Grooming Standard

Cadet Grooming Standard

C.  CADET GROOMING STANDARDS:

1.  Grooming:  The following grooming standards apply to all cadets WHILE IN UNIFORM:

a.  Hairstyles. Many hairstyles are acceptable, as long as they are neat and conservative. Hair will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar; hair will be off the ears.  Lines or designs will not be cut into the hair or scalp.  If dyes, tints, or bleaches are used, colors used must be natural to human hair and not present an extreme appearance.  Applied hair colors that are prohibited include but are not limited to, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright (fire-engine) red, and fluorescent or neon colors.  It is the responsibility of instructors to use good judgment in determining if applied colors are acceptable, based upon the overall effect on cadets’ appearance. 

(1) Males.  Sideburns will be neatly trimmed.  The base will not be flared and will be a clean-shaven, horizontal line.  Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.  The face will be clean-shaven, except for permitted mustaches.  Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted, individual parts of hair) while in uniform.  Hair that is clipped closely or shaved to the scalp is authorized.

(2) Females.  Hairstyles will not interfere with the proper wearing of military headgear.  Hair-holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips), if used, must be transparent or similar in color to hair and will be inconspicuously placed.  Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized.  Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative and the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head.  Hair will not fall over the eyebrows. Hair may extend below the bottom edge of the collar during normal activity or when standing in formation.  Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, including braids and ponytails will be acceptable.

b. Fingernails.  Cadets will keep their fingernails clean and neatly trimmed so as not to interfere with the performance of duty.  Females may wear polish that is not exaggerated, faddish, or of extreme colorings, such as purple, gold, blue or white while in uniform.

c. Hygiene and Tattoos.  Cadets are expected to maintain good hygiene.  Tattoos are authorized except in areas of the body (i.e., face, legs) that would cause the tattoo to be exposed while in Class A uniform.  Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body, as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within the unit, the school, and the community.  

2.  Cadets will not be allowed to participate in public events such as school or community support activities unless they meet the published standards and represent the Army and the JROTC program properly.  Cadets may be required to depart the premises or take off their uniforms if they fail to meet these standards.