Multiple two- or three-stand braids are authorized and must encompass the whole head.
When the hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (no more than one quarter of an inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance.
Foreign material (such as beads or other decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Multiple braids may be worn loose and down as long as it doesn’t extend past the lower edge of the collar or may be pulled into a bun at the back of the head.
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. Bangs may not extend below the eyebrows.
When worn in a bun, the bulk of the bun shall not exceed three inches when measured from the scalp. The diameter of the bun will not exceed four inches, and all loose ends must be tucked in and secured.
Sailors may use an accessory to form the bun if the accessory is completely concealed.
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.
All hairstyles must minimize scalp exposure.
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.
Hairstyles must not interfere with the proper wear of any uniform headgear.
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 Navy 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.