Female soldiers will be able to wear their hair in ponytails and braids while in all uniforms, the US Army has announced.
In a press released Thursday, the Army revealed they had updated their grooming policy to approve the new hairstyles to make things 'more practical for our female soldiers'.
'It allows them flexibility in a tactical environment, while maintaining a professional appearance in garrison,' the release read.
Female soldiers were previously required to wear their hair up in a bun.
It has recently been claimed by some soldiers that tight hair buns can trigger hair loss and other scalp problems for women.
Larger buns needed to accommodate thick or longer hair can also make a combat helmet fit badly and potentially impair good vision.
Female soldiers will be able to wear their hair in ponytails and braids while in uniform, the US Army has announced. The Army released these two photos in a press release Thursday, showing new acceptable hairstyles for women
Female soldiers were previously required to wear their hair up in a bun. It has recently been claimed by some soldiers that tight hair buns can trigger hair loss and other scalp problems for women
Under the new policy, hair must 'be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid' which 'may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms'.
However, female soldiers are prohibited from having that 'extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades while at the position of attention'.
The update comes just three months after the US Army announced a slew of other changes to their grooming policies for female soldiers.
The Army announced women would be able to wear earrings, lipstick and nail polish while in uniform.
Army Sgt. Maj. Brian Sanders told reporters at the time that the panel recommending the new grooming changes considered a variety of factors, including cultural, health and safety issues.
'At the end of the day, our women are mothers, they're spouses, they're sisters, they definitely want to be able to maintain their identity and that´s what we want to get after,' he stated.
Under the new policy, hair must 'be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or secured in either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid' which 'may be worn down the center of the back in all uniforms'
In a press released Thursday, the Army revealed they had updated their grooming policy to approve the new hairstyles to make things 'more practical for our female soldiers'
The update comes just three months after the US Army announced a slew of other changes to their grooming policies for female soldiers. The Army announced women would be able to wear earrings, lipstick and nail polish while in uniform
The changes were made in the wake of a directive by former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who ordered a new review of military hairstyle and grooming policies last July.
Despite increased flexibility in the grooming standards of female soldiers, male members of the US Army will not be allowed to wear earrings and they still have to shave.
However, men will be able to wear clear nail polish and be able to dye their hair.
The colors for both genders are limited to 'natural' shades. Prohibited colors include blue, purple, pink, green, orange or neon.
'These aren't about male and female,' said Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston, the Army's top enlisted leader during a Facebook Live presentation in February.
'This is about an Army standard and how we move forward with the Army, and being a more diverse, inclusive team.'
Despite increased flexibility in the grooming standards of female soldiers, male members of the US Army will not be allowed to wear earrings and they still have to shave
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