Shaved heads in basic training; is this mandatory? If it is, then why and why only for males?

Women recruits never shaved their heads. So, why is this being raised as a concern now?

I've seen this question come up so many times and honestly it's just as annoying this time. Do males really think having 10ft of hair in basic convenient? I know females who asked the drills many times if they could cut their hair with the males in basic and were told no because it'd take too much time if the females had to go through it too (it already took like 3 hours to get through the males each time they went). Instead, we were yelled at if god forbid our buns fells out during intense exercises. Many of us don't anticipate how much time it'd take to maintain our hair so we don't cut it before we get there. It's when the going gets tough that you kinda realize "oh this is a pain to style every morning and keep in reg all day".
On the equality part, at the end of the day it is ridiculous to think men and women will be equal in all ways. At the end of the day, females make more sacrifices to fit in the army because it is a MALE army but if we want equality all around I guess I' d like to see males in tampons and blood soaked pads conducting drills regularly. Additionally, I'd like them to get female wellness checks, take mandatory pregnancy tests every time they need a check up AND also wear those crazy uncomfortable sport bras that make your chest nonexistent 24/7. After all, we're all equal, right?

I'm fine with only guys getting shaved heads. The whole point of it was to be as uniform to each as possible. We're not unique. We're not military soldiers. We're trainees. We're not special. It's not hazing. It's standard. That was the point. When I was in, women had to have their hair at a certain length or up on a bun or god help them...honestly, I think they had it harder since it meant more prep time (if you did the bun). Also, you're in the military. Equal Opportunity doesn't exist there. When you signed up, you signed some of your rights away and became property, not people. They told you this during recruiting, so you can't pretend you didn't know. The Navy can mull it over all they want, but I don't see it being successful. You're in basic still. The whole point is to be stressed to the point where you're broken down and then rebuilt to be a soldier. Can't handle that? Suck it up, buttercup. You know what you signed for. It's only for a few weeks and then you can get whatever haircut you want (within military standards). If you can't handle that and have to cry equal treatment, then take it up with your therapist.

It was 35 years ago this week when I truly began my transition to the Army by reporting to Ft Knox for Basic Training. The blur of activities on Day 1 included the haircut. As I rolled out of the bunk on Day 2, I saw my reflection in the window. The sight of my changed appearance was shocking and invoked thoughts similar to Dorothy’s “I’m not in Kansas anymore.”

Yeah, the haircut makes a huge difference. Leave it alone.

Equal does not always mean fair.

If not mistaken, the shaving of heads started out for health prevention reasons (head lice).

Later it became a tradition of transforming from civilian to service member, shaving of the head took away individual identities and put everyone in the same boat. Plus it is very low maintenance and faster and easier to clean, even more so down range.

Why not females in the tradition? Simple, Female's weren't part of the Male Army during that time frame, Females were part of the WAC's (Woman Army Corp)

In retirement, I still keep a high and tight flattop haircut for the same reason I had it while I was in.

Lice, and other vermin, and removing the narcissism of standing in front of a mirror grooming. Removing the clutter of hair grooming products from ones locker. Educating recruits as to what's important in becoming a member of the Armed Forces, and hair is not on the list.

I do agree with the shaved heads for the males I think a short hair cut for females is a good idea this is a change in your life from civilian to military

Not sure why it even matters? How does it affect you? Is it detrimental to your morale? Does it prevent you from following orders, doing your job? Then leave it alone.

I honestly don't see why this even matters. You sign up to be a soldier stop worrying about what other people are doing or whether other people have to follow certain standards. If it's not illegal or detrimental to the Army who gives a care.

I am a Male in 1974 when I was inducted into the Army guys were telling them that they wanted theirs cut this way and that way and they would cut it all off when they ask me I told them do what they was supposed to and they gave me a decent cut. My hair was about 5 inches below my shoulders. I guess attitude has a lot to do with it

For starters, the basic trainees do not I repeat do not have their heads shaved their cut real short with clippers hand of 1/2 that does not mean 1/2 inch of hair is left it just means that is the smallest clipper there is which lays roughly a quarter inch length but there is nothing wrong with it being cut that short.... It almost sounds like the person making the comment up there is nothing more than a young liberal Cry-Baby... I've made my comments and thatsit... I'm gone

Yes, it should be part and parcel for everyone entering military service regardless of gender, skin pigment, or religion.
The shaving of the head, and military grooming standards as a whole is done primarily for hygiene reasons; to make sure no one is coming in with, or developing, a head of lice, fleas, scabies, or other type of infestation.
Because every group hostile to the US knows our weakness and ineffectiveness at fighting unconventional warfare, there is no longer any "front line" from which can have an orderly echelon of personal hygiene going from the front line to the rear areas. Therefore, everyone must consider their posting as "front line" and act accordingly.

I’m not sure its a standard any more, but if it is and its administered unequally, then it undermines the equality that is being seek. IE, the more things change the more they will stay the same, and Inequality still rules!

You know if your haircut was more important than being equal status quo then I would understand, but in the Military there is no equal rights ever.

I think it's all part of the upcoming entitled generation! Oh boo ho, you have to get your hair cut! Suck it up!

Are you for real?? Cry baby’s!!! This is ridiculous, if you don’t want your damn head shaved then don’t join the military!!! What the hell does a woman shaving her hair have to do with it! Seriously if you want to be a whiner join the cub scouts!

Perhaps it’s not the haircut that has you concerned. Perhaps you have a problem with women in the military?

Must be a Flaming Fagot to want the women to have to shave their heads

I think it is important to note what is actually happening here when we have people with the same haircut, live in the same building, keep the same schedule and eating the same mess hall, we remove individuality. Keep in mind battles are won by teams not the individuals.The first step in basic training, is to remove individuality and to mold the new Soldier into a team player. This is not hazing, just a necessary step towards moving him to a soldier, and not an Individual.