Grooming Standards

Hair: Keep hair neat, clean and well groomed (combed or brushed). Hairstyles and haircuts will present a balanced professional appearance. Hairstyles worn in uniform will not interfere with the wearing of all uniform covers or the proper wearing of safety equipment. Hair coloring is left to the discretion of the instructors. Note: Ethnic hairstyles are permitted, provided they are groomed to fit within the guidelines stated here. Bizarre hairstyles and faddish hair are not authorized.

Sideburns: Neatly trimmed and tailored as described here. Shall not extend below a point level with the middle of the ear, as indicated by line A and shall be of even width (not tapered or flared). Shall end with a cleanshaven horizontal line.

Mustaches: Neat and closely trimmed. No portion shall extend below the upper lip line. Shall not be below the horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth. Shall not be more than ¼ inch beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth. No other facial hair is permitted.

Fingernails: Will not extend past the fingertips.

Earrings/Studs: Not authorized in the ear, nose, eyebrows, tongue, lips, or other areas of the face or body visible to the naval science instructor.

Necklaces: Authorized, but shall not be visible.

Rings: One per hand is authorized.

Wristwatch/Bracelet: One of each is authorized but no ankle bracelets.

Sunglasses: A conservative pair is permitted when authorized by the naval science instructor. Sunglasses are never authorized in military formations. Retainer straps ar not authorized.

Hair: Hairstyles will not detract from a professional military appearance in uniform. Hairstyles and haircuts will present a balanced professional appearance. Appropriateness of a hairstyle will be evaluated by its appearance when headgear is worn. All headgear will fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of headgear, protective masks or equipment. All buns and ponytails will be positioned on the back of the head to ensure the proper wearing of all headgear.

Hair Length: Hair length, when in uniform, may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. Long hair, including braids, will be neatly fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. When bangs are worn, they will not extend below the eyebrows. Hair length will be sufficient to prevent the scalp from being readily visible (with the exception of documented medical conditions).

Hair Bulk: Hair bulk (minus the bun) as measured from the scalp will not exceed 2 inches. The bulk of the bun will not exceed 3 inches when measured from the scalp and the diameter of the bun will not exceed or extend beyond the width of the back of the head. Loose ends must be tucked in and secured.

Hair Color: Hair color will be left to the discretion of the instructors.

Ponytails: A ponytail is a hairstyle in which the hair on the head is pulled away from the face, gathered and secured at the back of the head with an approved accessory. Hair extending beyond the securing accessory may be braided or allowed to extend naturally. The wear of a single braid, French braid, or a single ponytail in Service, Working, and PT uniforms is authorized.

The following criteria pertain to the wearing of ponytail hairstyles while wearing a U.S. Navy uniform.

Ponytail hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of military headwear and equipment nor extend downward more than three inches below the lower edge of the collar (shirt/blouse, jacket or coat) while sitting, standing or walking. Additionally, ponytails will not extend outward more than three inches behind the head as measured from the securing accessory, nor shall the width exceed the width of the back of the head or be visible from the front. In spaces or environments where there are operational hazards such as rotating gear, etc., the hair may not be worn below the bottom of the collar.

Hair Accessories: When hair accessories are worn, they must be consistent with the hair color. A maximum of two small barrettes, similar to hair color, may be used to secure the hair to the head. Bun accessories (used to form the bun), are authorized if completely concealed. Additional hairpins, bobby pins, small rubber bands, or small thin fabric elastic bands may be used to hold hair in place, if necessary. The intent is for pinned-up hair to be styled in a manner that prevents loose ends from extending upward or outward from the head.

Hair Ornaments: Must be consistent with the hair color. A maximum of two small barrettes, similar to hair color, may be used to secure the hair to the head. Bun accessories (used to form the bun), are authorized if completely concealed. Headbands, “scrunchies,” combs, claws, and butterfly clips are examples of accessories that are not authorized. Conspicuous rubber bands, combs, and pins are not authorized.

Cosmetics: Applied in good taste and colors that blend with natural skin tone. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetics are inappropriate. Lipstick should be conservative.

Fingernails: Fingernails shall not exceed ¼ inch measured from the fingertip. They shall be kept clean. Nail polish may be worn, but colors shall be conservative and complement the skin tone.

Earrings/Studs: One per ear, centered on the earlobe. Must be a small gold or silver ball (post or one per ear, centered on the earlobe. Studs are not authorized in the nose, eyebrows, tongue, lips, or other areas of the face or body visible to the naval science instructor.

Necklaces: Authorized but shall not be visible.

Rings: One per hand is authorized, plus the engagement ring or the wedding ring.

Wristwatch/Bracelet: One of each is authorized but no ankle bracelets.

Sunglasses: A conservative pair is permitted when authorized by the naval science instructor. Sunglasses are never authorized in military formations. Retainer straps are not authorized.