Army to allow ponytails, braids for women
U.S. Army soldier wearing new approved ponytail hair style. (Army)
Thursday marked the final day of mandated buns for soldiers as the Army announced that it will now permit ponytails for women, regardless of uniform.
The change, formalized in ALARACT 040/21, allows female troops to wear their hair in a single ponytail, a single braid, or two braids. The length must not extend below the bottom of the shoulder blades when the soldier is standing at the position of attention.
Releasing today, ALARACT 040/2021 includes revisions to published Grooming Policies authorizing women to wear ponytails in all uniforms on duty. https://t.co/8YG61diYTjpic.twitter.com/OsmSRouPgu— SMA Michael Grinston (@16thSMA) May 6, 2021