AR 670-1 - female hair must have inconspicuous fastenings. Yet, headbands authorized? Seems contradictive.

2015-08-04T22:57:19-04:00

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 4 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-08-04T23:04:10-04:00

Huh, What?!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 5 at 2015 12:10 AM

2015-08-05T00:10:37-04:00

OK... can you post the full text of 670-1 in question... or is this a research project? I am not sure what the issue is... but would like to know, as we use this standard for JROTC.

This is what I saw...

(e) Devices. Hair holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hair holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair/head bands. Such devices should conform to the natural shape of the head. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw or alligator clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces. Foreign material (for example, beads and decorative items) will not be used in the hair. Soldiers may not wear hairnets unless they are required for health or safety reasons, or in the performance of duties (such as those in a dining facility). No other type of hair covering is authorized in lieu of the hairnet. The commander will provide the hairnet at no cost to the Soldier.

(c) Long length. Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar. Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the lower edge of the collar (except when worn in accordance with para 3–2a(j)), except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph 3–2a(3)(a) apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp as styled, will exceed 2 inches (except a bun, which is worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 1/2 inches from the scalp and be no wider than the width of the head).

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Aug 5 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-08-05T09:36:33-04:00

Scrunchies I can see (as long as long hair is authorized), but headbands? Yeah, that seems at odds with the regulations. It's whole intent is to draw attention to itself. On the plus side, now that it has been brought to my attention, I don't think I have every seen a female Soldier wearing one on duty.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 10:51 PM

2015-08-05T22:51:27-04:00

From what I understand (I researched this very recently regarding an Air Force general whose official photo didn't seem in regs...) inconspicuous could simply mean same color base as hair. I get that it doesn't make sense though...

I spent 2 hours looking at different service regs because I have not once corrected a female on hair standards for being wrong and figured it was high time I stopped using my ignorance on the matter as an excuse to fail to uphold standards.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 8:59 AM

2015-12-03T08:59:17-05:00

I've been seeing more and more females wearing headbands in uniform (not PTs) and in my opinion, it does not look professional. The regulation doesn't specify a maximum width headband is allowed to be. I've seen female Soldiers with headbands that are 2" + in width, which seem unnecessary to inconspicuously secure your hair. Being a senior NCO, I want to make a correction, but the regulation doesn't give specific guidance on this. It may seem a bit petty, but we are Soldiers and not paid to look cute in uniform.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jul 18 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-07-18T10:15:16-04:00

LTC Julie Winston I think there a lot of latitude for interpretation there; not so for the men. We in in standard or we are not. With this equal opportunity military we have nowadays, i should be able to grow my beard and long hair!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 4:51 AM

2017-06-21T04:51:30-04:00

These are the 4 key phrases that are my go to as a female NCO when dealing with the female grooming standards, because there are so many variables to female hairstyles it's impossible to touch on them all. But these 4 key phrases from AR 670-1 will help you when maintaining the the grooming standards......
1)"If the commander determines it detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties."
2)" Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment when interpreting
and enforcing this policy."
3)”The requirements for hair regulations are to maintain uniformity within a
military population for female Soldiers while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.”
4)"It is the responsibility of leaders
at all levels to exercise good judgment when enforcing Army policy.”

So if it distracts from a professional uniform appearance, if you are looking at a female soldier and are thinking that a 2+ inch headband is excessive than you are most likely in the right to address it with the soldier.

Hope this helps.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 8 at 2017 2:45 AM

2017-12-08T02:45:42-05:00

Excuse me Ma’am .. what about headbands that match one’s hair color? Are there some like that?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2018 2:34 AM

2018-03-06T02:34:27-05:00

I see a lot of females wearing the 1 and 2 inch headbands. I think the look ridiculous. I also understand how damaging gel and hair spray is on our hair, I don't use either. I have baby fine hair around my face that bony pins just don't secure so on the days they are being extra squirmy anand in cooperative, I will wear a tiny headband less than 1/4th of an inch wide. These are much less noticeable than the wide ones and then 25 barrets or clips some females wear.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 3:45 AM

2019-04-10T03:45:58-04:00

Long hair cannot pass a certain placement of uniform so should be "inconspicuously fastened or pinned" above that said length. Meaning if my hair is about an inch away from the length and I put a headband since it doesn't fit into a well sized bun then my hair is now within length and is now correct. Inconspicuous meaning not clearly visible or attracting attention so hair color is fine and fastened can mean to hold in place which the band holds the hair at that length.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jul 19 at 2019 6:19 AM

2019-07-19T06:19:21-04:00

A lot of regulations seem contradictive.. or maybe it’s just the speling, pronouncement...

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Jul 21 at 2021 11:38 AM

2021-07-21T11:38:44-04:00

Boy, what a debatable topic. How many times did I witness a female having to stop whatever mission she was on, in order to fiddle with her hair? As many as loads of you have. My thought on it: "No portion of the female hair shall exceed 3" in length, nor tough the collar when worn. Hair retention devices shall be of a natural hair color, and as close to the wearer's chosen natural hair color as possible." Problem solved.