Heads up — this reg just had a major rewrite. A September 2025 Army directive replaced the old photo-based
examples with exact measurements to remove ambiguity, and two follow-on directives (2025-13 on facial hair,
2025-18 on appearance/grooming/body composition) are still being implemented across the force. Everything below
is a plain-language starting point — always confirm exact current figures with your chain of command and the
current AR 670-1 / DA PAM 670-1 before you rely on a specific number.
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GROOMING STANDARDS
The most-referenced part of AR 670-1 — hair, facial hair, nails, tattoos, and the small
personal details that get checked at every inspection. Most of this chapter is punitive, meaning violations can
lead to real administrative or UCMJ consequences, not just a verbal correction.
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Male Hair
Updated 2025
Neat, tapered, and conservative — the cut should curve inward toward the base of the neck and stay off the ears, eyebrows, and collar.
Bulk on top tops out around 2 inches under the current standard
Braids, cornrows, twists, dreadlocks, and locks are not authorized for men
No designs, asymmetrical cuts, or eccentric styles (like a single untapered patch on top)
Hair color must look natural — no extreme contrasts
Shaved heads are authorized
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Female Hair
Updated 2025
Styled so headgear fits properly and presents a neat, professional look. Braids, cornrows, twists, and locks are all authorized.
Braids/cornrows/twists/locks: uniform dimension, consistent spacing, worn loose or close to the scalp, ends secured
Ponytails/braids are authorized with utility and PT uniforms, generally not with dress uniforms
Where authorized, there are limits on width and how far a ponytail hangs below the collar — verify the current exact figures locally
Extensions and wigs are authorized if they match the Soldier's natural hair
Shaved heads are authorized
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Facial Hair
Updated 2025
Beards are the exception, not the rule — only authorized with an approved medical or religious accommodation.
Mustaches stay above the upper lip and can't extend past the corners of the mouth — trimmed and tapered, never "bushy"
Medical shaving profiles now follow a phased treatment plan (roughly 30/60/90-day tiers by severity)
More than about 12 months of shaving exceptions in a 24-month window can trigger a separation review
Approved religious-accommodation beards must be kept trimmed/rolled to a set length — confirm the current limit with your chain of command
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Fingernails & Polish
Updated 2025
Simple rule of thumb: keep them short, and if you're going to paint them, keep it clear.
Men: nails can't extend past the fingertip; no polish
Women: up to about a quarter inch, square or rounded; clear polish only
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Tattoos & Body Art
Content rules apply everywhere on the body, no matter where the tattoo is — location rules have shifted a lot over the years.
Extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist tattoos are always prohibited, anywhere on the body
Policy on where tattoos are allowed has loosened a lot over the past decade — commanders still check placement above the neckline, on wrists, and hands
Willful body mutilation (tongue splitting, ear gauging beyond a small conservative post) is prohibited
Exact size/placement rules have changed multiple times — don't rely on an old number, check current guidance
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Jewelry & Eyewear
Conservative is the theme — glasses, sunglasses, and jewelry all follow the same "keep it understated" logic.
Eyeglasses: no trendy designs, initials, or decorative elements
Sunglasses: not worn indoors unless required medically; lenses limited to brown, gray, or dark green
No decorative chains on eyewear, except safety restraints
Contacts can't change your eye color/shape except for a documented medical reason
Earring/jewelry rules vary by which uniform you're wearing — check DA PAM 670-1 for specifics
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UNIFORMS
The three uniforms most Soldiers live in day to day: combat, service/dress, and physical fitness.
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Combat Uniform (ACU / OCP)
The everyday duty uniform — Operational Camouflage Pattern coat and trousers.
Tan 499 undershirt, worn tucked into the trousers
Tan 499 rigger belt secures the waist
A cold-weather, moisture-wicking undershirt can substitute when conditions call for it
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AGSU & Dress Uniforms
The Army Green Service Uniform is today's day-to-day service uniform, alongside the dress/mess uniforms for formal occasions.
Coat/jacket lapels and sleeves are roll-pressed without creasing; skirts aren't creased
Trousers, slacks, and shirt/blouse sleeves are creased
No starching, dry-cleaning, or steam-pressing wash-and-wear items — it damages the fabric treatment
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Physical Fitness Uniform (APFU)
The standard PT uniform — with a few accommodations built in for real life.
Breastfeeding/pumping Soldiers can wear an optional purpose-built T-shirt and unzip/remove the jacket while actively feeding
Religious accommodations can include a long-sleeve APFU top and subdued leggings under the shorts
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INSIGNIA, AWARDS & ACCESSORIES
Where things go, and how they're supposed to look once they're on.
Item
Rule of Thumb
Rank insignia
Centered on the shoulder loops
Unit (shoulder sleeve) insignia
Typically worn on the right sleeve
ID tags
Worn at all times on duty in uniform unless the commander says otherwise
Boots
Cleaned and polished — one of the easiest things to get checked on
Commercial uniform items
Must meet the same specs as issued items — certified manufacturers only
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SPECIAL SITUATIONS
The situations that don't come up every day, but matter a lot when they do.
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Retirees
AR 670-1 still applies any time a retiree puts the uniform back on.
Authorized for ceremonial events — funerals, memorials, weddings, and similar occasions
Ceremonial wear is limited to service and dress uniforms
The APFU can only be worn combined with civilian clothes, off Army installations
Retirees may add approved retired shoulder-sleeve insignia and ID badges
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Civilian Clothes on Duty
Being out of uniform doesn't mean the standards go away.
Hair, nail, and grooming standards apply in civilian clothes on duty exactly like they do in uniform
Mixing civilian and military clothing items is prohibited unless specifically authorized
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Religious Accommodations
Beards, turbans, and hijabs can be authorized through a formal request process.
Requests are submitted under AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy)
Once approved, Soldiers follow the specific wear standards in AR 670-1 and current guidance
Hair under an approved turban skips the standard haircut rules, but still can't touch the ears/collar or fall below the eyebrows