New Army grooming standards take effect October 15; all your FAQs on hair, nails, and jewelry answered

The US Army announced sweeping updates on Monday, September 15, to its grooming and uniform wear standards, marking a shift back toward stricter appearance rules. The directive, issued following a two-year review, takes effect Oct. 15 and will require soldiers to comply within 30 days.

“What sets the US Army apart is our professionalism, and that's a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards," said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. "This definitive guidance gives leaders the tools they need to do just that. You don’t have to memorize it, but you should know what right looks like.”

Clarified rules for hairstyles and cosmetics

The new policy offers precise definitions for hairstyles, lengths, styles, and authorized accessories for both male and female soldiers. Unlike the more relaxed rules introduced in 2021 to promote diversity and inclusion, as per Army Times, the updated standards prohibit men from wearing clear nail polish and ban the use of lipstick altogether. Only natural hair colors are permitted.

Women, however, will still be allowed to wear clear nail polish, a modification of the earlier rules that restricted only “extreme” colors.

Jewelry and uniform standards realigned

The directive also sets new restrictions on jewelry. Women may wear a single stud earring per earlobe, limited to gold, silver, diamond, or pearl, with a maximum size of six millimeters. Standards for fingernail and body composition assessments have been clarified as well.

Shaping standards around warfighting priorities

Army officials said the review process revealed that many older rules were ambiguous and difficult to interpret. The updated guidance, developed by a representative group of leaders and stakeholders, aims to remove confusion and realign standards with warfighting priorities.

“The updates, which go into effect Oct. 15, seek to keep a conservative appearance for both men and women,” Weimer said during a Sept. 8 media panel, as quoted by Army Times.

FAQs

Does the two-inch rule for male hair apply to length or just bulk/volume?

The Army clarified in a Facebook comment that 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.

What are the updated US Army rules for female soldiers wearing ponytails?

Female soldiers are allowed to wear one braided or a single unbraided ponytail with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) or Army Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU). It must be neatly secured, centered at the back of the head in line with the top of the ears, with a length of 1–6 inches from the collar and bulk not exceeding the head’s width. Female soldiers are not allowed to wear ponytails when in any variation of the dress uniform, as clarified by the Army in a social media comment.

Can female soldiers wear natural/skin-tone nail polish?

No, the Army said, only clear nail polish is allowed.

Can female soldiers wear eyelash extensions?

No, eyelash extensions or false eyelashes are not allowed, unless a medical exemption is granted.

Are male soldiers allowed to wear braids or twists?

No, male soldiers cannot wear braids, twists, locs, or cornrows, and shaping or cutting designs into the hair is also prohibited.

What types of earrings are authorized for female soldiers?

Female soldiers may wear one plain stud earring per earlobe (must match, max 1/4 inch diameter). Earrings are not allowed in field environments, deployments, or with physical training uniforms.