Appearance and Grooming Policies
3–1. Personal appearance policies
a. Soldiers will present a professional image at all times and will continue to set the example in military presence,
both on and off duty. Pride in appearance includes Soldiers’ physical fitness and adherence to acceptable weight
standards in accordance with AR 600–9.
b. A vital ingredient of the Army’s strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that American
Soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. It is the responsibility of commanders to ensure
that military personnel under their command present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, in the absence of
specific procedures or guidelines, commanders must determine a Soldier’s compliance with standards in this regulation.
c. The Army uniform regulations for standards of personal appearance and grooming are as specific as is practicable
in order to establish the parameters with which Soldiers must comply.
d. Portions of this chapter are punitive. Violation of the specific prohibitions and requirements set forth in this
chapter may result in adverse administrative action and/or charges under the provision of the UCMJ.
3–2. Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies
Note: This paragraph is punitive with regard to Soldiers. Violation by Soldiers may result in adverse administrative
action and/or charges under the provisions of the UCMJ.
a. Hair.
(1) General. The requirement for hair grooming standards is necessary to maintain uniformity within a military
population. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. It is the responsibility of leaders
at all levels to exercise good judgment when enforcing Army policy. All Soldiers will comply with hair, fingernail, and
grooming policies while in any military uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.
(a) Leaders will judge the appropriateness of a particular hairstyle by the guidance in...