HAIRCUTS & GROOMING POLICIES:

• Read the Uniform / Grooming regulations IN DETAIL!

• Read Cadet Study Guide IN DETAIL! See diagrams and example photos! 

• Do not rely on word of mouth from prior Cadets or from prior service members who are retired or no longer in service.  

• MCJROTC strictly follows all "current" policies for Uniform & Grooming regulations.

MALES:

• Males are required to receive a fresh haircut weekly (prior to Monday's uniform inspection).

• Males are required to shave daily according to USMC regulations.

HAIR:

• 0” in length on the sides evenly graduated to the top with no longer than 3 inches with no irregular cuts or hair color.

• Hair not blocked in the back. (no line at the bottom of the neck, must be tapered), from zero evenly graduated to no more than three inches on top).

• A Cadet may have his hair clipped to the scalp if he so desires (called a “high and tight”).

• Males are NOT authorized to have a hairstyle which prevents or interferes with the "proper" wear of the uniform cover (aka hat). 

• Males are NOT authorized to dye their hair in violation of regulations.  

• All inquiries on this topic must be directed SgtMaj Clark PRIOR to dying hair.   

• Read the Uniform Regulations first. 

Facial Hair:

• If a mustache is worn, it cannot fall below the lip and cannot go past the corner of the mouth.

• No sideburns are authorized.

• Beards or “5 O’clock shadow” are NOT authorized.

Piercings:

• Earrings and/or facial jewelry are NOT to be worn!!!

FEMALES:

Hair:

• Up in a feminine manner, no eccentric colors or styles.

• No visible hair ties or bobby pins showing / No ‘fly-aways

• Must not exceed 2 inches below the bottom of the collar.

• No unsecured pony tails except during physical training.

• Conservative twits and lock hairstyles for females are authorized. (See MCO 1020.24H Pg 1-15)

• Hair Color- If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which result in natural colors, are authorized.

• The hair color must complement the person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional image are prohibited.

• Follow all regulations for "authorized" hairstyles before getting your hair cut, styled, braided, dyed or extended. 

Cosmetics:

• If worn, will be applied conservatively and will complement the individual's complexion tone.

• Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are inappropriate with the uniform and will not be worn.

• Lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm must be in shades of red (within the red spectrum, to include pinks and burgundies) or clear and must complement the skin tone. When worn, lip liner must be in the same shade as the lipstick, gloss or balm.

• Mascara, when worn, must be in tones of black or brown.

• Cosmetics with a sparkle/glitter or similar finish are not authorized for wear (to include in the hair).

• False eyelashes should be natural in appearance.

Fingernails:

• Nail length will be no longer than 1/4 inch from the tip of the finger.

• Fingernail Polish In Service and Dress Uniforms:

  1. When worn, fingernail polish must be in shades of red (within the red spectrum, to include pinks and burgundies) and must complement the skin tone. 

  2. Fingernails with multiple colors (except as mentioned in paragraph 1004.7.b(1)(c)1.c) and decorative ornamentation are prohibited.

• Fingernail Polish In Utilities:

  1. Colored fingernail polish is not authorized for wear with the utility uniform.

Manicures:

• 1. Manicures that imitate the natural nail are authorized for wear with all uniforms (i.e. French manicures), to include utilities, but must have the “natural nail” appearance, to include the clearly defined white/beige nail tip.

  2. Press-on and acrylic nails are authorized for wear as long as they are maintained within the length and style regulations as per regulations detailed above.

  3. French manicures are recommended as this nail style is authorized in every version of uniforms. 

• Note: For more details concerning “Female Grooming” , see SMI/MI or “Female Grooming Regulations” within MCO 1020.34H (Page 1-14 through Page 1-18). Also see link below to "Marine Corps Policy (Website)" for Twists, Locks & Braids.