Posted on Jan 1, 2020
Potential Recruit
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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.
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Responses: 6
SGM Erik Marquez
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Edited 6 y ago
(Join to see) 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.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
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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.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
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Explain your condition to your Drill Sergeants. They will be the ones to give you the go ahead.
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Can I shave my own head during basic training?
CW2 Medevac Pilot
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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.
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SPC Human Intelligence Collector
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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
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CPT Owner
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I've never seen someone get the permission to do that, but express your concern appropriately regarding your "professional appearance"
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