Can I shave my own head during basic training?

2020-01-01T03:39:38-05:00

I have a scalp condition that caused me to lose large patches of hair all over my scalp, so I shave every couple of days. Will I be able to shave my own head during basic? I don’t want it to grow out and walk around with multiple random patches.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 1 at 2020 5:32 AM

2020-01-01T05:32:53-05:00

As long as the Drill Cadre know about the condition, there shouldn't be a problem, best to have a doctors clinical checkup paper work to show.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 7:22 AM

2020-01-01T07:22:14-05:00

In reception, I saw them give bald guys haircuts for no reason because Army. However, if you've got a shiny, bald head, no one is going to give you any trouble, especially if you already pull off the look

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jan 1 at 2020 8:56 AM

2020-01-01T08:56:02-05:00

Explain your condition to your Drill Sergeants. They will be the ones to give you the go ahead.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 1 at 2020 11:16 AM

2020-01-01T11:16:51-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member It is a fair question, and one that has been asked before
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-can-t-they-allow-people-who-are-balding-to-shave-their-heads-in-basic-training?loc=similar_main&pos=0&type=qrc
Id suggest two things.
Go prepared to ask, politely at an appropriate time, with a short explanation and shave your head if the unit cadre give the go ahead.
Go prepared to ask and be ready to be told no....then remember, your not there to look good, to win a beauty contest, hook up, impress anyone with looks.

Your going to get a hair cut weekly in any case, so at most a few days longer then you would have shaved....
1st few weeks, there is very little "extra" time available to you to shave your head
Last few weeks, as recruits are allowed to have a bit more hair remaining after the weekly hair cut, you can ask the barber to clean cut your hair, there will no issue with that request.
Just prior to graduation, if you have not been allowed to shave your head, in a moment of rest, ask the DS you have built a professional report with ....if you have made this a nonissue since asking all those weeks ago, Id bet you will be told you can for graduation.

Why can't they allow people who are balding to shave their heads in basic training. | RallyPoint

I joined the Army and graduated basic training at the age of 37.  I am balding and have been since my early twenties.  I had been shaving my head since I was 27.  When I went to basic training I was informed that I could not shave my head.  Every two weeks the males would have to go get haircuts and everytime my barber would say "I should charge you half price".  I could have taken care of my own hair once a week with...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 1:50 PM

2020-01-01T13:50:43-05:00

I've never seen someone get the permission to do that, but express your concern appropriately regarding your "professional appearance"

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2020 11:11 PM

2020-01-01T23:11:12-05:00

You should be able to. Back when i was in basic guys did that just to save 10 bucks. You have a legit excuse, you should be fine.