Is there a regulation or rule against DoD civilian employees having locs (dreadlocks)?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:08:52 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 1:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:05:45 -0400

to the best of my knowledge there are no rules regarding hairstyles that apply to DoD civilians. Female soldiers can now wear dreadlocks.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 31 at 2020 2:35 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:35:30 -0400

I was a DAC for 6 years. I saw a great variety of personal appearance in that time. Dreads wouldn't normally be prohibited. If the employee works in a food service or industrial environment where the hair could present a health or safety hazard to themselves or others, then the employee will need to wear appropriate protective equipment such as a scarf, hat, hairnet, etc.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2020 2:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:38:03 -0400

Not that I know of, I was a Mil Tech, we were expected to come in business casual(which was basically polo and dockers) and look professional, outside of that they gave us no real guidelines.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Mar 31 at 2020 2:52 PM

SFC Quinn Chastant — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:52:10 -0400

Dreadlocks are a personal choice, in the DoD civilian community there are few occupational restrictions on hair. Food service workers would need to cover facial and head hair. In the Fire Service, overall fit and safety of PPE is a primary consideration, following closely are any specific hazards which should be avoided. Hair extensions would generally fall into that category as they aren't tested for fire retardance and combustibility. Some grooming products also should be avoided due to the potential risks they extend in some working environments.

That said, look at the DoD Civilian career field(s) specific for which you would apply and if opportunity presents inquire directly of individuals in those positions for information. I can only provide generalities as this point, having been retired from Civil Service 12 years now as a GS 0081 Firefighter.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 3 at 2020 11:16 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 11:16:40 -0400

In general Federal Civilian Employees have little to no limitations in regards to grooming standards. The only exceptions would be for job requirements in regards to PPE or other needs for the job. If your job requirements safety equipment such as a gas mask for example or other items you may have specific hurdles in regards to hairstyles or facial hair. But with that said you will see plenty of Civilians rocking long beards, long hair and yes even dreadlocks.