Hair bulk (minus the bun) as measured from the scalp will not exceed 2 inches. <Figure 2-2-
2> refers. The bulk of the bun shall not exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp and the diameter of
the bun will not exceed or extend beyond the width of the back of the head. Loose ends must be tucked in
and secured.
Hair, wigs, or hair extensions/pieces must be of a natural hair color (i.e. blonde, brunette,
brown, red, gray, or black). Hair extensions/pieces must match the current color of hair. Wigs, hairpieces
and extensions shall be of such quality and fit so as to present a natural appearance and conform to the
grooming guidelines listed herein. Tints and highlights shall result in natural hair colors and be similar to the
current base color of the hair.
(2) Hairstyles. Hairstyles shall not detract from a professional appearance in uniform. Styles
with shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), those with designs cut, braided, or parted into
the hair, as well as dyed using unnatural colors are not authorized. The unique quality and texture of curled,
waved and straight hair are recognized. All hairstyles must minimize scalp exposure. While this list shall not
be considered all inclusive, the following hairstyles are authorized.
a. Three strand braids and two strand braids (also referred to as twists) are authorized.
Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein.
b. Multiple braids. Multiple braids consist of more than 2 braids and encompass the whole
head. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, each braid shall be of uniform dimension, small in
diameter (no more than 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well groomed
appearance. Foreign material (e.g., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Multiple
braids may be worn loose, or may be pulled straight back into a bun, within the guidelines herein.
c. Two individual braids. One braid worn on each side of the head, uniform in dimension
and no more than one inch in diameter. Each braid extends from the front to back of the head near the lower
portion of the hair line (i.e., braids are closer to the top of the ear than the top of the head to prevent
interference with wearing of headgear). A single French braid may be worn starting near the top of the head
and be braided to the end of the hair. The end of the braid must be secured to the head and braid placement
shall be down the middle of the back of the head.
d. Corn rows. Must be in symmetrical fore and aft rows, and must be close to the head,
leaving no hair unbraided. They must be no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter and show no more than
approximately 1/8 inch of scalp between rows. Corn row ends shall not protrude from the head. Rows must
end at the nape of the neck and shall be secured with rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Corn
rows may end in a bun conforming to the guidelines listed herein, if hair length permits.
e. Rolls. Two individual rolls, one on each side of the head, must be near the lower portion
of the hair line (i.e., rolls are closer to the top of the ear than the top of the head and will not interfere with
wearing of headgear). Rolls must be of uniform dimension and no more than one inch in diameter.
f. Locks. Lock hairstyle (Locks) for the purpose of Navy Uniform Regulations grooming
standards consists of one section of hair that twists from or near the root to the end of the hair and creates a
uniform ringlet or cord-like appearance. Locks may be worn in short, medium, and long hair lengths in the
following manner:
(1) Locks must continue from the root to the end of the hair in one direction (no zig-
zagging, curving, or ending before the end of the lock to dangle as a wisp or loose hair) and should
encompass the whole head. Locks partings must be square or rectangle in shape in order to maintain a neat
and professional appearance.
(2) Locks can be loose (free-hanging where no hair is added to the lock once it is started other
than hair extensions that are attached to natural hair). When worn loose, locks will be spaced no more than three-
eighths of an inch apart, diameter/width will not exceed three-eighths of an inch, and locks will be tightly interlaced to
present a neat and professional military appearance. Locks may also be worn in a bun provided all hair grooming
requirements are met. Faux locks are authorized provided the hairstyle worn is in compliance with female hair grooming
requirements. Locks may not be worn in combination with other hair styles (e.g. twists, braids).
(3) New growth (defined as hair that naturally grows from the scalp and has not yet been
locked) will not exceed one-half inch at any time.
(4) Locks that do not meet the above standards and do not present a neat and
professional military appearance will not be worn in uniform. Commanding Officers have the ultimate
responsibility for determining when hairstyles are eccentric, faddish, or out of standards.
g. Ponytails. A ponytail is a hairstyle in which the hair on the head is pulled away from the
face, gathered and secured at the back of the head with an approved accessory. Hair extending beyond the
securing accessory may be braided or allowed to extend naturally. The wear of a single braid, French braid, or
a single ponytail in Service, Working, and PT uniforms is authorized.
The following criteria pertain to the wearing of ponytail hairstyles while wearing a U.S. Navy uniform.
Ponytail hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of military headwear and equipment nor extend
downward more than three inches below the lower edge of the collar (shirt/blouse, jacket or coat) while
sitting, standing or walking. Additionally, ponytails will not extend outward more than three inches behind
the head as measured from the securing accessory, nor shall the width exceed the width of the back of the
head or be visible from the front. In spaces or environments where there are operational hazards such as
rotating gear, etc., the hair may not be worn below the bottom of the collar.
(1) Hair Accessories. When hair accessories are worn, they must be consistent with the
hair color. A maximum of two small barrettes, similar to hair color, may be used to secure the hair to the
head. Bun accessories (used to form the bun), are authorized if completely concealed. Additional hairpins,
bobby pins, small rubber bands, or small thin fabric elastic bands may be used to hold hair in place, if
necessary. The intent is for pinned-up hair to be styled in a manner that prevents loose ends from extending
upward or outward from the head. For example, when using barrettes or hairpins, hair will not extend
loosely from the head; when hair is in a bun, all loose ends must be tucked in and secured. Hair accessories
shall not present a safety or foreign object damage (FOD) hazard. Hair nets shall not be worn unless
authorized for a specific type of duty. Headbands, scrunchies, combs, claws and butterfly clips, are examples
of accessories that are not authorized; this list is not to be considered all inclusive.
(2) Unauthorized Hairstyles. While this list shall not be considered all inclusive, the
following hairstyles are not authorized: Pigtails; braids that are widely spaced and/or protrude from the head.
(3) Grooming Standards Exception.