The new rules are a step toward the armed services recognizing the diversity of servicemembers (Courtesy of U.S. Army; Lily illustration) Lateshia Beachum
Feb. 1, 2021
When Lacey Thompson heard about the U.S. Air Force’s new grooming regulations, she felt relieved.
No longer will she have to tightly wrap her braids to fit under her flight helmet. Under new policies, she can wear her two braids down as long as they don’t extend beyond a certain point. Previously, women in the Air Force were required to secure their hair so it did not reach past their collar.
The 20-year-old-model-turned-active-duty-aircraft-loadmaster says she has been experiencing hair loss at her hairline and at the base of her neck after two years of having to meet the standards.