U.S. Army Issues New Grooming and Appearance Standards

Written By Lexx Thornton

Soldiers in the U.S. Army will soon have to adhere to an updated policy on appearance and grooming, according to a new Army directive. 

The “intent of this directive is to reinforce uniformity and discipline while fostering consistency and professionalism across the Army,” according to a recent memorandum published by the Department of War. The new directive will apply to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve. 

Some of the main changes include “precise definition” for how to style hair for male and female soldiers, and clarified standards for cosmetics, fingernails, and jewelry, uniform and insignia wear, and body composition assessments, according to a news release. 

“What sets the U.S. Army apart is our professionalism, and that’s a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards,” said Sargent Major of the Army, Michael Weimer, in a statement. The changes will go into effect within 30 days of the directive’s publication. 

The policy applies to men and women enlisted in the following branches within the Army: 

1. The Regular Army 
2. Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States 
3. The U.S. Army Reserve 

The Army has clarified the guidelines for styling hair for enlisted men and women. 

It also clarified standards for cosmetics, fingernails, and jewelry, as well as uniform and insignia wear, and body composition assessments. 

1. According to the new updated policy, women are not allowed to wear the following:  
2. Eyelash extensions or wear false eyelashes unless they have a medical exemption 
3. Tattooed makeup 
4. Lipstick 

Men are not allowed to wear the following:  

1. Braids, twists, locs, or cornrows 
2. Shaping or cutting in designs in hair 
3. No nail polish at all 
4. No cosmetics at all 
5. No earrings at all