What hairstyles can a female SM wear to a military ball?

2019-04-11T20:43:02-04:00

At my AIT, a female CW3 mentioned that females attending military balls were allowed to wear a "fanciful up-do" as opposed to the standard bun required in ASUs. My unit won't allow female SMs to attend in dresses, and I can't find anything in regulation that mentions any exceptions. My husband is also attending and required to wear his uniform also, but I'd love to look at least somewhat elegant in front of him and my peers.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 11 at 2019 8:50 PM

2019-04-11T20:50:04-04:00

Interesting … There Used To Be Formal Wear Female SM Enlisted And With An Exception To Policy Female SM Were Allowed To Ware Formal Or Semi Formal Gowns... Need To Check AR's And Get With CSM...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 11 at 2019 9:40 PM

2019-04-11T21:40:50-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member can you help this soldier please?

Response by PV2 Robert H. made Apr 12 at 2019 12:57 AM

2019-04-12T00:57:55-04:00

From what I'm reading there is no exception for hairstyle while in ASU/Dress blues. As far as you being able to wear formal civilian attire, that is up to command. I would ask your 1ST Sergeant/CSM for clarification since it will be two uniformed soldiers, and fraternization is not allowed.. it's a call they have to make. (I am to assume you are not the same rank as your husband correct?)

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2019 8:57 AM

2019-04-12T08:57:13-04:00

If you are in uniform, AR 670-1 guidelines and rules about hairstyles applies.
Out of uniform, there is lots of leeway; in uniform, not so much.
Traditionally, military members wear their uniforms to military social functions. Sometimes the "guest" can wear other formal attire if they are in the military but not members of the unit staging the event.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Apr 12 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-04-12T09:49:43-04:00

PFC Cal Crace do you know fellow female service members in your unit? One of the NCOs should be able to square you away. Good luck and enjoy!

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 12 at 2019 10:19 AM

2019-04-12T10:19:21-04:00

A woman soldier wearing an elegant Mohawk freshly dyed in her branch color(s) adds class and dignity to what would otherwise be a dull, boring affair. A further tasteful touch would be fresh tattoos of either jump wings or air assault wings on the shaved sides of the Mohawk. But, if the service member rates them.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 12 at 2019 10:26 AM

2019-04-12T10:26:42-04:00

Anything they want

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 12 at 2019 10:27 AM

2019-04-12T10:27:47-04:00

Military balls are crap. Generally.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2019 10:29 AM

2019-04-12T10:29:20-04:00

AR 670-1 and DA PAM 670-1 are the two publications to read in order to know what hair standards the women need to comply with while in uniform. Even when going to a Ball.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 12 at 2019 10:29 AM

2019-04-12T10:29:43-04:00

What about storman Norman? Or colen Powell. WMD my sd.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2019 9:27 AM

2019-04-14T09:27:46-04:00

Unfortunately if you are in Military uniform, you would have to ha e your hair within the standards. As long as it isn’t below your collar, it is a color in which the natural hair can grow and it doesn’t affect the wear of your head gear you will be fine. I myself wore a nice updo in which I was still able to wear my head gear when I attended a Military ball. I hope this helps, good luck to you and have fun...

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 18 at 2019 11:46 AM

2019-04-18T11:46:16-04:00

What ever is neat and tidy

Response by Sgt C S made Oct 8 at 2019 3:58 PM

2019-10-08T15:58:07-04:00

If you're in uniform, you're in uniform and that includes the the whole thing. Just sayin'

Response by CPT William Jones made May 23 at 2020 7:09 PM

2020-05-23T19:09:27-04:00

Haven’t been in for over 40 yrs but was talking to my son and this very thing consensus was if it is his unit she is guest and will dress like any other female dress. If her unit he wears civilian suit/tux etc. Or they both wear the appropriate uniform.