Why Do They Shave Your Head in the Military? – Fully Explained

If you have seen photos of military members in basic training, you will know that they all sport a shaved head or a very short buzz cut. But do you know why this is? Why do they shave your head in the military?

Originally, the military cut your hair to maintain and ensure cleanliness. But today, many other reasons can be named for military shaved heads and military buzz cut fades.

In this article, we will look at all the different reasons. So, to not miss out on any details, make sure you read until the conclusion at the very end!

Haircut in the Military 101

Recruits get their buzz cuts shortly after arriving at basic military training. Then, throughout the rest of boot camp, recruits get trim cuts once a week. Depending on the branch, a buzz cut may not be repeated but the back and sides may be trimmed.

At the start, male recruits look like they have shaved heads because of the drastic different change via the close buzz cut. But by the time they graduate from basic training, recruits will have a bit more hair which will be more visible.

When recruits leave basic training, military members can either continue to wear their buzz cut or get a new approved regulation haircut. Options include:

The Brief Military Haircut History

Since the civil war, male personnel had to get very close haircuts upon induction. Hence, these cuts were also known as induction cuts. At the time, the official reason was cleanliness. The buzz cut military helps reduce the risk of spreading lice (hair and body) for field sanitation.

Nowadays, the induction cut is still implemented, and there are many other reasons why. This next part will dive into the details.

1. Standardization

One reason for recruits getting the induction cut, regardless of whether they are in the Army, in the Air Force, or in the Marines, is standardization. In other words, everyone looks like uniformed soldiers. This promotes a professional appearance for troops in particular and the military in general.

Sense of Uniformity, Cohesion & Equality

The standardization leads directly to a sense of uniformity, cohesion, and equality. It instills all these in the recruits, which goes a long way for future teamwork and cooperation.

2. Easy Management & Care

If you have long hair, you know that it is a hassle to take care of. Short hair, like the crew cut Army makes sure management and care do not take too much time and effort.

For example, you can cut down on the time you take in the shower. You just need to wipe dry your head or hair with a fresh towel, and you do not need to use other hair products, such as styling creams.

3. Reduce Risks

Long hair can easily get caught, especially in windy conditions, in the equipment that military members frequent, like helmets, masks, and weapons. This can interfere with the members’ efficiency in whatever operation or mission they are on.

Plus, long hair does not always neatly frame the face. When encountering wind, it can fly all over the face and fall into the eyes. This can affect the members’ vision and ability to perform well during operations and missions. It can also be quite frustrating. So, shorter hair is ideal.

4. Spirit of Tradition

Hair Requirements for Female Recruits

We have looked at the induction cut for male recruits, but what about female recruits? Do women have to shave or cut their hair too?

Unlike their male counterparts, women do not have to do so in basic training. There are even policies in the U.S Army that women CANNOT shave off their hair.

Nonetheless, they have hair requirements that they have to follow, just like male recruits. Their hair must be well-kept, neat, and clean. So, they can appear professional.

Upon arriving at basic training, female recruits must ensure that their hair meets the following criteria:

Still, those members with short hair in the military female are preferred.

Most recruits with long hair will put theirs into a bun. Here is how they would go about it:

Method 1 – Using a sock

You will need the following:

Use your military-issued black dress socks, as they are thick and stretchy enough. If you want to buy the socks, be sure to select ones that are the same color as your hair. So, even if they show, they will not stand out.

Method 2 – Without using a sock

Keep the bun in place using bobby pins or put on a hairnet.

As of 2021, female military personnel will be allowed to have buzz cuts. Women will now also be able to have highlights in their hair as long as they are of conservative shades and do not look faddish, eccentric, or exaggerated.

Here is an example of a female military buzz cut:

Specific Standards for Service Branches

1. The U.S Army

Here is an example of an Army boot camp haircut:

2. The U.S Air Force

3. The U.S Marine Corps

4. The U.S Navy

Exceptions

In special cases, special operation forces like the Navy SEALs and Green Berets are allowed to deter from the standard regulations during operations and missions to blend into civilian populations. This is also referred to as “social camouflage.” They may be permitted to grow their head and facial hair out and reduce their risk of looking atypical or suspicious.

Conclusion

Now, you know the answer to, “Why do they shave your head in the military?” Hopefully, you have learned a lot from this article. In case you still have questions, we have opened the comments. Leave any queries there and will be sure to get back to you. Otherwise, please share your thoughts in the comments. Please help us share this article with other readers as well!