Appearance & Grooming
Hair, fingernails, tattoos, jewelry, and personal appearance standards.
22 guides in this topic
AR 670-1: 3-1. Personal appearance policies
Soldiers must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance at all times. The Army uniform must fit properly, be clean and serviceable, and be worn as prescribed. Commanders determine when variations are appropriate.
AR 670-1: 3-10. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
Eyeglasses and sunglasses must be conservative and not detract from military appearance. Lenses must be traditional (not faddish). Sunglasses are not worn in formation or indoors unless prescribed. Contact lenses must be conservative colors.
AR 670-1: 3-11. Identification tags and security identification badges
Soldiers will wear identification tags at all times while on duty in uniform unless directed otherwise. Security identification badges are worn only in restricted areas as prescribed by the commander and will not be worn outside the area for which they are required.
AR 670-1: 3-12. Personal protective or reflective clothing
Soldiers may wear commercially designed protective headgear (helmets) while operating motorcycles, bicycles, or similar vehicles in uniform, and must do so when installation regulations require it. Protective headgear must be removed upon dismounting, and authorized Army headgear worn instead. Protective and reflective outer garments may be worn when required by AR 385-10 or authorized by the commander.
AR 670-1: 3-13. Organizational protective or reflective clothing
When required by AR 385–10 or when safety considerations apply, commanders may require Soldiers to wear organ- izational protective or reflective items, or other occupational health or safety equipment, while in uniform (such as during physical fitness training). If required by law or DoD or Army policy, commanders will furnish necessary pro- tective or reflective clothing to Soldiers at no cost.
AR 670-1: 3-14. Heraldic items
Authorized heraldic items include all HQDA-approved insignia, appurtenances for decorations and medals, miniature replicas, ribbons, unit award emblems, fourrageres, badges, identification badges, rosettes, and lapel buttons. The Medal of Honor, its ribbon, rosette, and flag are not authorized for purchase. Unauthorized wear or use of heraldic items is prohibited under 18 USC 701 and 704.
AR 670-1: 3-15. Religious jewelry, apparel, or articles
Religious jewelry, apparel, and articles may be worn if they are neat, conservative, and do not interfere with military duties. Items must be concealed under the uniform unless granted a religious accommodation.
AR 670-1: 3-16. Religious accommodations
Soldiers may request religious accommodations for dress and appearance standards. Requests are evaluated based on sincerity of belief, military necessity, and impact on unit cohesion. Approved accommodations may include beards, hijabs, turbans, and other religious items.
AR 670-1: 3-2. Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies
Hair must be neatly groomed and not present a ragged or unkempt appearance. Male hair cannot touch the ears or collar. Female hair must allow proper wear of headgear. Fingernails must not exceed 1/4 inch measured from fingertip.
AR 670-1: 3-3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation policy
Tattoos are authorized on most body areas. Prohibited locations include the head, face, neck (above t-shirt neckline), wrists, hands, and fingers. Extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist tattoos are prohibited regardless of location.
AR 670-1: 3-4. Jewelry
Soldiers may wear a wristwatch, ID bracelet, and up to two rings per hand. One necklace may be worn if concealed. Earrings are authorized for female Soldiers only (small, spherical, conservative). Body piercing jewelry is not authorized when in uniform.
AR 670-1: 3-5. Wear of Army uniform at national, regional, and local events
Commanders are responsible for determining the appropriate uniform for approved public events. Protocol standards dictate standards of dress. Commanders should consider the nature, location, solemnity, and attendees of the event when prescribing the uniform.
AR 670-1: 3-6. Uniform appearance and fit
All uniforms must fit properly, be clean, serviceable, and pressed as necessary. Hands will not be placed in pockets except momentarily. Only one electronic device (black, government-size or smaller) may be worn on the belt. Metallic items must be polished and free of corrosion. Lapels and sleeves of service/dress coats are roll-pressed without creasing; trousers and shirt sleeves are creased. Sewing military creases into uniforms is not authorized.
AR 670-1: 3-7. Required or prohibited wearing of the Army uniform
All personnel must wear an Army uniform on duty unless granted an exception. Uniform wear is prohibited in connection with political or commercial interests, public demonstrations (unless authorized by first O-5 in chain), extremist organization events, or when it would bring discredit upon the Army. Headgear is required outdoors but not in vehicles or indoors (unless under arms).
AR 670-1: 3-8. Distinctive uniforms and uniform items
Distinctive uniform items that may not be sold to or worn by unauthorized personnel include: all Army headgear with insignia, badges and tabs, U.S. Army uniform buttons, decorations and service medals with appurtenances, and insignia of any Army-adopted design or color. All distinctive items must be removed before disposing of unserviceable uniform items.
AR 670-1: 3-9. Civilian clothing
Soldiers may wear civilian clothing when off duty unless restricted by the commander. Civilian clothing must be appropriate and not bring discredit to the Army. Mixing civilian and military clothing is generally prohibited.
Army Directive 2022-09: Soldier Tattoos
Army Directive 2022-09 authorizes one tattoo per hand (max 1 inch), unlimited tattoos between fingers (not visible when closed), one ring tattoo per hand, one tattoo on the back of the neck (max 2 inches), and one tattoo behind each ear (max 1 inch, not extending forward of the ear lobe). Tattoos on the head, face, inside eyelids, mouth, and ears remain prohibited.
Army Directive 2025-13: Facial Hair Grooming Standards
Army Directive 2025-13 requires all male Soldiers to be clean-shaven unless granted a medical exception to policy (ETP) or approved religious accommodation. Permanent shaving profiles are prohibited. Medical ETPs follow a phased treatment plan: Phase I (up to 30 days), Phase II (up to 60 days), Phase III (up to 90 days), with optional Phase IV laser treatment. Soldiers must carry their signed ETP when in uniform.
Army Directive 2025-18: Appearance, Grooming, and Army Body Composition
Army Directive 2025-18 updates appearance, grooming, and body composition standards. Within 30 days of publication, all Soldiers must comply with updated hair, fingernail, and grooming policies while in uniform or on duty in civilian attire. It streamlines the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) and reinforces uniformity and discipline standards.
DA PAM 670-1: 3-1. Punitive and nonpunitive provisions
All Soldiers should be aware that portions of AR 670 –1 contain policy provisions that are punitive. Violations of the specific prohibitions may result in adverse administrative action or charges under the provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
DA PAM 670-1: 3-2. Nonpunitive provisions
This pamphlet provides procedural guidance with respect to the policy contained in AR 670–1. There are no punitive provisions in this pamphlet.
DA PAM 670-1: 3-3. Tattoo, branding, and body mutilation
Commanders will perform an annual check for new tattoos or brands in prohibited loca- tions (see AR 670–1 for prohibited locations).