Two individual braids (uniform in dimension and no more than one inch in diameter) are braided from front to back, worn with one on each side of the head and must be near the lower portion of the hair line (braids are closer to the top of the ear than the top of the head and will not interfere with wearing of head gear).
Long hair, including braids, shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned or secured to the head.
No portion of the bulk of the hair (minus the bun) will exceed two inches, as measured from the scalp.
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.
Bangs may not extend below the eyebrows.
Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance. Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized.
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.