When I went through basic the sock bun just would not work for me. I got yelled at and yelled at constantly because my hair kept falling out of the bun and was out of regulation. Finally one day a female drill sergeant pulled me aside. My hair is too long and thick for a sock bun, what she told me to do is put it in a pony tail (slightly off center because it will move during the process!) and then braid it. Once it's braided put the tie at the end and them make a bun. It took me a little while to get this process down and I learned some tricks, like making sure you put a lot of gel in the pony tail before you braid it. I also have to use four or five hair ties to make sure it stays in place one I have the bun up. Hopefully this helps anyone who can't use the sock but :)
Brooke, plenty have gone before you, and plenty will follow in your footsteps. BCT is not set up for you to fail. It IS set up to challenge you though. To create an American Soldier! This isn't a time to be nervous, but a time to be proud about what you are doing! The long tradition that you are carrying on has been carried by others like you since 1775. So leave the nervousness at home and look forward to where you are going in life! The doors that will open! Hope that helped! (ji)
Something that worked for me was to go to a track. Sprint the straights, then jog or walk the curves (do this for a prolonged time, starting at 10 minutes then keep adding up) After that, take a 2 minute water break and start push-ups and sit-ups. Keep increasing intensity slowly and eventually you will be able to reach a decent PT score. Let the DIs take care of the rest. Good luck future soldier!
Edith, I'm glad to hear that you are interested in enlisting! Once you are 17 you can begin working with a Recruiter, and you can enlist when you are 17 with parental consent. There are over 150 careers to choose from, you can learn more about them at the Go Army website.. BCT is 10 weeks, and will teach you many valuable skills and life lessons. Female Soldiers complete the same training as male Soldiers do. You can also learn more about BCT at the Future Soldier Center FB page. (CEH)
I have extremely thick, curly hair that reaches about to my shoulder blades. I find that when making a bun it is easiest for me to pull my hair into a ponytail, secure it, twist it about 3 times, wrap the ponytail around the base, then secure that. If needed, I use hairspray or gel to smooth any stray hairs. It might take some practice but once you are used to it the whole process only takes about a minute. Hope this helps someone :)
This is the same as how I do it in Marine Corps. I found it easier to have shorter hair so there's pretty much no chance of any of it falling out of the bands. I always use a hair donut though. Never thought of a sock. This is a great idea.
Thanks for this video! I was worried I'd have to cut my hair for the air force when I go in but now I don't! I am in total appreciation for this video! thanks so much for doing this. :)
Bri, I have very thick hair also and I just pulled it all back into a ponytail then braided it and wrapped the braid into a bun and secured it with bobby pins. It kept it up and off my collar and when you braid your hair make sure it does not interfere with your head-gear. Practice this over the weekend and see if it works for you. If it doesn't then I would think of another alternative, such as cutting your hair. I made it thru basic wearing my hair in this style. Try it! HOOAH. (AM)
Mandy , you must be 17 years of age in order to enlist with parental consent. I would encourage you to; Stay in school, stay off drugs, listen to your parents and teachers, do not smoke, do your best in everything you do and make your bed every day (the Drill Sergeants make you do this, so be ready). You can try to get into JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp) which is offered in many High Schools across the U.S.
You will have to refer your question to the U.S. Navy. Each service has their specific grooming regulations and we only have the U.S. Army standards. We apologize for the inconvenience. (DH)
This is a great idea. I've never tried it before. I just do a ponytail, braid it tightly, wind it into a bun then put another tie around it. My hair doesn't go anywhere no matter what I'm doing til I take it down.
I'm future Marine Corps, and my hair is long and thick and wavy and generally unruly. Glad I found this video, cos it's nice to see that it works for long hair! Off to go find a sock... Thanks for the video!
Hello Kemi, whether you'd like to attend college first or after joining the Army is completely up to you. All Soldiers have the option to attend college on their off duty time. These classes could/may be offered during lunch, after work hours or on the weekends. (JQ)
It's entirely up to you. A lot of women prefer it long because its "easier" to tie it up. For me in the Marines I find it easier with short hair but not too short. Mines about two inches past my shoulders. As far as showering goes, I dont know how the Army does it but in the Corps we only get 2mins so it pretty much sucks no matter how long or short your hair is.
Thank you so much for sharing this helped me a lot I ship for basic September 9th and was so worried about how I was going to do my hair but now I know, thanks!
skippygirl959 well... periods it is nature - you have no choice, pretty much. But hair - it is up to you, to leave it long or cut it. There are few females in my company who got tired of it and just cut it short. )))
According to Army regulations, 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 physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness uniform.
@TheCutegirljess Females may wear braids as long as the braided style is conservative, and the braids lie snugly on the head. 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. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier as is possible or clear. If you're still unsure, then have your Recruiter take a look at it. (AG)
No they are not mandatory, however they are highly suggested and if you chose to wear a normal bra it has to be a natural color (Nude, brown, black etc.)
Sock bun works, if you have time for it. Navy boot we didn't always have time for our hair to dry either, so we all had to keep ours cut short (we also didn't always have shampoo, much less conditioner). After we got out of basic we were allowed to grow it out. I did cut all my hair off for deployments though; it was easier to take care of, and didn't get in the way of my firefighting gear (had the boys use a #2 clipper on my head).
omg that helps me so much i have long annoying thick hair that doesn't want to co-op in the morning even with hairspray for my JROTC class thank u now I'm my hair wont be a pain I get ready to go on the field trip to Beaufort on Thursday ^^
This helped me a lot. I really appreciate you! I was super worried about what to do with my hair because its really curly and long and then I tried this and that sucker of a bun was super tight! Thanks!
I'm enlisted in the navy and they just recently started allowing women to have long hair going into bootcamp so finding videos on it is nearly impossible. I was wondering if the military supplies bobby pins, hairspray and such because I've been told they take all of your belongings when you arrive? There are no women in my recruiting office so unfortunately have no one else to ask.
Hello Mariah, when you arrive at reception battalion you'll be provided with a smart card (pay advancement) and will be taken to the shoppette to purchase any items that you'll need for BCT. The shoppette will have hair products.
This is just my opinion as well as most of my family members but I would join the Army. (I did and will be shipped in august) One of the main reasons is there are many more jobs than the Marines. It is so much easier to get promoted in the Army as well. In the Marines, Navy and Air Force, it takes quite a while to get promoted. My dad spent 8 years as a marine and only went up to E4. My cousin in the Army went up to E7 in just 7 years. Just do your research and choose what you think is best.
For Navy boot camp, girls must cut their hair so it does not fall below the collar of their uniform. After boot camp, you will be allowed to grow it out again and keep it in a neat bun.
Kemi, our Command Surgeon has stated any history of asthma is disqualifying. Asthma in early childhood may be outgrown and may be waived if it occurred at less than 13 years of age with no recurrence. If the applicant currently has symptoms of asthma, then a waiver would not be granted. Asthma is one of those conditions that can be fatal in Basic Training, so those individuals that are not clear cut, are not waived. (JQ)
Depends on when you are leaving, but it all depends on you. If you love your hair, don't do it. If you don't really care, then go for it. Personally, I think that cutting your hair invites trouble. First off, this is 10 weeks, if your hair grows back during that time you are screwed. Unless you go super short cut, which will make growing your hair out after BT harder. If you can't do the sock bun, then try the hair twist method. I personally do that one. Good luck future soldier.
@ThissIssMyUsername the bun is to ensure that your hair stays with in AR 670-1, since you cant wear a pony tail like the USAF, and your hair has to look as professional as possible at all times.
This may sound crazy but I'm only 14. I am planning on joining the army. I plan to start working out at an appropriate level for my age height and weight. This video was very helpful because I'm really bad with hair so I started to practice this. Although I would prefer to keep my hair am I allowed to just get a pixie cut? This may sound dumb but I really need to know.
Crimson, the Army has regulations for your hair and types of styles and cuts authorized. Once you are 17 with parental consent you will be able to visit your local recruiter to assist you with the regulations and see if you meet the requirements to enlist in the Army. Stay motivated and good luck. (DYR)
Melissa, sorry for our late response! Trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. (JQ)
Question, So, males got this sort of high and tight thing they can do with their hair. Is there like a option for females to basically just shave their hair off? (Obviously for the females who would rather not deal with hair at all during their military career).
Yea I know but im kinda a tomboy and dont like putting my hair up much but I think I could get used to it. Yes I thought about joining the Army Reserve because a good guy friend of mine is leaving to join them this month and he has been trying to persuade me to join too.
Unfortunately I cannot do a sock bun because my hair is way too thick. My sock bun was the size of my head, no matter what i did it would interfere with my head gear. Instead i put organic wax and hair spray in my ponytail and just twist it tightly. I have some layers and if i put in enough hair ties and use enough product it works. The organic hair wax also doesnt make my hair hard. In this video her hair ends up covering her name tape. Maybe make the bun a little lower but tight.
Curling, the AR 670-1 states that female hair cuts should not be fad-ish, and should not result in portions of the scalp being shaved. There are short hair cuts that a female Soldier can have, providing that your hair does not touch your ACU collar. (CEH)
If you want a good bun look up how to create a USMC bun. It will look smoother and will have no flyaways. Gel and Hairspray will be your friend!!!! use multiple socks rolled together if you have really long hair it will help you out so much. Also wet your hair it helps to keep it tight and inplace as well as using ALOT of gel. if your hair isnt hard after all the gel and hairspray is dry they your hair will look like a wreck at the end of the day!!
Thanks for your service :) im in The Danish home guard and i actually diden't know about the sock so thanks for this video :) it would be alot easier for me with this :D thanks :)
No worries Kemi..that's what we are here for. You can take pin to pull your hair back if your DS tell you to do so. You are also allowed to take gel, you will also get the chance to purchase some at the Soldier store when you arrive to Reception/BCT. (JL)
Marissa during bootcamp for any branch you will not wear makeup. You'll have a designated time to be ready for formations and line ups. In that time you're supposed to be ready, fully dressed in uniform (hair and all). (scs)
Leah Berberian -- Many female Soldiers have found that it is easier to have their hair shorter during training. However, you must ensure that your hair remains within Army regulations. (DH)
Atorre, you do not need to get your hair cut before BCT. Your hair will need to be put up in a bun, or if it is worn down, it can not be so long that it touches your collar while in uniform. (ji)
You don't have to put your hair in a bun, but if you have your hair down it can not touch your colar while in uniform. So if you can't put it in a bun I'd recommend to just use bobbie pins. (JQ)
You can do the sock bun whenever in the military, so yes you can do this in Basic. It is something that a lot of females dont use but it is awesome and looks great. You will find that there are alot of females in the military that have jacked up hair that is out of regulation. I think this should be mandatory for all females in the Army.
Oh okay, as a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you should expect to spend one weekend a month in training and attend a two-week Field Training Exercise (FTX) once a year. In times of war, Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called up to Active Duty (“activation”) as our country’s needs require. Service options for the Army Reserve range from three to six years, depending on your Army job and where your Army Reserve Center is located. (JQ)
You should be good to go if the bun doesn't touch when you look straight forward. I have thick hair also and I just had to wrap it real tight and have my hat sit higher on my head but still have it lined up correctly. (PD)
I ship in August (2016) and I already got a pixie cut! I actually like it shorter than how long it was before! It really DOES save time and quite honestly, I think I look cute af!
@KINSHASAA19sankru89 you may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head. Dreadlocks are prohibited. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier as is possible or clear. Hope this helps you:) (AG)
How do you run with your hair in a bun? Doesn't it hurt? When you don't need to wear head wear and you're training, are you allowed to wear a ponytail or braid?
+Rudolph Rudolph, running with a bun is painless and it makes it a lot easier to maintain a professional appearance while conducting physical training. As of now the Army regulation does allow female Soldiers to wear their hair in a ponytail during PT only. That is the only time a ponytail/braided ponytail are allowed during training. (DG)
@Symarip94 Many Navy girls wear their hair like this. You have to make sure your bun isn't too big and doesn't stick out too far from your head. Trust me, someone will straighten you out if it's not right. (USN 01'-06')
We have not heard of any issues like that in our BCT locations Emily but form what the females that have gone through Army training they never had an issue! (KJS)
When I went through basic the sock bun just would not work for me. I got yelled at and yelled at constantly because my hair kept falling out of the bun and was out of regulation. Finally one day a female drill sergeant pulled me aside. My hair is too long and thick for a sock bun, what she told me to do is put it in a pony tail (slightly off center because it will move during the process!) and then braid it. Once it's braided put the tie at the end and them make a bun. It took me a little while to get this process down and I learned some tricks, like making sure you put a lot of gel in the pony tail before you braid it. I also have to use four or five hair ties to make sure it stays in place one I have the bun up. Hopefully this helps anyone who can't use the sock but :)
Tacey, Awesome, thanks for sharing! (kp)
Army Future Soldier Center what if my hair is all the way to my butt do i have to cut it :(
Army Future Soldier Center do we have to get a haircut
Mariano Tellez same
No, but you need to make sure it's up, like in the sock bun.
Brooke, plenty have gone before you, and plenty will follow in your footsteps. BCT is not set up for you to fail. It IS set up to challenge you though. To create an American Soldier! This isn't a time to be nervous, but a time to be proud about what you are doing! The long tradition that you are carrying on has been carried by others like you since 1775. So leave the nervousness at home and look forward to where you are going in life! The doors that will open! Hope that helped! (ji)
Something that worked for me was to go to a track. Sprint the straights, then jog or walk the curves (do this for a prolonged time, starting at 10 minutes then keep adding up) After that, take a 2 minute water break and start push-ups and sit-ups. Keep increasing intensity slowly and eventually you will be able to reach a decent PT score. Let the DIs take care of the rest. Good luck future soldier!
Edith, I'm glad to hear that you are interested in enlisting! Once you are 17 you can begin working with a Recruiter, and you can enlist when you are 17 with parental consent. There are over 150 careers to choose from, you can learn more about them at the Go Army website.. BCT is 10 weeks, and will teach you many valuable skills and life lessons. Female Soldiers complete the same training as male Soldiers do. You can also learn more about BCT at the Future Soldier Center FB page. (CEH)
THANK YOU! All of the video's that I've seen was for short hair. Now I'm ready for basic training!
Thank you very much. I'm getting myself ready to be a Marine and it's nice to see I might be able to keep my hair.
wont it be better to cut you hair super short? less time for showering, don't need to put it up and it wont interfere with your head gear?
Thank you! I'm not good at the whole hair thing so this helps a lot. I will start practicing!
I have extremely thick, curly hair that reaches about to my shoulder blades. I find that when making a bun it is easiest for me to pull my hair into a ponytail, secure it, twist it about 3 times, wrap the ponytail around the base, then secure that. If needed, I use hairspray or gel to smooth any stray hairs. It might take some practice but once you are used to it the whole process only takes about a minute. Hope this helps someone :)
So helpful! I was confused about the sock bun :) thank you
This is the same as how I do it in Marine Corps. I found it easier to have shorter hair so there's pretty much no chance of any of it falling out of the bands. I always use a hair donut though. Never thought of a sock. This is a great idea.
Thanks for this video! I was worried I'd have to cut my hair for the air force when I go in but now I don't! I am in total appreciation for this video! thanks so much for doing this. :)
o sweetness i got to practice and practice haha my hair is twice ur length,
Bri, I have very thick hair also and I just pulled it all back into a ponytail then braided it and wrapped the braid into a bun and secured it with bobby pins. It kept it up and off my collar and when you braid your hair make sure it does not interfere with your head-gear. Practice this over the weekend and see if it works for you. If it doesn't then I would think of another alternative, such as cutting your hair. I made it thru basic wearing my hair in this style. Try it! HOOAH. (AM)
Mandy , you must be 17 years of age in order to enlist with parental consent. I would encourage you to; Stay in school, stay off drugs, listen to your parents and teachers, do not smoke, do your best in everything you do and make your bed every day (the Drill Sergeants make you do this, so be ready). You can try to get into JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp) which is offered in many High Schools across the U.S.
heck can i just use this tip for everyday life ^^
That is a great way to save money then buying one of the bun ponytail. Thanks :)
thank you for this video, very helpful and to the point
+Elizabeth Allen you're welcome. Stay motivated. (DYR)
You will have to refer your question to the U.S. Navy. Each service has their specific grooming regulations and we only have the U.S. Army standards. We apologize for the inconvenience. (DH)
Thank u for serving ✌❤
Zach, Hooah! (DYR)
Perfect! I have long hair like urs. I was wandering if i should cut mine, but i guess i don't have to do that. Thank you.
Jadedby sins leaving your hair long or cutting short is your call. You will soldier sisters that can help you put it up and keep it up. (cwf)
I'm thinking of joining the Army, is there any length of hair is too short, because I have something similar to the box cut fade
This is a great idea. I've never tried it before. I just do a ponytail, braid it tightly, wind it into a bun then put another tie around it. My hair doesn't go anywhere no matter what I'm doing til I take it down.
I'm future Marine Corps, and my hair is long and thick and wavy and generally unruly. Glad I found this video, cos it's nice to see that it works for long hair! Off to go find a sock... Thanks for the video!
I'm not in military but with my work i cant have any loose hair, i always wondered how this bun was done thank you so much.
I never had a chance for thanking you for your videos. They were all very helpful b4 I shipped over a year ago!
just tried my first sock bun, aced it! you made it look easy, hooah!
GENIUS!!!! Thank you for the tip!!!
Hello Kemi, whether you'd like to attend college first or after joining the Army is completely up to you. All Soldiers have the option to attend college on their off duty time. These classes could/may be offered during lunch, after work hours or on the weekends. (JQ)
This was very helpful, I ship out for Air Force BMT October 9th and I will definitely need to use this.
It's entirely up to you. A lot of women prefer it long because its "easier" to tie it up. For me in the Marines I find it easier with short hair but not too short. Mines about two inches past my shoulders. As far as showering goes, I dont know how the Army does it but in the Corps we only get 2mins so it pretty much sucks no matter how long or short your hair is.
Thank you so much for sharing this helped me a lot I ship for basic September 9th and was so worried about how I was going to do my hair but now I know, thanks!
Thank god I am not a female! That would be an every day torture
US Soldier Yep, and don't forget about periods. too. Good fun
skippygirl959 well... periods it is nature - you have no choice, pretty much. But hair - it is up to you, to leave it long or cut it. There are few females in my company who got tired of it and just cut it short. )))
US Soldier That's what I meant tho, guys don't have to deal with periods
That's why I just cut my hair 😂
We get use to it and speed along the way too and make sure the products such as hair gel would be laid out.
According to Army regulations, 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 physical fitness uniform/improved physical fitness
uniform.
I'm in army jrotc and this helped a lot! My 1sg showed me this video and I'm super glad he did.:)
@TheCutegirljess Females may wear braids as long as the braided style is conservative, and the braids lie snugly on the head. 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. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier as is possible or clear. If you're still unsure, then have your Recruiter take a look at it. (AG)
No they are not mandatory, however they are highly suggested and if you chose to wear a normal bra it has to be a natural color (Nude, brown, black etc.)
Sock bun works, if you have time for it. Navy boot we didn't always have time for our hair to dry either, so we all had to keep ours cut short (we also didn't always have shampoo, much less conditioner). After we got out of basic we were allowed to grow it out. I did cut all my hair off for deployments though; it was easier to take care of, and didn't get in the way of my firefighting gear (had the boys use a #2 clipper on my head).
I have thick, curly hair, do you have any tips?
Yay. Thanks. I'm training to be a UK Ceremonial Gunner. But we're trained the same as everyone else too. My hair is afro, so I needed this :)
Diana Velazquez, you can have bangs..they will need to stop at the top of your eyebrow and side bangs will need to be clipped neatly to the side. (JL)
omg that helps me so much i have long annoying thick hair that doesn't want to co-op in the morning even with hairspray for my JROTC class thank u now I'm my hair wont be a pain I get ready to go on the field trip to Beaufort on Thursday ^^
I have one more year. And then I want to go to the marines. Cant wait & terrified! Wish me luck ladies!!!
This helped me a lot. I really appreciate you! I was super worried about what to do with my hair because its really curly and long and then I tried this and that sucker of a bun was super tight! Thanks!
I'm enlisted in the navy and they just recently started allowing women to have long hair going into bootcamp so finding videos on it is nearly impossible. I was wondering if the military supplies bobby pins, hairspray and such because I've been told they take all of your belongings when you arrive? There are no women in my recruiting office so unfortunately have no one else to ask.
Hello Mariah, when you arrive at reception battalion you'll be provided with a smart card (pay advancement) and will be taken to the shoppette to purchase any items that you'll need for BCT. The shoppette will have hair products.
^
Omg your hair is so healthy and beautiful
Ladie Vortexa is correct it is best to learn how to do your hair in a way that keeps it as neat as possible! (kp)
This is just my opinion as well as most of my family members but I would join the Army. (I did and will be shipped in august) One of the main reasons is there are many more jobs than the Marines. It is so much easier to get promoted in the Army as well. In the Marines, Navy and Air Force, it takes quite a while to get promoted. My dad spent 8 years as a marine and only went up to E4. My cousin in the Army went up to E7 in just 7 years. Just do your research and choose what you think is best.
For Navy boot camp, girls must cut their hair so it does not fall below the collar of their uniform. After boot camp, you will be allowed to grow it out again and keep it in a neat bun.
Kemi, our Command Surgeon has stated any history of asthma is disqualifying. Asthma in early childhood may be outgrown and may be waived if it occurred at less than 13 years of age with no recurrence. If the applicant currently has symptoms of asthma, then a waiver would not be granted. Asthma is one of those conditions that can be fatal in Basic Training, so those individuals that are not clear cut, are not waived. (JQ)
Depends on when you are leaving, but it all depends on you. If you love your hair, don't do it. If you don't really care, then go for it. Personally, I think that cutting your hair invites trouble. First off, this is 10 weeks, if your hair grows back during that time you are screwed. Unless you go super short cut, which will make growing your hair out after BT harder. If you can't do the sock bun, then try the hair twist method. I personally do that one. Good luck future soldier.
Her hair is really pretty down.
@ThissIssMyUsername the bun is to ensure that your hair stays with in AR 670-1, since you cant wear a pony tail like the USAF, and your hair has to look as professional as possible at all times.
This may sound crazy but I'm only 14. I am planning on joining the army. I plan to start working out at an appropriate level for my age height and weight. This video was very helpful because I'm really bad with hair so I started to practice this. Although I would prefer to keep my hair am I allowed to just get a pixie cut? This may sound dumb but I really need to know.
Crimson, the Army has regulations for your hair and types of styles and cuts authorized. Once you are 17 with parental consent you will be able to visit your local recruiter to assist you with the regulations and see if you meet the requirements to enlist in the Army. Stay motivated and good luck. (DYR)
Thank you for responding. I will be sure to meet the standards.
Crimson, you're welcome. (DYR)
@Caroline Vasquez thats nice! Im planning on going to the Air Force but im still thirteen. What state are you going to recruit?
Melissa, sorry for our late response! Trendy styles that result in shaved portions of the scalp (other than the neckline) or designs cut into the hair are prohibited. (JQ)
Question, So, males got this sort of high and tight thing they can do with their hair. Is there like a option for females to basically just shave their hair off? (Obviously for the females who would rather not deal with hair at all during their military career).
thanks this helped me learn before i enlist is basic training different from us girls and guys
FINALLY .. thanks to this video I have succeeded in making my first sock bun! YAY!!!! Thank you so much:)
Yea I know but im kinda a tomboy and dont like putting my hair up much but I think I could get used to it. Yes I thought about joining the Army Reserve because a good guy friend of mine is leaving to join them this month and he has been trying to persuade me to join too.
Does boot camp allow women to have short hair styles (not high and tight, but a male type of cut)?
Lexi Court, I don't quite understand your question. Are you asking how it needs to be worn? (JL)
Unfortunately I cannot do a sock bun because my hair is way too thick. My sock bun was the size of my head, no matter what i did it would interfere with my head gear. Instead i put organic wax and hair spray in my ponytail and just twist it tightly. I have some layers and if i put in enough hair ties and use enough product it works. The organic hair wax also doesnt make my hair hard. In this video her hair ends up covering her name tape. Maybe make the bun a little lower but tight.
Curling, the AR 670-1 states that female hair cuts should not be fad-ish, and should not result in portions of the scalp being shaved. There are short hair cuts that a female Soldier can have, providing that your hair does not touch your ACU collar. (CEH)
If you want a good bun look up how to create a USMC bun. It will look smoother and will have no flyaways. Gel and Hairspray will be your friend!!!! use multiple socks rolled together if you have really long hair it will help you out so much. Also wet your hair it helps to keep it tight and inplace as well as using ALOT of gel. if your hair isnt hard after all the gel and hairspray is dry they your hair will look like a wreck at the end of the day!!
Thanks for your service :) im in The Danish home guard and i actually diden't know about the sock so thanks for this video :) it would be alot easier for me with this :D thanks :)
No worries Kemi..that's what we are here for. You can take pin to pull your hair back if your DS tell you to do so. You are also allowed to take gel, you will also get the chance to purchase some at the Soldier store when you arrive to Reception/BCT. (JL)
I have a long hair, it’s curly , do you have any suggestions for shampoo and conditioner for basic training? I am afraid to cut it ,
xxmaxexstreamxx, your hair should be its natural color. You can view all of the guidelines on hair in the AR 670-1. (CEH)
Marissa during bootcamp for any branch you will not wear makeup. You'll have a designated time to be ready for formations and line ups. In that time you're supposed to be ready, fully dressed in uniform (hair and all). (scs)
THANK YOU SO MUCH I almost got kicked out because I couldn't figure it out but thank you so much you saved me
TheValleyOfLight, try it a couple ways and see what works best for you. Practice before you ship out! (CEH)
Thanks for the demo, trying to come up with something similar for the 'hard hat' at work. Things people do:)
Leah Berberian -- Many female Soldiers have found that it is easier to have their hair shorter during training. However, you must ensure that your hair remains within Army regulations. (DH)
Thanks! :D
Atorre, you do not need to get your hair cut before BCT. Your hair will need to be put up in a bun, or if it is worn down, it can not be so long that it touches your collar while in uniform. (ji)
You don't have to put your hair in a bun, but if you have your hair down it can not touch your colar while in uniform. So if you can't put it in a bun I'd recommend to just use bobbie pins. (JQ)
Thank you! Now I know what to do for ROTC on uniform day
You can do the sock bun whenever in the military, so yes you can do this in Basic. It is something that a lot of females dont use but it is awesome and looks great. You will find that there are alot of females in the military that have jacked up hair that is out of regulation. I think this should be mandatory for all females in the Army.
The rim of the headgear should be parallel to the floor. So you actually could have your headgear high up the way you showed it shouldn't be.
Oh okay, as a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you should expect to spend one weekend a month in training and attend a two-week Field Training Exercise (FTX) once a year. In times of war, Soldiers in the Army Reserve may be called up to Active Duty (“activation”) as our country’s needs require. Service options for the Army Reserve range from three to six years, depending on your Army job and where your Army Reserve Center is located. (JQ)
You could cut it straight to make it easier to put it in a bun without hairs dangling out of it, then get layers put back in at the end of BCT.
they just cut mine off at basic-- no time 2 mess with it
Brenda Mitchell are you serious?!
yes sad to say it was too long and thick to fit under a cap
You should be good to go if the bun doesn't touch when you look straight forward. I have thick hair also and I just had to wrap it real tight and have my hat sit higher on my head but still have it lined up correctly. (PD)
I ship in September and i still don't know if I want to bother putting it up everyday or just cut it short
Honestly just cut it short. It's way easier and it will grow back. That's what I plan on doing when I ship off to navy boot camp.
I ship in August (2016) and I already got a pixie cut! I actually like it shorter than how long it was before! It really DOES save time and quite honestly, I think I look cute af!
thank you im planning of joing the Sea Cadets and i have to have a bun this was very helpfull thank you :)
Thanks. I appreciate it.
Crystal you are welcome! Good luck in all of your training! (CEH)
@KINSHASAA19sankru89 you may wear braids and cornrows as long as the braided style is conservative, the braids and cornrows lie snugly on the head. Dreadlocks are prohibited. Long hair that falls naturally below the bottom edge of the collar, to include braids, will be neatly fastened or pinned, so no free-hanging hair is visible. All hair-holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier as is possible or clear. Hope this helps you:) (AG)
Do what a relative did she got the same buzz cut the men had, and kept it career it made things a lot easier.
You're welcome! Have you had the chance to check out the Future Soldier Center Facebook page yet?! (JQ)
Kgillo, females can use hair accessories as long as they are neutral colors. (CEH)
@Symarip94 I would assume it would probably be okay, but we only work with the US Army.
This is so useful.
How do you run with your hair in a bun? Doesn't it hurt? When you don't need to wear head wear and you're training, are you allowed to wear a ponytail or braid?
+Rudolph Rudolph, running with a bun is painless and it makes it a lot easier to maintain a professional appearance while conducting physical training. As of now the Army regulation does allow female Soldiers to wear their hair in a ponytail during PT only. That is the only time a ponytail/braided ponytail are allowed during training. (DG)
@Symarip94 Many Navy girls wear their hair like this. You have to make sure your bun isn't too big and doesn't stick out too far from your head. Trust me, someone will straighten you out if it's not right. (USN 01'-06')
Thank you.
Can you have an undercut? My top goes past my shoulders and my sides and back are a #3 blade.
Can you do a video about short hair "styles" and how to keep it in place?
andraisbored, Here is a video about short hair styles: czcams.com/video/yaoeN935_fw/video.html&spfreload=10 (DYR)
bring a lot, but they will always give you several opportunities to buy more throughout the training when they take you to buy personal hygiene stuff.
We have not heard of any issues like that in our BCT locations Emily but form what the females that have gone through Army training they never had an issue! (KJS)