I guess it’s not just because of head gear after all.

Are twists and dreadlocks authorized? U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter Two, Section 2, Article 2201.3:DEFINITION: Twists – A process by which two or more locks of hair are twisted together to form a rope-like appearance. Dreadlocks – Are mats of hair that have been allowed to grow out over time. Sometimes, if hair is simply left ungroomed for a period of time, particularly if the hair is naturally coarse and kinky, dreadlocks will form by themselves.

a. “Twist” hairstyles are not authorized because they fall within the guidelines of being faddish.

b. “Dreadlocks” are not authorized due to its conspicuous nature.

“Hairstyles shall not be outrageously multicolored or faddish, to include shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline), or have designs cut or braided into the hair. Hair coloring must look natural and complement the individual. Haircuts and styles shall present a balanced appearance. Lopsided and extremely asymmetrical styles are not authorized. Ponytails, pigtails, widely spaced individual hanging locks, and braids, which protrude from the head, are not authorized. Multiple braids are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the guidelines listed herein. When a hairstyle of multiple braids is worn, braids shall be of uniform dimension, small in diameter (approx. 1/4 inch), and tightly interwoven to present a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Foreign material (i.e., beads, decorative items) shall not be braided into the hair. Short hair may be braided in symmetrical fore and aft rows (corn rowing) which minimize scalp exposure. Cornrow ends shall not protrude from the head, and shall be secured only with inconspicuous rubber bands that match the color of the hair. Appropriateness of a hairstyle shall also be judged by its appearance when headgear is worn. All headgear shall fit snugly and comfortably around the largest part of the head without distortion or excessive gaps. Hair shall not show from under the front of the brim of the combination hat, garrison, or command ball caps. Hairstyles which do not allow headgear to be worn in this manner, or which interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment are prohibited. When in uniform, the hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1-1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar. Long hair, including braids, which fall below the lower edge of the collar shall be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned, or secured to the head. No portion of the bulk of the hair as measured from the scalp will exceed approximately 2 inches.
[Source 1 and 2]

I was talking to my dad about this (a marine veteran) and he replied, “Who’s hair? You mean the MILITARY’S hair?” I thought about it and I hate to say it, but once a person joins the military they do become the military’s property. It’s one of the things that they sign you up for. However, you shouldn’t have to feel obligated to join. Also, the fact that even natural hair-wearers with afro textured hair in general are being targeted for their hair even when they’re following guidelines doesn’t sit too well with me. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I wouldn’t join.

I kind of assumed that maybe Monique Coleman from High School Musical was natural under her wigs because of how high they sat. She looks amazing with her fro! I wish we could see more of it on the big screen.

Monique Coleman Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman Monique Coleman

There’s is a neat little movement that has been going on for years called “Pick ‘fro’s not fights.” If they spot you with an afro, they will more than likely ask you to strike a pose.

Pick 'Fros Not Fights Pick 'Fros Not Fights

Pick 'Fros Not Fights Pick 'Fros, Not Fights

Check out their website at www.frolab.com.

dreadlockspJordan Miles, an eighteen year old violinist of a jazz band and the orchestra at the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh, was walking to his grandmother’s house when three policemen decided to harass him. When he decided to run back to his mother’s house before they got to him, he slipped on the ice and found himself surrounded by them.

That’s when they started beating me, punching, kicking me, choking me.

They thought he may have been carrying a gun. His face was swollen and a dreadlock of his was ripped out of his head (that sounds rather painful). What they found after the beat him? A soda bottle, ya’ll.

I feel that my son was racially profiled. It’s a rough neighborhood; it was after dark. They assumed he was up to no good because he’s black. My son, he knows nothing about the streets at all. He’s had a very sheltered life, he’s very quiet, he doesn’t know police officers sit in cars and stalk people like that.

The police officers were reassigned (slap on the wrist like always). If these cops keep getting away with racial profiling, they’re going to continue to do it. What makes me angry about this was that this young man wasn’t even a trouble maker. Even when you have young black men trying to do right in a society that sees them as monsters half the time, they’re punished for no reason.

Here’s the source.