Female Cadet Hair Regulations

WOMEN Hair:

Clean, neatly shaped, and presents a well-groomed appearance. Lopsided or asymmetrical haircuts and hairstyles are not authorized. The wearing of an approved style is authorized provided it does not prohibit the proper wear of safety gear and allows uniform head gear to be worn squarely on the head. Hair must be a natural color, and all hair is to be of the same color.

1. Braids and Ponytails

Single braid, French braid, or a single ponytail is authorized in Service, Working, and PT uniforms. The initial accessory for the ponytail will not be visible when facing forward. Authorized accessory devices must be consistent with the color of the hair. The end of the braid or ponytail may extend up to three inches below the lower edge of the collar of the shirt, jacket or coat.

2. Hair Buns

Will not exceed three inches from the scalp or extend beyond the width of the back of the head.

3. Lock Hairstyle

Consists of one section of hair that twists from or near the root to the end of the hair and creates a uniform ringlet or cord-like appearance. Locks may be worn in short, medium, and long hair lengths in the following manner:

(a) Locks must continue from the root to the end of the hair in one direction (no zig-zagging, curving, or ending before the end of the lock to dangle as a wisp or loose hair) and should encompass the whole head. Locks partings must be square or rectangular in shape in order to maintain a neat and professional appearance.

(b) Locks can be loose (free-hanging where no hair is added to the lock once it is started other than hair extensions that are attached at the end of the natural hair). When worn loose, locks will be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart, diameter/width will not exceed three-eighths of an inch, and locks will be tightly interlaced to present a neat and professional military appearance. Locks may also be worn in a bun provided all hair grooming requirements are met. Locks may not be worn in combination with other hair styles (e.g. twists, braids).

(c) New growth (defined as hair that naturally grows from the scalp and has not yet been locked) will not exceed one-half inch at any time.

(d) Locks that do not meet these standards and do not present a neat and professional military appearance will not be worn in uniform. The Senior Naval Science Instructor has the ultimate responsibility for determining when hairstyles are eccentric, faddish, or out of standards.