HAIR
4. Hair on the head shall be neatly groomed and conservatively styled. The length, bulk or style of hair
shall not detract from a positive military appearance or preclude the proper wear of military headdress.
(Bulk is the distance that the mass of hair extends from the skin, when groomed, as opposed to the
length of hair.) In particular, style and colour shall not present a bizarre, exaggerated, or unusual
appearance. Unusual colours, such as green, bright red, orange, purple, etc., are not permitted. Hair must
be secured or styled back to reveal the face, and any accessories used to secure or control hair styles
shall be as unobtrusive as possible. Hair ornaments shall not be worn, except women’s conservative
barrettes which blend with the hair colour. Shaving of all of the hair on the head is permitted. The personal
manner of wearing hair within these general style limits, including moustaches, beards and braids, shall be
modified to the degree necessary to accommodate operational or occupational equipment, such as gas,
oxygen and scuba masks, hard, combat and flying helmets, etc., where a member’s safety or mission is put in
jeopardy.
5. The following additional details apply to specific groups to accord with religious and spiritual practices
and public perceptions of a disciplined force:
b. Women (see Figure 2-2-3). Hair shall not extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar.
Exaggerated styles, including those with excessive fullness or extreme height, are not authorized.
Braids, if worn, shall be styled conservatively and tied tightly: secured at the end by a knot or a small
unadorned fastener. A second small unadorned fastener may be used to secure the top of the braid. A
single braid shall be worn in the centre of the back. Double braids shall be worn behind the
shoulders. Hair shall be a maximum length when gathered behind the head and braided which does
not extend below the top of the armpit. Multiple braids (cornrows) shall be directed toward the back
of the head, pulled tight to the head and secured at the end by a knot or a small-unadorned
fastener. A second small unadorned fastener may be used to secure the top of the braid. Multiple
braids extending below the lower edge of the collar are to be gathered in a bun. With the permission of
a Commanding Officer, a reasonable period may be authorized in order to transition from short to
long hairstyles, during which time hair may extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar; all the
while maintaining a positive military appearance, and subject to the member’s safety.
NOTE
Appearance on ceremonial parade in accordance with Figure 2-2-3; straight hairstyles will
be gathered in a bun. This is also applicable for the cornrows.
