Hair coloring, wigs, or hair pieces must be of a natural hair color, such as blond, brunette, brown, red, gray, or black, not be distracting from a professional appearance in uniform and complement the individual. Hair extensions must match the current color of the hair. Tints and highlights shall result in natural hair colors and be similar to the base color of the hair.
No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured from the scalp will exceed two inches.
All Hairstyles must minimize scalp exposure.
Angled hairstyles will have no more than one and a half inch difference between the front and the back of the head.
Layered hairstyles are authorized provided each hair’s length is generally the same length.
When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of one and a half inches below the top of the jumper collar.
A maximum of two small barrettes may be used to secure the hair to the head. Additional hairpins, bobby pins, small rubber bands, or small thin fabric elastic bands may be used to hold hair in place, if necessary.
When hair accessories are worn, they must be consistent with the hair color.
Examples of accessories that are not authorized include headbands, scrunchies, combs, claws and butterfly clips. This list is not to be considered all inclusive. Hair nets shall not be worn unless authorized for a specific type of duty.
Hairstyles shall present a balanced appearance. Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized.
Wigs must not interfere with the proper wear of any uniform headgear. When headgear is worn, hair shall not show from under the front of the headgear, with the exception of the Tiara. Wigs which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment, are prohibited.
Hairstyle standards apply to Sailors while in uniform and in the performance of duty while wearing civilian clothes.
It is impossible to address every situation and every hairstyle thus unit and commanding officers and all leaders are empowered to use their judgment in applying grooming standards.
More information on hairstyle standards and other uniform regulations can be found on the Navy Uniform Matters Website.