Can your 1SG cut your hair?

2019-05-15T10:18:08-04:00

My hair grows really fast and sideways so it’s always touching my ears after a few days. So to keep it maintained within regulation I have to get a haircut every week which adds up quick. I don’t have that much money so I get it every 2 weeks when I get paid. My 1SG harasses me every week saying I look like shit and if I don’t cut it every week he will cut it for me. Is he allowed to do that?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 15 at 2019 10:42 AM

2019-05-15T10:42:36-04:00

sounds like you need to start bic'ing your head or pay to get the haircut.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 15 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-05-15T10:43:39-04:00

Ok, there is an issued set of clippers in every supply room, technically he can offer you a haircut instead of UCMJ (I guess). He is not harassing you as you are outside of the regulations. A simpler solution is regular schedule haircuts (weekly/what works)c coupled with you purchasing a beard type electric trimmer which comes with a short clip attachement that would easily, and professionally keep those hairs off your ears. It works for me and has for many Soldiers which I personally have these options to over the years. Never say a leader is harassing you when you are in violation, does not help your case. Thank you for your service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 15 at 2019 10:47 AM

2019-05-15T10:47:27-04:00

I'll accept your premise that you're a Spec 4 and can't afford a haircut every week. Your info on Rally Point doesn't allow me to understand your full Service, family, and financial situation, so I'll offer some ideas based on your contention that you can't afford a weekly haircut.
-Check my hair style. It requires only application of an electric razor every morning. It's always within limits. The initial investment in a good electric might be about $50 at the PX, but it's a one-time expense. The razor should last 5 to 10 years.
-Let the barracks barber or your spouse cut your hair. You could adopt a hair style that would be easy for them to maintain. Barracks barber--I've heard there's always at least one--will expect to be paid.
-DIY trim between regular hair cuts. Get an electric trimmer and use it in the offending areas between haircuts. You'll get good at it after a few tries.

On the question of senior NCOs actually cutting hair, I think it would be unwise on their part. If you don't want the 1SG to cut your hair and he or she does so using force or coercion, then you may have grounds for a case of assault under the UCMJ. It's more likely the 1SG is using a figure of speech to encourage you to keep your hair within limits at all times.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 15 at 2019 10:47 AM

2019-05-15T10:47:57-04:00

I had a 1SG who had painted outside his office an angry bulldog (our B Co. symbol) with the words "Cut Your Damn Hair" boldly printed in an arch above the dog's head. Beyond this, he kept clippers in his office...and used it on shaggy soldiers DAILY!

So, in answer to your question, I'm going to go with: "Yes".

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made May 15 at 2019 10:57 AM

2019-05-15T10:57:32-04:00

Yes. As a PSG I have often taken joes to the barber when reporting for duty with hair out of regs. For some, I cut it myself when they lacked the cash. I always gave them the option to either a)pay the barber, b)do it themselves, c)1 hr to borrow the money to pay the barber, c)I cut it high and tight-the only one I know. It is our responsibility to maintain grooming and as NCOs to ensure others do also, especially those we are responsible for. Sure there was a little corrective training, and for some it was teaching them how to cut hair so they could police themselves. But more importantly, though done firmly, it communicated care and concern to my soldiers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-05-15T10:59:25-04:00

My question is how short are you cutting your hair, my hair grows fast and is super thick, but I never had a problem making it two weeks between hair cuts.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made May 15 at 2019 12:36 PM

2019-05-15T12:36:28-04:00

It is his JOB to enforce grooming standards (among many, many other things). Threatening to cut your hair himself is his way of motivating you to get your sh*t straight. Buy a decent set of clippers and fix the problem yourself. Show him that you give a damn and he might be impressed.

Response by SPC Tim LaFountain made May 15 at 2019 12:43 PM

2019-05-15T12:43:29-04:00

When I was stationed in Germany I use to trim the guys hair on our floor, came in handy during inspection time. I'd trim the back (block style) and cut it off the ears, no one ever got gigged for haircuts that I did. I never charged any money either, I considered it helping out my pals.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 1:33 PM

2019-05-15T13:33:10-04:00

Well if you didn’t know the old guard gets a haircut every single week. It’s not cheap. My old 1sg used to make a dude go bald if they didn’t get a medium skin fade and it was a memorial affairs mission day

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 2:02 PM

2019-05-15T14:02:24-04:00

A set of clippers costs about twenty dollars. Even if your hair wasn't out of regulation, you should get a set just to save hundreds in the long run.

Response by Nikki Gordon made May 15 at 2019 2:25 PM

2019-05-15T14:25:31-04:00

Many of the beauty schools will have students cut/ clip hair inexpensively. It may be worth looking into to avoid any issues.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 3:34 PM

2019-05-15T15:34:15-04:00

Let him do it. Free haircut!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 3:41 PM

2019-05-15T15:41:17-04:00

Some people spend a lot of time trying to work their way around the regulation instead of falling in line with it. Like others have said, buy some clippers and trim your own hair. Youtube will give you some great tips and most importantly, that 1SG will get off of your back!

Response by SSG George Holtje made May 15 at 2019 4:04 PM

2019-05-15T16:04:16-04:00

I would get trimmers and just go cueball or let him do it. I’m sure he can’t forcibly do it(hazing). But you have to maintain the standard. It’s just hair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 5:57 PM

2019-05-15T17:57:39-04:00

Good post, haha. Have him cut it if it grows that fast. You save money, and he gets his frown turned upside down. A WIN WIN!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 8:03 PM

2019-05-15T20:03:11-04:00

1. I think you are being disingenuous. Your victimization is likely due to your defiance/stupidity.
2. Have the barber cut your hair shorter on the sides of your head so it takes longer than one week for it to grown down to your ears. You might also consider a cheaper barber to save on costs. Most units I've been in always seemed to have a Soldier cutting hair for $5 to earn extra money.
3. When you shave in the morning, take a moment to trim any hair getting too close to your ears. Most electric razors come equipped with a trimmer. Specialty scissors are available too.
4. Go buy a pair of clippers and learn how to keep your hair off your ears. It is real easy. Your partner or buddy can help.
5. No, the 1SG may not lawfully assault you for the sole purpose of cutting your hair. Consult your Chaplain, EO/EEO, or other trusted office for advice and assistance. File a grievance if they deem it appropriate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-05-15T20:54:22-04:00

When I was a lower enlisted, I stayed in the negatives in my bank account. I bit the bullet and began to shave my head. I kept it shaved for 3 years. Saved tons of money plus, I never got my butt chewed by my NCOs, 1SG or CSM about a haircut. The hair you see in my profile picture was about 4 months after I shaved my head for NTC. I love my hair and I'm sure you do but, if I have to shave it because I can't afford a pretty haircut, I will shave it. Why? Because I am a leader and I am the example for Soldiers.

But to answer you question...see your local Legal.

Response by PO2 Russell Houston made May 15 at 2019 8:57 PM

2019-05-15T20:57:51-04:00

Hell...if it's free go for it. He may be better than you think, he may be trying to help you out.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 15 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-05-15T22:15:34-04:00

It is his job to make sure the soldiers maintain the standards of the Army and that includes grooming standards. Yes, he can do that and no it is not harassment.

Several have said it here, buy a pair of clippers. I did it. Not because I needed them but because I looked at what the barbers would take to do the job and did the math. 11 dollar haircut every 2 weeks adds up to a hefty amount over the course of just a few months, let along a year. And a decent pair of clippers cost around 40 bucks. It pays for itself in just 4 cuttings and has the added benefit of never needing more than 10 minutes to do and there is no line and you can do it whenever you have time, even at 2 AM in the morning.

Response by SSG(P) Drew Hunnicutt made May 15 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-05-15T22:35:21-04:00

I don't know why so many people are saying the same thing as the last guy and the guy before that and the guy before that, but here is something new:

If your hair isn't out of regs you don't have to get it cut. If you get a skin fade and trim the top, I do not know how your hair could possibly get out of regs in a week. The current regulation says, "When the hair is combed, it will not fall over the ears or eyebrows, or touch the collar, except for the closely cut hair at the back of the neck" (AR 670-1, May 2017). Sometimes leaders think they know the regs but they really don't. Or perhaps they know what the reg used to say but it changed. Or sometimes they just don't care and want things their way and so they make things up. I am certainly not saying that your 1SG fits one of these categories because I do not know him and the only information I have to go off of is your side of the story; but you do not have to follow unlawful orders.

That being said, use tact and judgement. If you are willing and able to conform to what a leader tells you to do and the order is not illegal or immoral, it might be best for you to just do it. Some hills are just not worth dying on, even if you are right. If you do decide you want to challenge what your 1SG says, there are ways to do so and come out the other side unscathed. I would recommend talking to your first line. As a SPC, you probably are not directly subordinate to the 1SG. Approach your SGT and tell him the situation. Tell him what the regulation says. Then (and this is important), ask his guidance. Be humble and approach the situation like you are asking for help not like you are being defiant. Use words and phrases like, "will you help me understand". "Hey SGT, 1SG keeps dogging me about a haircut. I have complied every time and currently have to get weekly haircuts, which gets expensive. AR 670-1 says, 'XXX'. Can you help me understand how my hair violates this regulation?" If you don't get a proper answer or think he is wrong ask, "Can we ask SSG (your SGT's first line) about it and see what he thinks?"

The easy answer is "buy some clippers and do what you're told" and that might be what you decide to do. But simply telling you that doesn't develop you as a soldier. 1SG John Furr touched on adapting and overcoming, and he is absolutely right. There are always multiple ways you can approach a problem. Have discussions with your leaders. Read the regulations and know your duties. Don't ever try to argue with a superior, but rather ask for help. "Why do I have to do XXXX" sounds a lot different to the ear of an NCO than "Can you help me understand your guidance better".

Many people might think this is way too much thought to put into a question about haircut regulations; but if we as leaders can take the time to develop, mentor, and grow soldiers when the stakes are as low as what AR 670-1 says, we can empower those soldiers to be better leaders years down the road and make informed decisions when the stakes are much higher.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 5:17 AM

2019-05-16T05:17:27-04:00

Bald is Beautiful

Response by SFC Taaliddin Muttaki made May 16 at 2019 7:11 AM

2019-05-16T07:11:31-04:00

Your 1SG will not cut your hair . A SFC will find a way by talking to other SFC .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 7:24 AM

2019-05-16T07:24:18-04:00

It looks like everyone else has said it, but I will say it again, buy clippers. You may not get that fresh from the barbershop look that is usually the culprit in people that go out of regs quickly but it will get him off your back. It may be time to rethink your haircut. I personally have done my own hair for the past 21 years or so and saved a ton of money.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-05-16T11:28:06-04:00

In USMC a weekly haircut was a must while in garrison. When afloat we resorted to the barber kit and anyone with a steady hand. If he's offering a haircut, problem solved.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 16 at 2019 12:29 PM

2019-05-16T12:29:52-04:00

Yes

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made May 16 at 2019 1:41 PM

2019-05-16T13:41:12-04:00

Yeah, he is. I gotta say, yours is a pretty lame excuse Get some clippers and trim it yourself. There is no excuse for being out of regs.

Response by SPC Brent Melton made May 16 at 2019 1:50 PM

2019-05-16T13:50:01-04:00

If top wants to cut your hair for free and save you some cash, by all means let him. Otherwise buy the $40 pair of clippers and shave your head every week. The savings will add up quickly vs the cost of the clippers.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2019 7:53 PM

2019-05-16T19:53:18-04:00

Right or wrong, I really couldn't say, but I had a 1SG make that same threat (or offer, depending on how you interpret it) when I was a brand new private. I ciuldnt afford the weekly haircuts either (being married with kids coming into the Army).I took him up on it. Every Monday after PT, I'd dry off, he'd cut my hair down to standard, and I'd go shower at the gym to wash off the hair. We had a rapport this way, and actually became friends down the road after I left the unit. To this day, he and I still stay in contact and remember the days where he would help one of his soldiers with their hair right before we had Motorpool Monday formation. It helped me start building a network and pear how to communicate with people WELL above my rank bracket. So take it for what it is. Ya never know, you may end up having some good come out of it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2019 10:55 AM

2019-05-20T10:55:47-04:00

Nope, the regulation is also subject in nature. It no longer has a certain length defined within it.

If anyone ever touches you they are breaking the UCMJ.

Response by SSgt Mac Makinster made May 24 at 2019 6:16 PM

2019-05-24T18:16:22-04:00

As a SSGT I use to bring my clippers to the barracks to adjust ear height, for those who asked, before guard mount. The key word is ask.....your 1st Sgt. can't touch you, but he can march you over to the base barber then write you up.

Response by Sgt C Vail made May 25 at 2019 12:00 AM

2019-05-25T00:00:44-04:00

What the crap? I cut my hair 3 times a week. I’ll make a wager that you aren’t in an infantry unit are you?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2019 8:26 PM

2019-05-25T20:26:06-04:00

Seems like that would solve the problem. Let him cut it for you free of charge every week. He may actually be pretty good at it.

Response by Sgt Sam Granado made Jun 5 at 2019 11:31 AM

2019-06-05T11:31:17-04:00

I would think so. If your hair grows long then make a plan to keep it short. Buy your own clippers and cut it yourself or let your wife cut it. I am assuming g you are married. If you were single then you'd have no excuse whatsoever. Either way get your s#!t together and make a plan/budget.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 3:17 PM

2019-06-05T15:17:17-04:00

If the cost of PX haircuts is to much for you to afford, not just feel like spending, You might want to look into financial counseling. If you just like saving what you can then perhaps re-asses your priorities.

Response by SGT Tomas Husted made Jun 12 at 2019 8:20 PM

2019-06-12T20:20:03-04:00

Quit whining, quit making excuses and cut your damn hair. Either that or run sidewalls. DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD DO AND QUIT BLAMING TOP. And believe me there is absolutely no one in the Army who cares how fast your hair grows. And there is no one who will accept that as an excuse for looking shaggy.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jun 14 at 2019 12:50 PM

2019-06-14T12:50:10-04:00

Yes he can. It's called enforcing the standard IAW AR-670-1. If' you're "lucky", your First Sergeant will march you to the Barber Shop to ensure your hair is in compliance. I saw this happen to an E-6 once.

Response by SPC David Warren made Jul 2 at 2019 2:22 PM

2019-07-02T14:22:05-04:00

Anyone can cut your hair; you can even just buzz it down to the skin. The only risk is shaving your head and being exposed to sunburn. If you are ever sunburned so bad you’re incapable of performing your duty, you could actually be Article-15’d for destruction of government property! Stupid; but, funny! As long as your hair is in reg’s, it doesn’t matter who cut it.

Response by MSgt Michael Madden made Jul 3 at 2019 8:11 PM

2019-07-03T20:11:21-04:00

Why don’t you get a military style haircut? I am sure it would last for a month. Getting a trim is a surefire way to get yourself in trouble

Your 1SGT can do what he has to do to get you back to following the rules..

Response by SGT Barbara Wilt made Jul 10 at 2019 12:40 PM

2019-07-10T12:40:09-04:00

Invest in some clippers and do it yourself. And yes he can enforce the regulations

Response by MSgt Roger Lalik made Dec 19 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-12-19T11:12:18-05:00

Really...?? You're Specialist in the US Army and you can't figure out how to get a haircut once a week? You have to wait until your 1stSgt gets on to you to get squared away? I'm making the presumption that when you do get a haircut it's not one of those just barely within regulations such that the next day you need at least a trim. If that's the case get a better haircut.

You can't be married because I know a wife will be on your ass to get squared away. Try taking some haircut money out of your beer money to get your hair cut.

I prophesize now that there is no promotion in your future until you grow up and figure out on your own how to make a weekly haircut happen.

Response by Sgt Chris C made Jul 23 at 2020 5:29 AM

2020-07-23T05:29:06-04:00

Prior Service Marine here; as a former Marine we were required to keep our hair within regs, for the majority of us that meant WEEKLY haircuts. I recommend getting your haircut on base, which should be under $15 a week. If you can't afford $15 a week, then I would look at your spending habits and if cutting out a few beers or eating off base means 1SG is off your ass, then that'd be worth it to me.

Response by Sgt Johnny Hawkins made Oct 9 at 2020 2:49 PM

2020-10-09T14:49:49-04:00

Shave your head every week. The military doesn’t care if you’re pretty.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 2 at 2021 11:28 PM

2021-01-02T23:28:31-05:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member same guy as SGT Tristen Varney’s post?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 7:58 AM

2021-01-03T07:58:42-05:00

If you are a Major you would know.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2021 3:36 PM

2021-01-03T15:36:18-05:00

By the way....how do you go from PFC to MAJ? Did you pick the wrong rank?

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 3 at 2021 4:47 PM

2021-01-03T16:47:00-05:00

Uhm, clearly you are not a Major. Why are you stealing valor?

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jan 4 at 2021 12:03 AM

2021-01-04T00:03:28-05:00

I dont know what Army you are in bur last I heard CPL Austin R a Major outranks a First Sergeant! I'd take 1SG John Furr's advice!

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 14 at 2021 8:36 PM

2021-05-14T20:36:53-04:00

How do you not have money? You are a CPL. That is an E-4. Assuming you came in as an E-4 that is 2330 a month. Subtract for even max taxes that still leaves you 750 dollars cleared every two weeks. Haircuts are 11 a pop last a I checked.

You are a junior NCO and do not know what an NCO can and cannot do? And Infantry at that? Short answer is yes he can do that and a whole lot more. He is not harassing you, he is training you to look and act like a soldier and not a whining douche nugget. How can you expect to lead and mold soldiers when you look like something just shaken out of a dufflebag and cannot maintain grooming standards?

If I had an NCO that could not maintain standards and was even trying to lecture me about I would laugh them out of the room... then gladly get dropped and do pushups till my arms fell off.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 14 at 2021 9:46 PM

2021-05-14T21:46:14-04:00

Doubt he would actually cut your hair. Probable that he can make your life pretty miserable if you don’t fix your hair. Imagine a company grade article 15 and making less money than you are now at a brand new tank of PFC. It is always a good idea not to piss off the right hand of the guy that can reduce you in rank.