I guess it’s not just because of head gear after all.
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.
Very interesting …
It’s not as bad as it’s made out to be.
Not to be rude…but I just love when people who don’t have to wear the uniform and go from command to command where there are different temperaments about everything including hair says “It’s not as bad as it’s made out to be.” No one, including the rest of us in uniform, knows exactly what other people go through in their particular situations at their particular commands. I’ve had a mixture among the commands that I’ve been to since I’ve been natural…both the nastiness and otherwise nonchalant views. Even the fact that my hair is naturally coily has been an issue to come up several times. Not the style itself, but that my hair is coily. The actual shape that my hair naturally takes. Usually, it’s only an issue until the person speaking is convinced that it’s my real hair, and I didn’t do anything to make it like that, ie twist it.
I think this was a good post. I will just say that some of us who are natural in the military are just like many other people…we weren’t always natural. I wasn’t natural when I joined. Hair was still an issue at some points and will always be even if you relax. Being one of the few naturals around…if there are any around…is a different story. Mostly because there really isn’t much of a frame of reference for those who are looking on to judge these things because they’ve rarely come across black people who wear their hair in its natural state. This includes other black people.
Oh, and regulations change all the time. Though I’m in the military, I understand that even the regulations on hair today could change later. I don’t know if anyone knew this, but at one point we couldn’t wear afros in the military or natural styles period, i.e. braids etc. I believe that it’s great that the few of us wear our natural hair because it can be seen by those who judge these things and make the regulations. At some point, they will change again allow more. ~Awareness is key.~
I do exactly the same thing. I don’t blame you for not commenting if you think you’re not going to add something new to the discussion.