Conflicting opinions on the hard part haircut?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 09:50:15 -0400

I've got another silly question because I'm a silly baby soldier(can I even call myself a soldier if I haven't been through AIT yet? Split ops here).

I have been blessed with a head of thick, shaggy locks that are currently kept under control by a "pixie" and plenty of gel. I was thinking of getting a hard part the next time I go to get it cleaned up in an attempt to tame my crooked natural one.

I did my research, because I didn't want to show up to my next drill(yes, on top of being split-ops, I'm a Weekend Warrior) with an out-of-regulation haircut.

AR 670-1 says that soldiers with a certain texture of hair can cut a single part in it, but I also read that the hard part is considered faddish by many, and whether or not my haircut would be allowed could depend on the NCO. What to do, what to do...

Yes, I sound like I'm a teenage girl fussing over her hair(which I am), but I know that being very young, female, and a Private, I've got to be on top of my game if I want to make a good impression. Look squared away, work hard, study hard, make as few rookie mistakes as I possibly can(knock on wood).

Thanks to everyone who has answered my questions in the past! It's my first year in the military, I've been asking a lot of dumb shit so I don't do a lot of dumb shit.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 15 at 2020 10:04 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:04:15 -0400

I can't comment on what kind of coif you should get but I can say that I admire your attitude. Ask your PSG as that soldier is the senior NCO in your immediate midst and will either have the answer or will be able to get it for you.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 15 at 2020 10:08 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:08:28 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Your observation and understanding that the answer is "It depends" is accurate, and for that reason Id suggest finding a picture that resembles what you think your haircut will look like after you do what your considering and contacting your 1st line supervisor. Get that person opinion, as they will be the ones that will say, "Umm, NO" or should be the ones that go see the PSG, PL, 1SG, CDR, BN CSM ect when you were given the ok, got the cut then at drill the senior had a problem with it..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 10:08 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:08:33 -0400

Without actually seeing your hair in person, I would recommend that you reach out to a female NCO in your unit (preferably a SSG or higher) or at your Reserve Center....and get their advice/input for your next haircut.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 10:10 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:10:15 -0400

You are starting your career off the right way asking questions and checking the regulations. Most of us can't say how to do your hair because there is that opinion about faddish. You have the benefit of drilling prior to going back before drill instructors. The NCOs at your unit are going to be more laid back and supportive then active duty. Ask someone there and go ahead and get it cut now (early) to have someone look at it before you go back to training.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 15 at 2020 10:10 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:10:50 -0400

Follow the advice that SSG Paul Headlee gave you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 10:50 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:50:57 -0400

Private Windsor, I have no advice about your haircut. But don't knock your National Guard career path. None of us here will. With very few exceptions, every Guard person I worked with was top flight. I would go to war with any of them at a moment's notice. Good luck!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 1:18 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 13:18:20 -0400

I can’t give you haircut advice. But you are off on the right foot in your Army career. If you put this much care and concern into all aspects of your service you’ll be one of the top performers in the unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 4:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:51:51 -0400

Next drill ask your NCOs for advice. If they don't, you'll find out in AIT hopefully.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 15 at 2020 5:03 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:03:11 -0400

I’ve done the Hard Part as a guy...next day, gone. Recommend not doing it and sticking with what worked before.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 5:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:20:29 -0400

I cut a hard part which is covered in AR 670-1, page 5, 3-2(c). It also say's that my hair can't touch my brows WHEN COMBED. So many CSMs and 1SGs on active side will tell Soldiers to pull their bangs down and then to cut their hair. They by regulation don't have the authority to do so unless there is a command policy that supports that. You'll find policies like that in your color guards and the Old Guard. However, these are all unfortunately the same people who control the semi centralized promotion boards that will determine if you become an NCO or not. Like it or not, SGT Oldschool doesn't want to change and is resistant in more than just these regs. Some NCOs will even go as far as to say being an NCO and getting promoted is about exceeding the standard, and in their eyes getting their haircut is just that. I would listen to these others writers and ask your leadership above SSG what they feel is acceptable at the unit, not authorized. Then you make your choice, have your part that is technically within regs OR go against the grain, get that fresh cut, and in two years from now your question will be "why am I not going to the board"? The Army is an extremely large and diverse organization. As much as they try and want to be without, there will always be people in control of people and personalities will determine day to day activities. SGT Oldschool, or toxic leaders, will always be there. We all have our quirks and we don't know what we don't know.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 15 at 2020 6:50 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:50:03 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member I never cut my hair when I was in the Army. It is thick, curly, and waist length. The Regulations clearly stated it couldn’t touch my collar and at that time women were only allowed to use Bobby pins, clips, and hair ties the color of our hair. I managed to beep my ‘locks’ tamed with one clip and one pony tail holder (no hell allowed). My secret was a slick, tight pony tail when it was wet. I would encourage you to follow all the good advice given so far and continue to ask questions here on RP. I would be more than happy to connect with you for further support in your Military endeavors.
BTW, NG are as well trained and important as ALL Branches of the Military!
Good Luck with the Curly Locks!
Nancy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 9:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 21:17:54 -0400

AR 670-1 (updated) states you are authorized to put a part in your hair so long as it’s a straight line and where the hair would naturally part (no faddish parts such as a slanted or curved part in the hair). It’s black and white in fine print. Some regs are stated the way it is for a reason, to prevent certain “Leaders” from overthinking it or trying to manipulate it to their liking.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 9:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 21:22:59 -0400

Response by CSM William Everroad made Sep 16 at 2020 11:41 AM

CSM William Everroad — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 11:41:19 -0400

Follow the regulation and when in doubt ask your 1SG. Local policy reigns over "faddish" or "professional appearance".

It sounds like you are wanting to create a good professional appearance. I would personally take the "beyond reproach" approach and cut it short. It is kind of like shooting for 300+ on the APFT instead of training for 180. However, since you mention you are "blessed" with lots of hair and give a general impression you love your hair, you are going to be putting a lot of effort to maintain conformity with regulatory and local guidance.

I am not suggesting you cut your coif, however, consider how distracting it would be in a tactical environment if your ACH, NVGs or gas mask does not fit properly. As you move up the ranks, 3 days in the field can wreak havoc on long hair. Perception informs impressions and a disheveled looking NCO has an uphill climb.

Maintaining long hair professionally in a field environment can be done. You have to consider, if your goal is to look squared away and make a good impression, how much work you are willing to put into that, and if it detracts from other parts of your mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 5:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 05:33:26 -0400

Good on you for asking! I will say I do not believe females are allowed hard parts because they cannot shave your head down to a certain level. However if it’s vague and your unit ncos allow it, bring a copy of AR670-1 with you when you go back in front of a DS. Say your unit was okay with it but you needed further clarification. Knowing a DS, they probably won’t be okay with it since hard parts need to be maintained to look professional.