The US Army is changing its policy on how soldiers should look: Here's what to know Julia Gomez, USA TODAY September 16, 2025 at 6:32 PM 64 Soldiers in the U.S. Army will soon have to adhere to an policy on appearance and grooming, according to a new Army directive.
- - The US Army is changing its policy on how soldiers should look: Here's what to know
Julia Gomez, USA TODAY September 16, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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Soldiers in the U.S. Army will soon have to adhere to an policy on appearance and grooming, according to a new Army directive.
The "intent of this directive is to reinforce uniformity and discipline while fostering consistency and professionalism across the Army," according to a recent memorandum published by the Department of War. The new directive will apply to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
Listed in the image is the U.S. Army's policy on grooming and appearance.
Some of the main changes include "precise definition" for how to style hair for male and female soldiers, and clarified standards for cosmetics, fingernails, and jewelry, uniform and insignia wear, and body composition assessments, according to a news release.
"What sets the U.S. Army apart is our professionalism, and that's a direct reflection of committed Soldiers who adhere to and enforce the standards," said Sargent Major of the Army, Michael Weimer, in a statement.
When do changes take effect?
The changes will go into effect within 30 days of the directive's publication.
Who does the new policy apply to?
The policy applies to men and women enlisted in the following branches within the Army:
The Regular Army
Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States
The U.S. Army Reserve
More Army news: Once these recruits couldn't make the cut. Now they make up a quarter of Army troops.
What are the US Army's new policies on grooming and appearance?
The Army has clarified the guidelines for styling hair for enlisted men and women.
It also clarified standards for cosmetics, fingernails, and jewelry, as well as uniform and insignia wear, and body composition assessments.
According to the new policy, women are not allowed to wear the following:
Eyelash extensions or wear false eyelashes unless they have a medical exemption
Tattooed makeup
Lipstick
Men are not allowed to wear the following:
Braids, twists, locs, or cornrows
Shaping or cutting in designs in hair
No nail polish at all
No cosmetics at all
No earrings at all
Women are still able to wear makeup, but it must be applied conservatively to achieve an even skin tone. They should also wear clear nail polish and earring studs.
Women are also allowed to wear braids, twists, locs, or cornrows, but must follow certain guidelines to do so.
The US Army also recently made changes to its fitness test
Back in April, the Army announced it was replacing the Army Combat Fitness Test with the Army Fitness Test, AFT, according to a news release published on its website.
"The five-event AFT is designed to enhance Soldier fitness, improve warfighting readiness, and increase the lethality of the force," the Army stated.
The phased implementation of the new test will begin on June 1, and on January 1, 2026, new scoring standards for 21 combat military occupational specialties will take effect for the active component. However, the Reserve and National Guard will have their new scoring standard take effect on June 1, 2026.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The US Army is updating its grooming standards policy. What to know.
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