Females hair regulations: When you put your long hair in a sock bun, is it out of regs to put the excess hair in a braid around the bun?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:23:25 -0400

I’ve been doing this for the past six years and my platoon got a new platoon Sfc and she tells me it’s out of regs. I have read the hair regulations front to back and the only thing that could make it an issue is the opinion of “fad” or “trend” but the purpose of putting it in the braid is so the loose hair doesn’t fall out and I don’t have to touch it till the end of the working day. The braid is also tight to my head... someone help me fight this argument because I just re enlisted for another six years and don’t have time for the bull shit that is being thrown my way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 9:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 09:02:50 -0400

I've seen what you're talking about plenty of times and unfortunately it falls into one of those grey areas that is open to interpretation and left for local leadership to decide. This is one of those situations where you have to pick your battles. You could try to tactfully approach it and have a respectful conversation about her interpretations and try to find a common ground on something that you're both ok with. I wouldn't push too hard though. You don't want to get on your PSGs bad side if you've got six more years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 9:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 09:10:24 -0400

Have you expressed your concerns to your squad leader? If so, do they “agree” with you?

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Apr 12 at 2018 9:12 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 09:12:12 -0400

I would take it up with the chain of command start with your PLT LDR and move forward from that or request a meeting with the 1SGT. One person opinion is not always the policy.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 9:27 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 09:27:34 -0400

That is about as dumb as when our SGM said we couldn’t have high and tight in the 82nd because it was faddish. How does that SFC wear her hair? I bet not in a bun. That’s a terrible interpretation. take it higher than this clog.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 12 at 2018 10:34 AM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 10:34:21 -0400

I'm still trying to figure out how we can put a missile up the ass of a camel from half a world away but we cant figure this hair thing...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 10:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 10:46:49 -0400

I don't see how that's out of regs. When I do my hair in a bun, I put it in a ponytail, I braid the ponytail and then I roll that up into a bun and it stays put all day. Even during PT.

Is there any way you can post a picture of it?

Edit - I'd take your squad leader with and talk to the PSG and see if there can be a compromise but I would never go after a female for her hair the way you describe it. I'd have to see it - but sounds like someone needs something better to do.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2018 12:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 12:38:18 -0400

She probably is saying it's out of regs because you can't have "two different styles" (the braid & the bun) but other than that i don't see an issue with it... i even do it

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 12 at 2018 2:49 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 14:49:45 -0400

I don't see that falling under fad... I without seeing an image of the hairstyle and reading over the entire section about female haircuts again, I would say that your leadership has a stick up their ass for no reason. Have you been counseled on this matter?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 12 at 2018 4:31 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:31:36 -0400

We are all raised in differing military environments, since the refs are somewhat ambiguous it may be very simple to reshape her thinking. You need to take the question to the next level for confirmation. No need to be confrontational as this is seemingly simple. Your closing comment is not very well put either, you will likely see more of the same or similar in the next six years, I would also suspect you plan on being promoted placing yourself in her shoes. It is not always easy to make the tough calls. Remain respectful and you will do fine. Thank you for your service.

Response by Sgt Adrian Jones made Apr 12 at 2018 9:13 PM

Sgt Adrian Jones — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 21:13:38 -0400

CPL Private RallyPoint Member I just asked my wife she is a Marine and has worn her hair in this same fashion on numerous occasions. She says that it is not out of regs as long as the end is tucked in and you don't have any "fly-aways" whatever that is hope that helps

Response by SFC William Fowle made Apr 14 at 2018 6:56 AM

SFC William Fowle — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 06:56:04 -0400

As an NCO and former Plt Sgt, I recommend frist talk to the PSG with your Sqd Ldr. Get a definition from this Ldr of what their interpretation is and what would meet the "regs" in their eyes. If you can't get a resolution that you can live with, then take it up the chain. My experiences, both as a young soldier and as a leader, is if you bypass this step, you WILL lose somewhere down the line. Give this person the respect their rank and position are entitled to and try to meet halfway.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Apr 14 at 2018 7:03 AM

SGT Aric Lier — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 07:03:39 -0400

wait this is in a NG unit??? goto drill and go home? ok so heres what you need to do cut your hair make him happy push for E5 slot.... then put in Woc packet. come back as a Wo make his life miserable.....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 7:23 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:23:44 -0400

“Foreign material (for example, beads and decorative items) will not be used in the hair.”

This could be interpreted to include socks. I would discuss it with your squad leader and keep elevating it till there is clear guidance.