Are Locs Allowed???

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Does the military frown on having locs (dreadlocks)??? Is there a policy saying they are not allowed and must be cut or anything like that?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Does the military frown on having locs (dreadlocks)??? Is there a policy saying they are not allowed and must be cut or anything like that?

Nope...the military doesn't frown on them you just can't have them and be in the military (or at least I have never seen them on any AD person)! Here is the USAFs hair standards. If your hair is the only thing stopping you from not considering the military then it is probably not for you. The military is going to ask a lot more of you than just conforming to some conservative hair styles.

Men. Men's hair must have a tapered appearance on both sides and back, both with and without headgear. A tapered appearance is one that, when viewed from any angle, outlines the individual's hair so that it conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point. The block cut is permitted with tapered appearance. It will not be worn in an extreme or fad style or in such a way that it exceeds length or bulk standards or violates safety requirements. Hair will not touch the ears; only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar. It will not exceed 1 1/4 inches in bulk, regardless of length, and not exceed 1/4 inch at the natural termination point. Men's hair will not contain or have any visible foreign items attached to it.

Women. Women must style their hair to present a professional appearance. Hair will not be worn in an extreme or fad style or violate safety requirements. It cannot extend below the bottom edge of the collar. Hairstyles must allow proper wear of headgear and will not exceed 3 inches in bulk. Women may wear plain and conservative pins, combs, headbands, elastic bands, and barrettes that are similar to their hair color to keep their hair in place. Hair ornaments such as ribbons or jeweled pins are not allowed.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

I concur with WTB, "dreads" will not be permitted in the Navy. As a matter of fact, there are rules regarding such things as radical fingernail polish for women as well. you may want to look into the grooming standards a bit more before you continue.

LCDR Dan

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Locks are more than a style for some, its apart of their religion. Are there any exceptions?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Locks are more than a style for some, its apart of their religion. Are there any exceptions?

You can always ask the recruiter, but religious beliefs often have to take a backseat to the military. Although, I would like to hear what mainstream recognized religion states that you must have dreadlocks.

The US military doesn't expand on your constitutional rights or even grant you some of the same constitutional rights as a civilian. If you are not willing to sacrifice your haircut to come in the military, then the mililtary is not going to be the best place for you. Your hair is just one minor concession in al long line of concessions that the military is going to ask you to sacrifice/conform to.

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just wanted to revisit this post and let it be known that LOCS ARE ALLOWED! as long as they can be pull back into a ponytail/bun or worn down without touching the collar, they are fine.

locs are JUST HAIR and shouldn't be a cause for disqualification.

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Specializes in C-EFM, L&D/Postpartum/AP/PACU.
just wanted to revisit this post and let it be known that LOCS ARE ALLOWED! as long as they can be pull back into a ponytail/bun or worn down without touching the collar, they are fine.

locs are JUST HAIR and shouldn't be a cause for disqualification.

The OP is a male. They would not be allowed in the Army. Women in the Army are authorized to have braids, so long as they meet the other requirements regarding neat appearance, proper wear of the headgear, not faddish, etc.

Oh, and no, they are not a disqualifier, but they would have to be cut once a person entered the service.

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Specializes in L & D.

AR 670-1, the regulation that covers the wear and appearance of mmilitary uniform and insignia clearly states that "Dreadlocks (unkempt, matted clumps of hair" are unauthorized."

I know, I hate it too but conforming is just another part of the Army life.

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Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

lol, i think my jaw would drop to the ground if i saw a military dude w/ dreads!

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The OP is a female and she's currently in the USN with her locs.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
The OP is a female and she's currently in the USN with her locs.

Good for her and her unprofessional locs!!

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i passed that message thinking she would be upset at your sarcasm and hoping she would have a witty response for you but her professionalism refused to give me, or you, the satisfaction. Hence her reply:

"Thanks!"

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