Female Hair & PT

[SeminoleFan3]

Mostly for the females (although I'm sure any man that has seen women in PT can answer as well):

I realize that hair can't be pulled back into a ponytail while in uniform, but can it be in a ponytail while doing PT (particularly at ODS)?

Also, any female that has any recommendations as to what to do with hair that's about shoulder length or a little longer while in uniform...bring them on.

TIA

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[SeminoleFan3]

After some online searching, I found that, yes, females can wear ponytails while in PT. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I also saw that females that have hair that falls above the lower collar edge doesn't need to be tied or fastened. I'll just trim mine up a bit so I don't have to worry about finding a way to tie it up.

 

[Jolie South]

After some online searching, I found that, yes, females can wear ponytails while in PT. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I also saw that females that have hair that falls above the lower collar edge doesn't need to be tied or fastened. I'll just trim mine up a bit so I don't have to worry about finding a way to tie it up.

This is probably the easiest thing you could do. I never had to worry about my hair at COT. It was comb and go.

 

[SeminoleFan3]

Thanks, Jolie.

So, were you just allowed to wear it down with no problems? Did it need to be secured in ANY way? My hair is extremely fine, and rarely stays up unless fastened into a pony tail, which will be my resort for PT.

Assuming you showered in the AM (and probably didn't get to blow dry your hair), was your hair just wet when you combed it and went?

Are highlights acceptable, assuming they're are crazy and weird?

 

[NavyFP]

Thanks, Jolie.

So, were you just allowed to wear it down with no problems? Did it need to be secured in ANY way? My hair is extremely fine, and rarely stays up unless fastened into a pony tail, which will be my resort for PT.

Assuming you showered in the AM (and probably didn't get to blow dry your hair), was your hair just wet when you combed it and went?

Are highlights acceptable, assuming they're are crazy and weird?

You have to watch the bangs and keep it off the bottom edge of the collar. Ponytail for PT is just fine. Highlights are fine if they are natural in color.

 

[Jolie South]

Thanks, Jolie.

So, were you just allowed to wear it down with no problems? Did it need to be secured in ANY way? My hair is extremely fine, and rarely stays up unless fastened into a pony tail, which will be my resort for PT.

Assuming you showered in the AM (and probably didn't get to blow dry your hair), was your hair just wet when you combed it and went?

Are highlights acceptable, assuming they're are crazy and weird?

Yea, my hair was above the collar and I used a bobby pin in front to keep hair from falling in my face. Otherwise, no other fixing needed.

I would try to blow dry it after showering post-PT, but I ended up getting sweaty and stuff under the hat when outside anyways. It was essentially useless.

 

[OliveOyl]

Seminole,

If your hair is shoulder length and long enough to get into a pony tail, you could use the "sock trick" to make a bun to put your hair in. If you are unaware of how to do this, I can explain it to you as best I can. Just let me know.

 

[AnesCoord]

I'm retired USAF, and enlisted, not officer like you'll be. Yes, the rule is that your hair can't fall below the bottom of your collar, but you really have to be careful. If you're wearing it at that length, as soon as you tilt your head back it's below your collar. And when you're on a training base senior people will call you out, because after all, you're there to learn to wear the uniform correctly, etc. It's a lot easier if you cut it shorter, at least till you get through those first few months. Plus time is an issue (like after PT). It's not like now, where you KNOW it takes you 30 minutes (or whatever) to get ready for work/school/whatever you day holds. A comb-and-go style might not be what you like, but might be best for the short-term.

 

[MSS07]

Seminole,

If your hair is shoulder length and long enough to get into a pony tail, you could use the "sock trick" to make a bun to put your hair in. If you are unaware of how to do this, I can explain it to you as best I can. Just let me know.

Actually can you explain the sock trick

 

[OliveOyl]

I will do my best to explain in writing. . . .
1) Take a tube sock (mens work best if hair is thick and as hair gets longer, dress socks for thin or short hair) that is close to your hair color and cut the "foot part" off. This leaves you with the tube part open at both ends.
2) Take that tube part and "roll it" in on itself so that it looks like a donut.
3) Put your hair into a ponytail (I like to use the soft rubberbands that don't have the metal pieces on them)
4) Slide the "donut sock" over your ponytail so that your sock is now around the base of the ponytail.
5) Now take your ponytail and spread it over the sock to cover the sock.
6) Take another rubberband (for this step I like to use the thin latex rubberbands. they come in clear too so you can't see them) and place the rubberband over the hair over the donut. This will give you the "bun shape". Depending on how long your hair is, you should have at least some hair "outside" the rubberband.
7) Now start wrapping and pinning that leftover hair around the bun. For this hairpins, not bobby pins, work best. Hairpins have both sides the same "bent shape" whereas bobby pins have one straight side and one bent side.
This is how most military women get the "perfect bun" Once you get the hang of it, it takes no time. Let me know if you have any questions. You may actually be able to find some diagrams/videos on-line that may show you. I just learned through other military women.

 

[MSS07]

oh awesome thanks for the advise! 🙂

 

[fetch]

Just a cut and paste off of studyguide. Unless something has changed or there's a Service difference I am unaware of ponytails are prohibited unless you are on your own time off duty PTing in civvies. A uniform is A uniform is A uniform. In three years I never saw a free swinging ponytail in a PT formation.

And the sock trick works great if your hair is not long enough for proper bunning. If you get white cotton toddler tube style socks you can dye them to match almost any hair shade. Experiment with the sock thickness/size for different diameter buns. IIRC, Basic teaches females nothing over 2" in diameter. If I had it to do over I would've cut bangs and my hair into a modified bob (top of collar/a little higher) when I went on Active Duty. Buns are a pain in the neck (literally, if too tight and pulling short hairs) and the no bangs/fringe is so severe looking. Well, on me it was anyways.


Female Hair Standards
Female soldiers will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any holding devices comply with the standards. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU).


Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized only if these additions have the same general appearance as the individual's natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with grooming policies.


Females will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of military headgear, protective masks, or equipment at any time. When headgear is worn, the hair will not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear or below the bottom edge of the collar.


Hair-holding devices may be used only for securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hair-holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the soldier's hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

 

[faith2]

i am looking for any women that have done their OBLC training already, and can help me with information please. If you can PM me I would really appreciate it.

 

[dentalOH]

Just a cut and paste off of studyguide. Unless something has changed or there's a Service difference I am unaware of ponytails are prohibited unless you are on your own time off duty PTing in civvies. A uniform is A uniform is A uniform. In three years I never saw a free swinging ponytail in a PT formation.

And the sock trick works great if your hair is not long enough for proper bunning. If you get white cotton toddler tube style socks you can dye them to match almost any hair shade. Experiment with the sock thickness/size for different diameter buns. IIRC, Basic teaches females nothing over 2" in diameter. If I had it to do over I would've cut bangs and my hair into a modified bob (top of collar/a little higher) when I went on Active Duty. Buns are a pain in the neck (literally, if too tight and pulling short hairs) and the no bangs/fringe is so severe looking. Well, on me it was anyways.


Female Hair Standards
Female soldiers will ensure their hair is neatly groomed, that the length and bulk of the hair are not excessive, and that the hair does not present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. Likewise, trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. Females may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head, and any holding devices comply with the standards. Dreadlocks (unkempt, twisted, matted individual parts of hair) are prohibited in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty. Hair will not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar at any time during normal activity or when standing in formation. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. This includes styles worn with the improved physical fitness uniform (IPFU).


Styles that are lopsided or distinctly unbalanced are prohibited. Ponytails, pigtails, or braids that are not secured to the head (allowing hair to hang freely), widely spaced individual hanging locks, and other extreme styles that protrude from the head are prohibited. Extensions, weaves, wigs, and hairpieces are authorized only if these additions have the same general appearance as the individual’s natural hair. Additionally, any wigs, extensions, hairpieces, or weaves must comply with grooming policies.


Females will ensure that hairstyles do not interfere with proper wear of military headgear, protective masks, or equipment at any time. When headgear is worn, the hair will not extend below the bottom edge of the front of the headgear or below the bottom edge of the collar.


Hair-holding devices may be used only for securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hair-holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the soldier’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small, plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair bands. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces.

There is a difference between services. What you are quoting comes from AR 670-1 and is what my wife had to follow while we served in the Army.

I am currently in the Air Force where the standards are different. The applicable Air Force instruction is AFI 36-2903:

"Figure 2.6. Men’s and Women’s Physical Fitness Gear (PT).
NOTES:
9. Hair standard do not apply while working out with the wear of the PT gear."

Also, in the Air Force, ponytails are not prohibited in other uniforms, but they would have to be really short:

"Table 1.5. Personal Grooming Standards (see notes).
Line 3 Hair Style (W)
Will be/have styled to present a professional appearance. Allow the wear of conservative hairpins, combs, headbands, elastic bands and barrettes. Hair pins and bands must match hair color. Long hair will be secured with no loose end.
(see note 8.)

NOTES:
(All notes apply)
8. The intent of this item is that long hair should be styled in a manner that prevents loose ends from extending upward on the head. (For example: when using the claw clip or hairpins, hair will not present the appearance of a “rooster tail”; when hair is in a bun, all loose ends must be tucked in and secured; when hair is in a pony tail, it must be pulled all the way through the elastic band and may hang naturally downward, not extending below the bottom of the collar). As with all hairstyles, a neat and professional image is essential.

 

[jinx520]

Boy, times have changed. When I was in the Army, I could only secure my bun with 6 bobbypins or less. I usually used an elastic ponytail band as well, but if some jerk wanted to well, be a jerk sometimes I had to take my hair down and have him count how many bobby pins I used. And take out the rubberband. One thing, though...if you routinely wear a bun higher than the nape of your neck you will be more likely to have your hair scrutinized, as it can possibly interfere with wearing your protective mask. Yeah, I used to have to do "spot checks" where I had to pull out my mask and prove I could put it on with my bun. Fun times, being the only female in a platoon.