A military haircut refers to the very short hairstyle worn by members of the armed forces. Military haircuts are designed to make soldiers look uniform and neat. The requirements vary between different branches of the military and different countries, but generally involve cutting the hair very short on the back/sides with a slightly longer section on top.
Military haircuts date back centuries. Keeping hair short was originally for hygiene and practicality in battle. Today, the military haircut remains both for practical reasons and as part of military culture and regulation.
Reasons for military haircuts
There are several reasons why those serving in the military must adhere to strict hair regulations:
Uniformity and group identity
Having the same very short hairstyle creates a uniform look across military units. This projects unity and group identity. The strict haircut sets soldiers apart from civilians. Shaving heads symbolizes shedding of individuality to become part of the group.
Discipline
Forcing recruits to have their hair shaved into a military style is a way to establish obedience and discipline. Adhering to military hairstyles demonstrates willingness to follow orders.
Hygiene
Short hair is easier to keep clean. Long hair can harbor dirt and spread disease in crowded military camps or trenches. Keeping hair very short reduces risk of infestation by lice or other parasites.
Safety and practicality
Short hair is safer when working with machinery or explosives. It cannot get caught in equipment. Long hair blowing into eyes could compromise vision on the battlefield. Gas masks form tight seals on shaved heads. Also, short hair requires less maintenance time compared to styling longer locks.
History of military haircuts
The concept of military haircuts dates back thousands of years:
Ancient armies
Roman soldiers had short hair and clean shaven faces. Spartan warriors oiled and braided their long hair before battle. Aztec and Japanese fighters wore topknots that could be quickly chopped off for combat.
Middle Ages
Knights and squires had long hair as a symbol of status. Common foot soldiers had practical short cuts.
16th & 17th centuries
European officers grew long lovelocks. Soldiers had hair no longer than shoulder length for loading muskets.
18th century
Wigs became fashionable for officers. Enlisted men used grease and tar to shape hair into pigtails.
19th century
Short hair became standard in Western armies for health and hygiene reasons. New clippers and safety razors made short cuts easier. The US military required shaved heads during the Civil War.
20th century
Strict hair length rules and short back and sides cuts were common in World War I and II. Bix cuts gained popularity in the Korean War. Crew cuts became standard issue for US troops in the Vietnam era.
Military haircut requirements by country
The following are general hair regulations by nation:
| Country | Men’s Hair Requirements | Women’s Hair Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No longer than 2 inches with tapered cut. No bulk or extreme styles. Clean shaven faces. | Above uniform collar. Pin up longer hair. Natural color. |
| United Kingdom | No longer than 2.5 cm. Tapered cut with no undercuts. Shaved every day. | Above collar. No extremes of style or color. |
| Russia | No longer than 2 cm. No facial hair. | Maximum 10 cm length when loose. Must be tied up. |
| China | Short cut with no undercutting. Shaved at least twice weekly. | Cannot reach uniform collar. Must be braided. |
| Israel | Machine trim every 2 weeks. No beards except medical/religious. | Above uniform collar. Pin up as needed. |
United States
The United States military haircut guidelines depend on the specific branch of service. Overall, men’s hair must have a tapered cut, not touch ears or collar, and be no more than 2 inches long. Extreme styles like mohawks are prohibited. Men must be clean shaven except mustaches. Women must wear hair off the collar in braids, buns, or pins.
United Kingdom
British military haircut rules state that men’s hair cannot exceed 2.5 centimeters in length. There should be no undercuts or square sideburns. Hair must be neatly tapered. Men must shave daily and sideburns cannot extend beyond the middle of the ear. Women must wear hair off the collar. Braiding long hair is encouraged. No extreme dyed colors are allowed.
Russia
The Russian armed forces mandate hair no longer than 2 centimeters for men. Beards and moustaches are banned except for medical or religious reasons. Women can have hair up to 10 cm long but it must be worn in a knot or braid when in uniform. Head coverings may be required for certain drills or guard duty.
China
Chinese military hair standards dictate that men must have short haircuts with no undercutting or shaving. Hair should be 2 centimeters maximum on top and 1 centimeter on back/sides. Men must shave at least twice a week. Women must braid long hair and ensure it stays off collars. Hair accessories should be minimal.
Israel
Israel Defense Forces hair rules say men must have their hair machine trimmed every 2 weeks for a uniform length. Beards are only allowed for medical conditions or religious reasons. Women must keep hair above uniform collar and pin up as needed. Head coverings can be worn by choice.
Common military haircut styles
While regulations vary, these classic short hairstyles are commonly seen in many armed forces:
Buzz cut
All hair is clipper cut uniformly short to the scalp, usually around 1/8 inch. Low maintenance and easy to keep in regulations.
Crew cut
Features short cut sides with slightly longer hair on top, around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch.
Can be spiked up with gel. Classic military look.
Flat top
Hair is longer on top and cropped close on the sides. The top hair is styled upright in a rectangular shape to create a flat surface.
High and tight
Sides and back are completely shaved or buzzed. Top hair remains longer, about 2 inches maximum. Provides structured look.
Induction cut
Entire head is shaved completely bald with clippers or razor. Used when new recruits enter basic training.
Butch cut
Features buzzed sides/back blended to slightly longer crew cut top around 1 inch maximum. Adds shape vs buzz cut.
Brush cut
Cut to uniformly short length all over with longer top hair, usually 1-2 inches. Can style into brush-like texture.
Getting a military haircut
On base
Base barbershops provide simple haircuts meeting military standards for all personnel. Many bases have multiple barbers so wait times are low. Cuts are typically free or very low cost. Quality varies between barbers. Appointments may be offered.
Off base
Military personnel can visit local civilian barbers trained to cut hair to armed forces regulations. Quality may be more consistent. Cuts cost more than on-base. Check for military discounts. May require appointment.
Self haircuts
Service members are sometimes permitted to self-cut or buzz their own hair. This requires owning approved clippers and learning proper technique. Saves time and money but risks mistakes. Not allowed before inspections.
Mobile barbers
Some military bases allow contracted mobile barbers to provide on-site haircuts periodically. They set up inside barracks or training areas with portable chairs/equipment. Offers flexibility for busy schedules.
Maintaining a military haircut
To keep a military haircut in perfect shape:
– Get frequent haircuts every 2-4 weeks
– Use short back/sides clipper guards (e.g. #1-2)
– Trim stray hairs often
– Shave daily with razor
– Apply gel to style top hair into place
– Seek barber help if unsure of regulations
– Check for updated hair memos from command
– Never try to drastically change style right before inspections
Female military hairstyles
Women serving in the military also require practical hairstyles suitable for uniforms and field duties. Common approved female military hairstyles include:
Bun
Long hair is pulled back and twisted smoothly into a bun. Often secured with pins, bands, or nets. Keeps hair off collar and face. Professional look.
Braid
Hair can be braided into a single tight braid or double braids. Keeps hair contained while allowing some styling.
Ponytail
Pulling long hair back into a ponytail works for more casual contexts. Not suitable for formal inspections or ceremonies.
Twist
Two sections of hair are twisted together into a uniform rope-like shape. Twists can be worn down or in a bun.
Cornrows
Small tight braids lie close to the scalp. Allows styling options while meeting military neatness standards.
Religious and medical exemptions
In some cases, military personnel may receive exemptions from strict hair regulations for religious or medical reasons:
Religious
Some faiths require uncut hair or beards, like Sikhs. Exemptions allow longer hair/beards but still require neatness.
Medical
Certain skin conditions may prevent frequent shaving. Medical chits allow carefully trimmed beards. Receding hairlines can permit slightly longer hair.
However, commanders can deny exemptions if they interfere with duties. Most exempted individuals still comply with grooming policies as much as possible.
Punishments for military haircut violations
Failure to comply with military haircut standards can result in disciplinary action including:
– Verbal warnings
– Extra duties or loss of privileges
– Written citations/reprimands on record
– Non-judicial punishments like docked pay
– Court martial for serious or repeat offenses
– Bad conduct discharge in extreme cases
However, most initial infractions only receive minor punishments. Total head shaving, extra PT, and inspections may be used to correct issues. Commanders consider effort to comply before issuing consequences.
Significance of the first military haircut
Receiving an initial military haircut holds significance as a rite of passage:
Goodbye to individuality
The new recruit’s civilian hairstyle is stripped away to look like all others in the unit. This signals conforming to military culture.
Introduction to discipline
The new recruit must sit still and follow orders as their hair is sheared off. This displays willingness to obey commands.
Bonding experience
Having heads shaved together initiates camaraderie between recruits. The shared experience unites them as a team.
Rite of initiation
The military haircut serves as an induction ritual. Surviving this first trial prepares recruits for the intense training ahead.
Evolution of military haircut requirements
Grooming standards continuously adapt to changing culture, technologies, and tactics:
More flexible guidelines
Regulations have relaxed in recent decades. Men can now wear slightly longer styles. Women have more options.
Practicality vs tradition
Some rules derive from outdated rationales like wig use or gas masks. But traditions remain for group identity symbols.
Emphasis on neatness
Explicit length limits matter less today. Looking professional per leaders’ intent is now the focus.
Acceptance of diversity
Accommodations for religious headwear and cultural hairstyles demonstrate gradual openness to individual needs.
Recruiting advantages
More relaxed guidelines may help attract new generations of volunteers less amendable to very short cuts.
Conclusion
Military haircut requirements involve much more than simple grooming standards. Adhering to traditional short hairstyles is a demonstration of group dedication, discipline, and shared identity. Strict haircut regulations preserve important values like uniformity, integrity, and self-sacrifice. However, armed forces continue balancing those principles with practicality and tolerance of diversity. For today’s service members, maintaining the perfect haircut remains an integral part of life in the military.