In the military, why is a shaved head against the rules?

CWV-Bavaria

It rock's the boat. It gives rise to a very small percent to invoke discontent, among the majority.

Although I've seen Butch dykes in my time who would do real good in the frontlines of Iraq.

Patricia J

Because that is a unatural hair style according to AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia for females and takes away from the professionalism of the uniform and soldier.

(a) Females will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that
the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved
portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited.

Hawai'i

Ah Patricia gets a point for putting the exact wording down. It makes sense, though, its a matter of a neat appearance, i suppose they think a shaved head on a woman may look a bit unkempt.

RTO Trainer

Shaved head for males is expressly authorized.

AR 670-1 states that females may not wear "trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair." As I read this , it states shaved portions of the scalp. Having the entire scalp shaved would be different.

Without further guidance, I would not correct a female Soldier on this in light of the authorization for males and the qualified wording of the reg for females.

sun_beam61

Remember this is the Military not a Fashion Show!
They have a certain way to keep their uniform and their hair!

Bill

It is considered a faddish hairstyle for women, at least now. One day that may change.

MSgt, USAF (Retired)

Abdul Haseeb

Army life is very disciplined and everything one does is according to some rules and regulations u can't just do whatever u want

mariner31

Because it is considered "faddish"... for men AND women (at least back in 1999).

I remember going SUPER high & tight during WestPac Cruises in the mid 80's and 90's... just for the comfort and convienence.

Folks gave you the info for the Army, here it is for the Navy, IAW NAVPERS 15665I:
b. Women. Hairstyles shall not be outrageously multicolored or faddish, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair.

Robert

so on the field you dont get shot for giving off a reflection lol

Mrsjvb

it's considered faddish on women, and therefore against regs.

Same reason Dreadlocks are against regs for both genders. Oh yeah, and people not of African descent may not have cornrows.

Jimbo

don't know about the army or raf, but in the navy men aren't supposed to have competely shaved heads - should be a short sides and back. i think its something to do with looking thuggish or something.

jason

i'm assuming you mean for women??? people shave their heads all the time...i can't say many women do. sometimes you see a black woman with a buzz cut and i would agree its pretty hot on some chicks

Andy

This is actually for the first response, Mike. No member of the US Navy is authorized to grow a beard. Sailors must present a clean shaven appearance at all times. The only authorized facial hair is a mustache provided it doesn't extend past a vertical line on either side of the lips, and no individual hairs may extend over the upper line of the upper lip.

mikearion

The military has uniform rules for dress and that includes hair styles. They have an image that they maintain.

Other examples are men cannot grow facial hair if they are below a certain rank in some services. For example in the Navy a sailor with one stripe cannot grow a beard but a Chief Petty Officer is allowed to. Don't know why that's just how they do things. And they are very strict about these rules.

fed up

I believe that the shaved head is associated with skin heads

Krytox1a

Shaved heads are not against the code, hair too long is.....

wild-man of Borneo

A bald head is against our creator's universal laws.
A crew cut is mostly practice by new recruits.
In case they get lost in town.
Luke 8.10,17
What do you think?

BIGTHINGS

ONCE YOU SELL YOUR SOUL TO THE DEVILS.
THE DEVILS CAN DO WHATEVER THEY WANT WITH YOU.
SAD BUT TRUE.

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