2013 bootcamp hair regulations

[Jilliantw5]

I'm shipping out in June for bootcamp. I heard that they stopped cutting girls hair in bootcamp. Is this true? If it isn't how can I get around this. My recuriter never told me I had to cut my hair till after meps, therefore I was screwed. Whether its just hair or not it's a big deal for me and I'd rather not cut it. I was thinking of getting a weave and then after graduation just taking it out. Would this work? I need opinions so let me know.

[NavyGirlRecruit]

Originally Posted by Jilliantw5

I'm shipping out in June for bootcamp. I heard that they stopped cutting girls hair in bootcamp. Is this true? If it isn't how can I get around this. My recuriter never told me I had to cut my hair till after meps, therefore I was screwed. Whether its just hair or not it's a big deal for me and I'd rather not cut it. I was thinking of getting a weave and then after graduation just taking it out. Would this work? I need opinions so let me know.

I leave in September and have been wondering the same thing. it's hard Cuz I need to know from a females perspective but I did ask one girl and was told tht ppl have gone to boot camp with short sew ins and the rdc's knew but didn't make them take it out..you just have to get some weave thts easy to manage and can last cuz you can't have flat irons til graduation. I hope tht helps

[hellokitty]

It seems like this rumor never goes away. Yes you still have to cut your hair.

[sweetmtn]

Here is the "official" rules:

b. Women. Hairstyles shall not be outrageously
multicolored or faddish, to include shaved portions of the
scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or
braided into the hair. Hair coloring must look natural and
complement the individual. Haircuts and styles shall
present a balanced appearance. Lopsided and extremely
asymmetrical styles are not authorized. Ponytails,
pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and
braids which protrude from the head, are not authorized.
Multiple braids are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall
be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed
herein. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn,
braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter
(approx. 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a
neat, professional, well groomed appearance. Foreign
material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be
braided into the hair. Short hair may be braided in
symmetrical fore and aft rows (corn rowing) which minimize
scalp exposure. Corn row ends shall not protrude from the
head, and shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber
bands that match the color of the hair. Appropriateness of
a hairstyle shall also be judged 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. Hair shall not show from
under the front of the brim of the combination hat,
garrison, or command ball caps. Hairstyles 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. 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 1-1/2 inches below the
top of the jumper collar. Long hair, including braids,
which fall below the lower edge of the collar shall be
neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned, or secured to
the head. No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured
from the scalp will exceed approximately 2 inches. <Figure
2-2-2> refers. A maximum of two small barrettes/combs/
clips, similar to hair color, may be used in the hair.
Additional bobby pins or rubber bands matching hair color
may be used to hold hair in place, if necessary. Fabric
elastics bands are not authorized. Hair ornaments
shall not present a safety or FOD (Foreign Object Damage)
hazard. Hair nets shall not be worn unless authorized
for a specific type of duty.

HOWEVER! Some females have been allowed to have their hair braided or in short weaves..BUT, it is NOT uncommon to have some RDC's(instructors) mandate your hair taken out of the weave and cut to regs. Just understand that the navy is the ONLY branch of the service that still requires females to have their hair cut! This has NOT changed and is not expected to change any time soon or in the near future. My suggestion to you if you have a major problem with them cutting your hair..1 have it cut prior to going to boot to fit the regulations, 2 try and see if you can have a weave done to fit the regulations, 3 deal with what ever comes at boot, 4 dont enlist.
Understand it is just hair..it will grow back!

[Jilliantw5]

Originally Posted by NavyGirlRecruit

I leave in September and have been wondering the same thing. it's hard Cuz I need to know from a females perspective but I did ask one girl and was told tht ppl have gone to boot camp with short sew ins and the rdc's knew but didn't make them take it out..you just have to get some weave thts easy to manage and can last cuz you can't have flat irons til graduation. I hope tht helps

Yeah. I mean I have heard the same things, so that's why I don't know what to do. My recruiters a man, so obviously he does not care to much about this situation, because to them it's "just hair". I guess ill just talk to them and see what they say.

[sweetmtn]

My friends daughter went through boot not that long ago..she cut her hair to what she thought was the regs before she went...they cut it again anyway...several girls in her division had weaves and had to take them out and their hair was cut...just saying...all depends on your RDC...if you get a hard ass one..you will be seeing your hair cut off.
The ONLY branch of military that does NOT cut females hair is the Army! My sons girlfriend graduated army boot with her hair up in a bun, but when she took it out it was down past her butt!

[BubbaGumps64]

Actually the Navy is the only branch that makes females cut their hair. The Air Force, Marines, Army, and Coast Guard don't cut females hair they can wear it in a bun.

[dascolbert]

Originally Posted by Jilliantw5

I'm shipping out in June for bootcamp. I heard that they stopped cutting girls hair in bootcamp. Is this true? If it isn't how can I get around this. My recuriter never told me I had to cut my hair till after meps, therefore I was screwed. Whether its just hair or not it's a big deal for me and I'd rather not cut it. I was thinking of getting a weave and then after graduation just taking it out. Would this work? I need opinions so let me know.

Wait, you joined the military and didn't think you had to cut your hair? Pfft. :P
What's a little hair for America? I'm a male, I'll be losing more hair than you.

[llamayamaa]

Originally Posted by dascolbert

Wait, you joined the military and didn't think you had to cut your hair? Pfft. :P
What's a little hair for America? I'm a male, I'll be losing more hair than you.

"Really, guy?"

[djhaugen]

I was worried about this too! If you do cut your hair, start taking Vitamin E after basic and that hair will be back in no time! I'm waiting until I get there to cut mine (I will look like a mess anyway).
My recruiter is a female so this was the best advise she could give me.

[shannoneliz]

If you don't want them to cut your hair in boot, make sure you cut it short enough so that it'll meet regs the entire time you're there 'cause you'll be going to get haircuts a few times. I cut mine about chin length before I left and they didn't touch mine.

[cire]

If your hair is that important to you, then don't join the military. Everyone makes sacrifices to be in the military, your hair is no difference. The recruiter probably didn't say anything because he (and the Navy) can care less about your hair. You don't join a hair club, you are joining the military.


but don't worry, you are NOT the only one who thinks that. When I went through boot camp you would NEVER see more girls crying than on hair cutting days.. lol it was pretty funny