Female airmen now can wear longer braids, ponytails and bangs. The changes, adopted by a recent Air Force uniform board, will take effect in February. Specifically, women will be allowed to wear hair in a single pony tail or two braids, with length not exceeding below a horizontal line that would run between the top of each sleeve inseam at the underarm through the shoulder blades. Additionally, women also will be able to wear bangs down to the eyebrows, but not covering their eyes.
When the uniform board met in November, it made the decision to allow the more relaxed hair guidelines after garnering feedback from the service’s Women’s Initiative Team. In turn, the team made its case for the change after reviewing feedback from thousands of women. Respondents said the standards that are being replaced contributed to damaged hair, migraine headaches, and hair loss.
The board also considered relaxing standards for men regarding beards, but opted to stick with the present policy. Men with medical exceptions such as problems with shaving, or who have approved religious accommodations, can wear beards. Space Force guardians presently can follow Air Force guidelines, until if and when the service decides to adapt its own policy.