The Navy has a long history of regulations and policies regarding how Sailors wear their hair. These policies are set in place for many reasons ranging from safety to uniformity and professionalism. They are outlined by the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) and enforced throughout the fleet. The Navy recently announced an expansion of hair styles for women in NAVADMIN 163/18.
“This new policy allows diversity throughout the fleet by acknowledging a wider range of hairstyles for female Sailors,” said Machinery Repairman Fireman Carla Coronel.
Women are now authorized to wear their hair in a single braid, French braid or single ponytail in service, working or physical training uniforms. The ponytail can’t extend greater than three inches below the lower edge of the collar of the shirt, jacket or coat. The accessory holding the ponytail must be discreet and consistent with the hair color. The hair cannot be worn below the bottom of the uniform collar wherever there are safety hazards.
One major update from the policy is the authorization for women to wear locks. The NAVADMIN provides specific and detailed guidance on how locks can be worn. Additionally, women may now wear a hair bun that does not extend beyond the width of the back of the head.
“It’s a lot better knowing that I won’t have to wake up and put so much effort into doing my hair,” said Coronel. “For the most part, I can just get up and go.”
NAVADMIN provides detailed guidelines for both male and female hairstyles, although this expansion only addresses the fleets female Sailors.
“I’m happy to see the change,” said Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Jacob Ferguson. “Even though it doesn’t affect me, it benefits my shipmates and their overall happiness.”
USS Emory S. Land is home to approximately 60 of the fleet’s female Sailors. This new policy will help further the Navy’s mission of diversifying Sailors throughout the fleet. Regardless of gender, U.S. Navy Sailors are all individual parts of one fleet. Grooming policies allow Sailors throughout the fleet to maintain an appearance of professionalism that keeps them mission-ready.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2019 23:27 |
| Story ID: | 314574 |
| Location: | GU |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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