Black women hair in the air force

[renu47]

I had an interview with the chief nurse who told me that my dreadlocks were okay as long as they were clean neat and natural color. I will attend COT in June and seriously need to know if I am able to keep my locks during COT and while working. As an African American woman hair is very delicate though it looks strong. We use many harsh chemicals to transform our hair from its natural state which weakens the hair more. This process must be done every 4-8 weeks and promotes hair loss and scalp burns hence the widespread use of wigs, weaves and braids, just to conform to the standard of straight hair of other cultures. Please let me know if cutting my hair is preventable. My hair is not a factor in serving my country or taking care of my patients. It is a shame that African American women are forced to conform to others standard of beauty.

[caliotter3]

I would get in touch with someone in the know, perhaps a Black woman officer, who can give you the lowdown. In all the years I was in the service, I never remember a Black woman having problems meeting the regulations regarding her hair. Now males who had shaving problems because of folliculitis, that was a different matter! They had to get permanent shaving profiles from the medics and sometimes there were differences of opinion regarding their beards!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I'm pretty sure there have been discussions about dreadlocks in this forum before ... I'll look around.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Aha ... here it is:

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/are-locs-allowed-273788.html

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

Here is the policy for women in the AF:

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.

Wigs and Hairpieces. Wigs and hairpieces will be in accordance with the same standards required for natural hair, will be of good quality, will fit properly, and will not exceed limits stated for natural hair. Personnel working in flight operations or on the flight line are not authorized to wear wigs or hairpieces. Men will have their medical records documented to wear wigs or hairpieces to cover natural baldness or disfigurement; otherwise, they will not wear wigs or hairpieces.

The policy is kinda of vague as to what is professional appearance, but if the chief nurse told you were good to go and as long as you can meet the other above requirements you should be good to go.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Just be aware that since the reg is so loosely written, it's also very open to interpretation, and what one commander says is good to go may be considered faddish by another.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure ethnicity was stated in this, but my interpretation instinctual reaction is no it would not be tolerated. I would say it could be argued faddish, or not clean, or not 'neat'.

AFI36-2903

That is the 'thing' with the military... you are not an individual - and that is a necessary evil in order to achieve the higher level goal.

If I was going to an interview for a service I would have a much more conservative appearance and be well within the reg rather then walking in and questioning the reg. Even if recruiter or interview Chief OK'd the style when you get to your duty station it might be a no-go and if it is very important to you then that could be difficult.

v/r

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

I wanted to comment that my experience was in units with strict adherence to regs and whenever something was borderline it was more or less 'not done/allowed'.. there is variance within the branches/units/etc.

I hope you let us know what you find out through your experience!!! thanks!

[AF Nur]

is there a Black officer on here. I have kinky twist: is this ok?

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Again, it's going to depend on who sees it and if THEY think it's OK. Unfortunately what's "clean and neat" to us may not be viewed the same way by someone else.

I'm not trying to be obtuse - none of us are - but unfortunately that's the way it works.

[AF Nur]

I do understand that about the rules and regs. I just wanted to know if anyone has had that hairstyle before, and their experiences with it.

[2012RN2b]

AF Nur...I am not an officer but I am 16 years AD enlisted AF black female in the process of attempting to cross over. Kinky twist are ok as long as 1. they are above the collar or can be pinned up above the collar and less than 3 inches in bulk. 2. Your commander doesn't have a stricter policy that doesn't allow for braids. That being said with the exception of BMT I have not been in any command that had an issue with braids of any style as long as they are above the collar or can be pinned up neatly while in uniform. I myself have worn varying styles from micros to cornrows braided up into a bun or braided down loose and I pin up when in uniform.

As far as dread locs i have not worn them myself but have known a couple of individuals that did have them. 1 had no issues because her command had no issues and the other had to cut them when she got a new commander who didn't approve. Also keep in mind that BMT, PME, and some training environments tend to be stricter on dress and appearance. I do know a couple of black officers and will poll them on their take on dreads in uniform and will post the results here.

I hope this helps some.