The U.S. Navy is known for running a tight ship (no pun intended) when it comes to hair, mustache, and grooming standards. Which mustache is right for you.
Navy hair regulations are known for their neat, professional demands. According to the guidelines presented by the U.S. Navy, commanding officers must enforce that haircuts and facial hair do not impede the ability to safely wear as well as properly utilize emergency equipment.
For this reason, along with the long-standing tradition that U.S. Military members are “clean-cut”, we examine Navy grooming standards in this article. You will learn the different policies in the Navy regarding haircuts, facial hair, body art, and other grooming standards.
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Navy Hair Regulations
The U.S. Navy has strict hair standards. Image: SouthCOM
Navy hair regulations male standards are what you would expect from your typical branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The official policy of the U.S. Navy mandates that hair must be “kept neat, clean, and well-groomed”.
Navy Haircut Regulations – Men
Hair above the ears and around the neck must be tapered from the lower natural hairline upwards at least 3/4 inch and outward not greater than 3/4 inch.
Hair on the back of the neck must not touch the collar.
Navy hair regs require that strands be no longer than four inches and do not touch the ears, collar, extend below eyebrows when headgear is removed, show under the front edge of headgear, or interfere with the proper use of headgear.
The bulk of the hair cannot exceed approximately two inches.
The Navy defines “bulk” as the distance that the “mass of the hair protrudes from the scalp”.
Naval members are not allowed to color their hair different from a “natural look”. According to official guidelines, “faddish styles and outrageous multicolored hair” is not allowed.
There are exceptions that are made for unique types of hair like curls or waves that in some cases may be difficult to maintain a 3/4 inch taper from the back of the neck.
In terms of hairstyles, the Navy authorizes certain looks (i.e. afro) so long as the criteria of the maximum length and bulk, as well as tapered neck and sides, are not neglected. The hairstyle must also not interfere with military assigned headgear.
Braided or plaited hair is not allowed while in uniform. The Navy considers sideburns a part of the haircut and requires that they are neatly trimmed and tailored.
They are not allowed to extend below a point level with the middle of the ear. Sideburns must also remain even width and must end with a clean-shaven horizontal trim.
Navy Haircut Regulations – Female
Female Sailors are required to maintain similar standards while on duty or in uniform.
Thin moustache styles
Navy grooming standards maintain that women hairstyles and haircuts must present a professional and balanced appearance. The allowance of a hairstyle is evaluated by its appearance when headgear is worn.
Headgear must fit snugly and comfortably. If the hairstyle gets in the way of these two aspects, it is always deemed inappropriate.
Like men, women must not show hair from under the front of headgear. It may not protrude from the opening in the back either, except when wearing a bun or ponytail.
According to the policy, “lopsided and extremely asymmetrical hairstyles” are prohibited. Furthermore, angled hairstyles must have no more than a 1 to 1 1/2 inch difference between the front and back length of hair. Layered hairstyles are authorized if the layers are presented smoothly.
The length of hair, when in uniform, may touch yet not fall below a horizontal line level to the lower edge of the back of the collar. There is more leniency when dealing with jumper collars.
Longer hair like braids must be neatly fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. Bangs cannot extend below the eyebrows. Hair bulk (not including the bun) is measured from the scalp and cannot exceed 2 inches. When the bun is considered, bulk may not exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp and the diameter of the bun shall not exceed the width of the back of the head.
Female hair colors are allowed to only resemble a natural hair color (blonde, brunette, brown, black, red, gray). Strands that are dyed with unnatural colors are not authorized.
Like men, the Navy recognizes unique hair textures like curls and waves. They still must minimize scalp exposure. Hair extensions must match the current hair color. Wigs and hairpieces have other requirements.
Click here for additional standards on specific types of female hairstyles and how the Navy requires you to maintain them.
Navy Beard and Mustache Regulations
U.S. Navy soldiers are known for being clean cut. Image: PIxabay
The U.S. Navy requires that the face be clean-shaven unless a shaving waiver is authorized by a Commanding Officer. The waiver is sometimes used to grant religious accommodations or other special interests.
A Navy mustache is the one exception. Mustaches are allowed by the Navy, yet must be kept neat and closely trimmed. Abusing the privilege will result in stricter facial hair restrictions.
Navy mustache regulations specify that no portion of the mustache may extend below the lip line of the upper lip. It is also not allowed to go beyond a horizontal line that extends across the corners of the mouth. Additionally, no more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth.
The length of the mustache “fully extended” cannot exceed approximately 1/2 inch. So, for example, handlebar mustaches or goatees are not allowed. The same rules apply for beards and other facial hair. The only thing that is permitted are Navy mustaches that fit within the limitations described above.
According to the U.S. Navy, the following personnel is not authorized to wear facial hair of any kind, unless granted a medical waiver or religious accommodation:
Personnel in a disciplinary hold status
Personnel assigned to a transient personnel unit and are awaiting separation
Navy Piercing Policy
The U.S. Navy outlines specific rules and regulations regarding jewelry, including piercings.
According to official policy, jewelry is authorized for all personnel if it remains “conservative” and is “in good taste while in uniform”. The items must also not present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage) hazard.
Earrings have two different guidelines, one for men and one for women.
Are not authorized to wear earrings while in uniform.
Are not authorized on civilian attire while on duty status, or while in/abroad a ship, aircraft, or any military vehicle. Also not within a base or other place under military jurisdiction.
Are allowed one earring per ear. It must be centered on the earlobe.
Earrings must be a 4mm to 6mm ball. They also must be plain with a shiny or brushed matte finish.
Female Officers and CPOs may wear gold earrings in Working and Service uniforms.
E6 and below are allowed to wear silver earrings in Working and Service uniforms.
White pearl earrings are allowed in Dress Uniforms. Diamond earrings are also authorized in Dinner Dress White or Blue Jacket uniforms.
As for body piercings, they are not permitted while in uniform. Consequently, no articles other than earrings for women are authorized while on duty.
These include body piercings of any type like nose or lip rings.
Body piercings are also not allowed in civilian attire when in a duty status or while on military ships, aircraft, or vehicles. Also not in places under U.S. Military jurisdiction or participating in organized military recreational activities.
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Other Grooming Standards
The U.S. Navy has dress codes and grooming standards like any branch of the military. Image: Health.mil
Navy grooming standards apply to a number of other parts of the human anatomy. Here are some other considerations you need to follow if enlisting in the U.S. Navy:
For Males:
Fingernails: They may not extend past the fingertips. Fingernails must also get kept clean and remain round to the contour of the fingertip. Colored nail polish is not authorized.
Fragrances (Cologne): Navy grooming regulations do not prohibit aftershave or cologne outside of boot camp. It is generally acceptable so long as the scent is not overpowering.
For Females:
Makeup: Cosmetics are allowed by the Navy to get applied “in good taste”. The colors must blend with natural skin tone and enhance natural features. Exaggerated or faddish makeup styles are not permitted while in uniform. Cosmetic makeup is authorized for eyebrows, eyeliner, lipstick, and lip liner only. Long, false eyelashes are not allowed in uniform.
Lipstick: Lipstick colors must remain conservative and complement, not distract the individual in uniform.
Fingernails / Toenails: Fingernails may not exceed 1/4 inch measured from the fingertip. They must be kept clean. Fingernails may be round, almond/oval, or square in shape.
Nail Polish: Nail polish is allowed but colors must remain conservative and “inconspicuous”. For example, white, black, red, yellow, orange, purple, green, hot pink, or glitter would all be colors that are not authorized by the Navy.
Perfumes / Fragrances: Similar to men, women may wear perfume or another type of fragrance so long as it is not overpowering. If so, you will likely hear about it and potentially disciplined by a senior officer.
Conclusion
Being a member of the U.S. Navy includes certain presentation requirements. Image: Flickr
The U.S. Navy has fairly strict guidelines for your presentation. Nair hair regs are enforced tightly. Navy grooming standards have specifics depending on if you are a male or female service member.
The best advice is to wear nothing obnoxious or overpowering that will get the attention of a Commanding Officer. “Clean-cut” Navy members fit in with the culture of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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