U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations
Summary of Changes (02 April 2021)
21
Enclosure (1)
a. Men. Fingernails shall not extend past fingertips. They shall be kept
clean. The tips of the nails may be round to align with the contour of the fingertip. Buffed
nails or clear coat nail polish is authorized. Colored nail polish is not authorized for men.
b. Women. Fingernails shall not exceed 1/4 inch measured from the
fingertip. They shall be kept clean. The tips of the nails may be round, almond/oval, or
square in shape. Nail polish may be worn, but colors shall be conservative. White, black,
red, yellow, orange, green, purple, blue, hot pink, grey, glitter, striped, or any sort of
pattern/decorative nail polish are examples of unauthorized nail polish colors. French and
American manicures (white and off-white tips with neutral base color ONLY) are authorized.
6. JEWELRY. Conservative jewelry is authorized for all personnel while in uniform.
Jewelry that distracts from the professional military appearance while in uniform is not
authorized. Jewelry shall not present a uniform distraction or safety or FOD (Foreign Object
Damage) hazard. Jewelry shall be worn within the following guidelines:
a. Rings. While in uniform, rings shall be conservative. Rings that distract
from the professional military appearance of the individual in uniform are not authorized.
Rings may consist of natural metals or fabricated materials (i.e. plastic, wood, silicone) and
may be gold, silver, copper, grey, tan, brown, black, white, or light pink in color. Only one
ring per hand is authorized, plus a wedding/engagement ring set. Double stacking wedding
rings with military academy/educational institution rings is authorized on one hand. Rings
shall not present a safety or foreign object damage (FOD) hazard. Rings are not permitted
to be worn on the thumb.
b. Earrings
(1) Men. Not authorized while in uniform. Additionally, earrings are
not authorized in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft,
aircraft, or in any military vehicle or within any base or other place under military
jurisdiction, or while participating in any organized military recreational activities. When
considered appropriate by the prescribing authority under article 7201.2, earrings may be
prohibited while in foreign countries.
(2) Women. One earring per ear (centered on earlobe) may be worn
while in uniform. Earrings shall be 4mm - 6mm ball (approximately 1/8 - 1/4 inch), plain
with shiny or brushed matte finish, screw on or with posts. When wearing Working and
Service Uniforms, Officers and CPOs will wear gold earrings and E6 and below females shall
wear silver earrings. When wearing Dress Uniforms White Pearl earrings are
optional. White Pearl and Diamond earrings are authorized for optional wear with the
Dinner Dress White or Blue Jacket uniform. Synthetic variants of pearl or diamond earrings
are acceptable if they meet color and size requirements.
c. Body Piercing. Not authorized while in uniform. No articles, other than
earrings for women specified above, shall be attached to or through the ear, nose, or any
other body part. Additionally, body piercing is not authorized in civilian attire when in a
duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or in any military vehicle or within
any base or other place under military jurisdiction, or while participating in any organized
military recreational activities. When considered appropriate by the prescribing authority
under article 7201.2, body piercing may be prohibited while in foreign countries.