Male fingernails will be kept trimmed and will not extend beyond the tip of the finger.

(2) Female Soldiers. Female Soldiers are authorized to wear clear nail polish. Only square or rounded nail shapes are authorized for all Soldiers. Female Soldier fingernails will not exceed 1/4 inch in length as measured from the tip of the finger.