All Reserve Personnel on orders are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice
(UCMJ) and Navy Regulations.
Varying hairstyles, including afro, are permitted if these styles meet the criteria of maximum length and bulk,
tapered neck and sides, and do not interfere with properly wearing military headgear. Plaited or braided hair
shall not be worn while in uniform or in a duty status. Keep sideburns neatly trimmed and tailored in the same
manner as the haircut. Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, shall be of even
width (not flared) and shall end with a clean shaven horizontal line. "Muttonchops", "ship's captain", or similar
grooming modes are not authorized.
(1) Shaving and Mustaches. The face shall be clean shaven unless a shaving waiver is
authorized by the Commanding Officer per BUPERSINST 1000.22. Mustaches are authorized but shall be kept
neatly and closely trimmed. No portion of the mustache shall extend below the lip line of the upper lip. It shall
not go beyond a horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth and no more than 1/4 inch beyond a
vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth. The length of an individual mustache hair fully extended shall
not exceed approximately ½ inch. Sideburns shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear.
They must be even in width and end in a clean shaven horizontal line. Handlebar mustaches, goatees, beards or
eccentricities are not permitted. If a shaving waiver is authorized, no facial/neck hair shall be shaved, manicured,
styled or outlined nor exceed 1/4 inch in length. Supervisors of individuals with shaving waivers shall
actively monitor and ensure treatment regimen is followed.
B. Women. This policy applies to female Sailors while wearing the Navy uniform and when
wearing civilian clothes in the performance of duty.
(1) Acceptable Hairstyle Criteria. Hairstyles and haircuts shall present a professional and
balanced appearance. Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall be evaluated by its appearance when headgear is
worn. All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or
excessive gaps. Hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of headgear, protective masks or
equipment. When headgear is worn, hair shall not show from under the front of the headgear. Hair is not to
protrude from the opening in the back of the ball cap, except when wearing a bun or ponytail hairstyle. All buns
and ponytails shall be positioned on the back of the head to ensure the proper wearing of all headgear.
Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical hairstyles are not authorized. Angled hairstyles will have no more than a
1-1/2 inch difference between the front and the back length of hair. Layered hairstyles are authorized provided
layers present a smooth and graduated appearance.
Hair length, when in uniform, 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 1-1/2 inches below the top of the
jumper collar. Long hair, including braids, shall be neatly fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. When bangs
are worn, they shall not extend below the eyebrows. Hair length shall be sufficient to prevent the scalp from
being readily visible (with the exception of documented medical conditions).
Hair bulk (minus the bun) as measured from the scalp will not exceed 2 inches. The bulk of the bun shall not
exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp and the diameter of the bun will not exceed or extend beyond the
width of the back of the head. Loose ends must be tucked in and secured.
Hair, wigs, or hair extensions/pieces must be of a natural hair color (i.e. blonde, brunette, brown, red, gray, or
black). Hair extensions/pieces must match the current color of hair. Wigs, hairpieces and extensions shall be of
such quality and fit so as to present a natural appearance and conform to the grooming guidelines listed herein.
Tints and highlights shall result in natural hair colors and be similar to the current base color of the hair.