Grooming Standards
Male Hair Regulations
BLUF: Hair must be blended/faded. The maximum length of hair on top is two inches protruding above the head or three inches in total hair length.
"Hair Length. Hair will be neat and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the side and back and will be evenly graduated all the way around the head (blended or faded and not edged as an outline) from zero length (skin) at the hairline to at least the top orifice of the ear circling around the back of the head, where it may then extend to the maximum hair length. Hair will not be over 3 inches in length fully extended (an extended hair, not the style, determines proper length) on the upper portion of the head. The bulk of the hair shall not exceed approximately 2 inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that the mass of hair protrudes from the scalp when styled. The back and sides of the head below the hairline may be shaved to remove body hair."
1. Sideburns will not extend below the top of the orifice of the ear, as indicated by the line A-A' in figures 1-1 and 1-2. Sideburns will not be styled to taper, flare or come to a point. The length of an individual hair of the sideburn will not exceed 1/8 inch when fully extended.
2. No male Marine will be required to have his entire hair length clipped to the scalp except while he is undergoing recruit training or when such action is prescribed by a medical officer. This does not prohibit a male Marine from having his hair clipped (or shaved) to the scalp if he so desires.
Hairstyle. Head hair will be styled so as not to interfere with the proper wear of uniform headgear. Hair, which protrudes from beneath properly worn headgear in an unsightly manner, is considered excessive, regardless of length. Male hair styles will conform to the natural shape of the head without eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking. One (cut, clipped or shaved) 1/8 inch wide or smaller, natural, narrow, fore and aft off centered part (placed no further than the outer corner of the eye and will not extend down the back of the head) is authorized. The following hair style types are considered eccentric and are not authorized (this list is not all inclusive): (1) hair styling which include single patches of hair on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss); (2) hair styled to run as a strip down the center of the scalp (i.e. “Mohawk” fashion); (3) hair styled to leave an unusually large open (bald) area on the top of the head (not consistent with natural hair loss); and (4) hair styles that are asymmetrical (unbalanced or lopsided) or have etchings of letters, signs or figures, are not considered natural in appearance. Braiding of the hair is not authorized for male Marines. Male Marines are prohibited from wearing locks and twists in uniform. When used, hair gel/mousse should provide a
conservative, natural appearance. (See figures 1-1 through 1-2)
Hair Color. If applied, dyes, tints, bleaches and frostings, which result in natural colors, are authorized. The hair color must complement the person's complexion tone. Color changes that detract from a professional image are prohibited.
Female Hair Regulations
Short hair length for female Marines: twists are authorized for short hair (in all uniforms).
Medium hair length for female Marines: medium length hair is defined as hair that does not extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge; however hair length must not obscure the collar rank insignia. One unsecured half ponytail or up to two unsecured half braids (unsecured in this context is defined as hair on the crest / crown of the head is pulled back into a ponytail or braid(s) and the rest of the hair is left to fall naturally) that provides a neat and professional military appearance are authorized for medium hair length with the MCCUUs, flight suit, or physical training (PT) uniforms only. Half ponytails / braids must be secured over the crest of the head but no lower than the crown of the head with a ponytail holder that is consistent with the hair color, and cannot extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge or interfere with the proper wear of any headgear.
Long hair length for female Marines: long hair is defined as hair that extends beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge. When styled, long hair will be secured up so that it does not extend beyond 2 inches below the base of the collar’s lower edge, except when authorized in the physical training uniform.
All hairstyles must present a neat and professional military appearance; individuals must choose a hairstyle that follows the parameters mandated, is appropriate to the occasion and operational environment, and does not interfere with the proper wear of headgear. In order to minimize potential damage from daily hairstyling, Marines are encouraged to avoid alcohol-based styling products, styling wet hair, and hairstyles that cause undue tension on hair follicles. There is no requirement to have tightly pulled back or slicked back hair at any length.
Facial Hair Regulations
BLUF: you must be clean shaven. If you have a mustache it must not extend beyond the edges of your lips.
1. The face will be clean-shaven, except that a mustache may be worn. When worn, the mustache will be neatly trimmed and must be contained within the lines of B-B', C-C', D-D' and the margin area of the upper lip, as shown in figures 1-1 and 1-2. The individual length of a mustache hair fully extended must not exceed 1/2 inch.
2. Except for a mustache, eyebrows, and eyelashes, hair may be grown on the face only when a medical officer has determined that shaving is temporarily harmful to the individual's health. In these cases, the current edition of MCO 6310.1 applies.
3. No male Marine will be required to have his chest hair clipped. Chest hair should not protrude in an unsightly manner above the collar of the visible undershirt when worn, or long sleeve khaki shirt.
4. Excessive plucking or removal of eyebrows is not authorized, except for medical reasons.