This is a new page I just thought of.
Tattoos
Prior to 2022, the Marine Corps had a strict tattoo policy, even stricter for officers.
Now, the only places Marines cannot have tattoos are the face, head, neck, and hands, with the exception of one "wedding ring" tattoo.
In addition to restricted locations of the body, tattoos can not be offensive or gang related. If you have a Sailor Jerry-style voluptuous woman tattoo, you will need to cover that up. If you have any MS-13 or Crips tattoos, there are probably other things in your history that might stop you getting selected, but if you have seriously turned a new leaf and aren't about that life anymore, get those covered up as well. If you have racist tattoos...please don't join.
Gang tattoos aren't as big of an issue with prospective officer candidates, as those who had the fortune to attend college probably had a higher chance of not growing up in a toxic environment. Not always, but usually.
Sleeve tattoos are authorized. However, keep in mind that your application will most likely be going to an older, more conservative panel of officers. My recommendation is to hold off on any major tattoo projects until you are in the fleet.
Word also on the street is that those with tattoos can't have certain billets. I do not know much about this, but I will look into this.
Here is the official /press release for the updated tattoo policy.
Physical Appearance
The Marine Corps employs stricter grooming standards than other branches. If you normally style yourself like a military dude, you won't have to make much changes. But those of you men with Weird Al locks of hair, be prepared to cut most of it off.
Ladies, you can have long hair. However, all hair appliances must be hidden and hair must be kept free of all fly-aways. Nowhere in the MARADMINs does it say you have to plaster your hair don't with hair gel, but female Marines have kind of adopted this as creed and if you don't, you get called out for "being out of regulations." I hated plastering my hair down. I thought it looked ugly (don't have the facial structure), it was painful, and it was time consuming. I chopped mine just below my ears. It actually looks nice. This is called "Medium Length." You can also have shorter styles of hair.
Men and women, check out the MARADMIN for grooming standards.
I am not super familiar with piercings. I know you can have prior piercings but you can't wear the associated jewelry in uniform, if that makes sense.
Height/Weight Standards
The Marine Corps has height/weight standards. These standards are currently under review, but for now, they are in place. If you are over the limit, you will get "taped." According to this official Marine Corps page, if you score a 285 or higher on BOTH the PFT and CFT, you are exempt from height/weight standards, and if you score a 250 or higher on BOTH the PFT and CFT, you will be afforded 1% extra body fat. However, you will still be subjected to the Military Appearance Program. I am not familiar with this program, but if I were to guess, it would be that Marines have to look a certain way in uniform and if you look like Peter Griffin, you would not be in standards, even if you were a beast at the PFT and CFT.
These standards are from 2016. This page also has taping guides. I will see if I can find anything that is updated.
I know that the above applies to the fleet, but I am not so sure if these exemptions are applicable to intial applicants. Definitely a question for your OSO.