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

Question

I mean V for Vendetta style. Some women look great with no hair. What's the big deal?

Alek Wek sports it well too.

Why can't they have this style in the military?

Thanks for your answers. I guess I get it but don't really agree. I had a buzz cut this time last year and it looked really awesome. It wasn't "dyke"-ish as someone put it lol. It was SUPER easy and cheap to keep up. Oh and as for the whole "faddish" thing- whole tribes in africa have this hairstyle. I don't think it's faddish. PS if you do come to BMT or the like with all of your hair buzzed off what do they do to you?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

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