Ponytails and Bangs now allowed for women in the Air Force

Air Force updates regulations to allow ponytails, braids and bangs that touch the eyebrow.
image of ponytails
Beginning in February 2021, female Airmen will be able to wear their hair in up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades. In addition, women’s bangs may now touch their eyebrows, but not cover their eyes. Photo credit U.S. Air Force graphic by Corey Parrish

WASHINGTON (KMOX) -- As an outcome of the 101st Air Force uniform board, Air Force women will be able to wear their hair in new ways.

Women can now have up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades. Also, women’s bangs may now touch their eyebrows, but not cover their eyes.

The board reviewed all ideas including a recommendation from the Air Force’s Women’s Initiative Team. Thousands of women across the Air Force provided feedback to the Women’s Initiative Team.

Some of the complaints with the current standard was the tight bun caused damage to hair, migraines and in some cases, hair loss. The uniform board took the advice of the Women's Initiative Team and updated the Air Force uniform regulation.

The changes will go into affect February 2021.

© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved 

Featured Image Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force graphic by Corey Parrish