The U.S. Army has gone from high n’ tights to ponytails.
The military branch provided an update to its grooming policy Thursday which now allows women — but not men — to wear several new hairstyles while in uniform.
“This new modification is more practical for our female soldiers,” Sgt. Maj. Brian Sanders, the Army G-1 Uniform Policy Branch sergeant major, announced in a statement posted to Twitter.
“It allows them flexibility in a tactical environment, while maintaining a professional appearance in garrison.
Female soldiers’ will now be permitted to secure their hair in a bun, single ponytail or up to two braids.
“Multiple locs [aka dreadlocks], braids, twists or cornrows may come together in one or two braids or a single ponytail,” Sanders said.
Regardless of style, no hair may extend past the bottom of the shoulder blades when standing at attention.
The new policy is presented as way to prevent alopecia, a form of hair loss often caused by wearing a tight bun.
“This change also helps to alleviate hair loss and damage to the scalp,” Sanders said.
But some critics on social media believe the Army is simply attempting to appear more “woke.”
“Dropping the standards to please the female. I see our military getting weaker and weaker as things are changed to make them happy,” one commenter lamented.
“This is how it starts!” wrote another. “Let standards down a little bit at a time … Sad day for America’s Army.”
Added a third: ”I’m a female in the active-duty army and even I think this is too far.”
Others rebuffed the complaints and hailed it as a step forward for women serving their country,
“Congrats to the army ladies on being able to wear ponytails in uniform along with earrings and nail polish,” one woman shared.
“If you have a problem odds are you haven’t served or been around the women serving. This is great for them and I’m happy for my friends who can now do this.”
