Posted on Apr 13, 2014
Why can't they allow people who are balding to shave their heads in basic training.
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I joined the Army and graduated basic training at the age of 37. I am balding and have been since my early twenties. I had been shaving my head since I was 27. When I went to basic training I was informed that I could not shave my head. Every two weeks the males would have to go get haircuts and everytime my barber would say "I should charge you half price". I could have taken care of my own hair once a week with a razor. So lets here it what does the community think is the real reason that we cant shave our heads in basic.
Posted in these groups: 
Basic Training
Grooming Standards
Basic Training Grooming Standards
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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All of these are great answers. However, IMHO it's so that they can keep the babers employed. They have a captive audience and there is probably some contract the barbers have with AAFES that guarantees them heads to cut.
Just my two cents though.
Just my two cents though.
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Most likely the Army doesn't want to have the appearance of a radical supremacist group in their ranks. The military is already being portrayed as a little sketchy when it comes to guns and explosives - even to the point of being profiled by DHS and law enforcement. This effort is purely for PR purposes. Back in the day is was just the opposite - shaved heads abounded!
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This was actually a board question that my csm got me on. It's something you'll find covered under medical (don't quote me because I cannot remember the Reg exactly) but you're more likely to develop infections in the scalp if you're head is shaved in harsh environments. The minute I find the exact Reg I'll b sure to share it.
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TSgt David Holman
*ding* this is the correct answer. When you shave with a razor, you create a lot of irritation, and even the best of us cut/nick ourselves shaving from time to time. Add this to the fact that most basic trainees aren't the most hygienic (due to environmental and time constraints) and you increase the risk of cellulitis/MRSA.
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