Do women have to cut their hair for the Army?

I'm considering joining the Army, but I'm getting mixed information on this subject. I have super long hair and I don't know if I will have to cut it. A lot of people have told me that if I wear it up that it would be fine, and others have said it has to be cut shorter than my collar. This is actually one of my least concerns... I just want to be prepared.Do women have to cut their hair for the Army?
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/army/a/ar鈥?/a>





http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r670鈥?/a>


pg 4-5





(3) Female haircuts will conform to the following standards.


(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. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any hairholding devices comply with the standards in 1鈥?a(3) (d) below. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts


of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned,so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness uniform (PFU/IPFU).


(b) Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized; however, these additions must have the same general appearance as the individual鈥檚 natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with the grooming policies set forth in this paragraph.


(c) Females will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of military headgear and protective masks or equipment at any time (see 1鈥?a(1)(a), above). When headgear is worn, the hair will not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear, nor will it extend below the bottom edge of the collar.


(d) Hair-holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hairholding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the soldier鈥檚 hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.


(e) Soldiers may not wear hairnets unless they are required for health or safety reasons, or in the performance of duties (such as those of a cook). No other type of hair covering is authorized in lieu of the hairnet. The commander will provide the hairnet to the soldier at no cost.Do women have to cut their hair for the Army?
As long as you can put it in a neat bun that doesn't touch your collar you are good to go.





However, since you said you have super long hair, I would suggest that you cut it at least some. You're only going to have a very short time to shower and to get ready in the morning and you won't have time to sit there and brush out all of that hair. One of the girls I went to BCT tried getting through with hair that went to her lower back, after a few weeks she couldn't get keep all her stuff in regulation in the allotted time anymore and had to go to the barber.





Trust me, as a girl, you do not want to use an Army barber (they will cut it straight across, chin length... every time). I kept my hair just long enough to put back and I never had any sort of problem with time management.





Lots of women keep it shorter than their collar during BCT just because it's so much easier to care for and then let it grow back out once they get to their first duty station. It's up to you really.
In the Marine Corps hair must be worn in a neat, natural, professional style and be of natural color corresponding to skin tone (if you choose to dye it). The hair must be above and may not touch the collar and must not interfere with the wearing of the cover (hat) or any other headgear or equipment. While hairpins and elastic bands are permitted to fashion your hair they may not be visible while in uniform.





That being said, I believe the Army's regs are a bit more lenient, but not much.





Side note: in general the military wants women to look like women, shaving the head or wearing it ultra-short is generally frowned upon.
You should totally shave it like Demi Moore did in GI Jane! Alright, not really.





As long as you can keep it above the collar you are good. However . . . you have limited time to put it up in the AM. So, maybe not a 1930's bob cut, but maybe just past the shoulders? You say you have super long hair, so I'm thinking Chrystal Gale. Think more like, uh . . . . Robin Meade from CNN. Or maybe Katie Couric (I just said Katie Couric in that voice from Taladega nights. Awesome.)
You have to wear your hair above the collar. If you're able to do that without cutting your hair, you won't have any problems. Otherwise, be prepared for a visit to the barber.
this girl that my husband works with in the marines has her hair wayy past her shoulders..its to her mid back..she keeps it up in a bun which is why she doesn't get in trouble for it.
Not necessarily. Your hair cannot go past your shoulders so you can always just put it in a bun or something like that.
You do not have to but people appreciate if you get it buzzed. You Drill Sergeant will most of all.