Yes, U.S. Army soldiers are generally required to be clean-shaven when in uniform or on duty, but there are exceptions for medical conditions (like pseudofolliculitis barbae) and recognized religious beliefs, though these require approval and adherence to strict guidelines. The policy promotes uniformity, aids in proper gas mask fit, and signifies a professional appearance, with failure to comply leading to disciplinary action like negative counseling.
The update reinforces the Army's long-standing policy that all Soldiers must be clean-shaven when in uniform or civilian clothes while on duty, with temporary exemptions for medical reasons and permanent exemptions for religious accommodations.
Such action may result in either an Honorable Discharge, General Discharge, or an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge. If you receive a General or an OTH Discharge, this could result in the possible loss of some or all Veterans Benefits and substantial prejudice in obtaining civilian employment.
You do not have to shave your head in the Army; however, you are required to keep your hair closely cropped, in what is known as a buzz cut. If you refuse to cut your hair to to the required standard, a friendly drill sergeant will do it for you.
Long hair should be worn neatly pinned above the lower edge of the collar. Your hair must be neat in appearance and not interfere with the ability to wear authorized headgear.
a. All male Soldiers will maintain a clean-shaven face when in uniform or on duty in civilian attire in accordance with reference 1c. Mustaches are authorized.
While men usually have to cut their hair extremely short to undergo basic training in the military, the same is not true of female candidates. In the US military, times are changing, and women are now permitted to buzz cut their hair.
The weekends are mostly free still depending on MOS and DS. It is completely varied by ait but mostly sat/sun are free time but that doesn't mean they can leave to do stuff. There are still rules.
Transition from the Permanent Forces to the Reserves or to civilian life. You may apply to transition at any time. If you still have a service obligation, your application may not be approved. You'll have to give notice.
You can have tattoos almost anywhere on your body, with a few exceptions. There are some limits to the size and number of tattoos on highly visible areas like the hands, neck, and behind the ears. Tattoos in the mouth, ears, or on the eyelids are not allowed.
The bulk (defined as the distance the hair protrudes from the scalp) of the hair at the top of the scalp will not exceed 2 inches, and the bulk of the hair at the sides of the head will not exceed 1 inch. Only shaved or closely cut hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar of the uniform.
Certain medical conditions — such as asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, certain types of mental health disorders and heart problems — can disqualify individuals from joining the military due to the physical and mental demands of service.
During World War II, most armies imposed strict rules against facial hair among soldiers. The prevailing belief was that beards and long hair represented poor hygiene and gave troops an undisciplined appearance before higher-ranking officers.
However, the Navy has one of the most lenient hair policies among the military branches. Female sailors are allowed to have hairstyles including locks, ponytails, and even wider buns. Male sailors, however, are required to have their hair cut above the ears and neck.
Those who refuse to comply with Hegseth's new shaving standards or fail mask-seal tests will not be allowed to deploy, and “repeated noncompliance may result in administrative separation,” according to the memo.
Just one week is enough breathing room to allow even the starkest of changes to grow into something that's the right amount of lived-in—the idea here being that if your hair looks at ease, so will you.
The general guidelines for men's hair in the military are that it cannot touch the collar, ears, or eyebrows, and it must be tapered or have a “moderate” block cut in the back 3. Allowed styles include shaved bald, buzz cut (all hair the same length), and tapered cut that does not touch the collar, ears, or eyebrows 3.
Your genetics play an important role in your hair quality but there are also lifestyle factors that come to play. A nutritious diet, grooming your beard, and applying medical treatment can all optimise the growth of your beard.
Age is a big factor in beard growth. While most men experience some facial hair growth around the age of 16, it doesn't usually turn into a full beard until the mid 20's. Your beard will continue to thicken well into your 30s and 40s, so if your beard is still patchy in your early 20s, try again in a few years.
Guidance for Soldiers and leaders:
Leaders can ask a Soldier if they have a profile or MFR if their facial hair does not comply with standards. Leaders can validate exemption by engaging authorized medical personnel and/or the Soldier's commander.
Beards are back in a big way – and in 2025, they're bolder, better groomed and more expressive than ever. Whether you're rocking a rugged outdoorsy look or want to channel sleek sophistication, the right beard can transform your face and style.
Grooming standards doesn't specify when/how often one needs to shave - only that one should be clean shaven. For some that requires shaving daily or even multiple times a day, and for others they may not need shave at all.