18 DAFI36-2903 29 FEBRUARY 2024
Chapter 3
GROOMING AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS
3.1. Personal Grooming Standards. This chapter outlines personal grooming standards while
wearing any Air Force uniform or civilian clothing in an official capacity. Commander’s
discretion will be used to determine if individual’s personal grooming is within standards of this
instruction. The personal grooming standards listed are minimum standards that represent
common appearance issues and are not all-inclusive. Although Airmen have the right, within
established limits, to express their individuality through their appearance, the Air Force defines
what is and what is not an acceptable, professional military image for Airmen. Except for minor
variations based on gender differences, all Air Force personnel must comply with the same
personal grooming standards. Supervisors have the responsibility to determine compliance with
this DAFI and to correct the obvious violations regardless of whether the situation identified is
clearly written in this DAFI.
3.1.1. Hair (General). Will be conservative, clean, well-groomed, present a professional
appearance. Regardless of hairstyle, hair must not exceed length and bulk standard, and ensure
proper wear of headgear, helmet, or chemical mask to conform to safety requirements. Will
not contain excessive amounts of grooming aids (e.g., gel, mousse, pomade, or moisturizer),
appear lopsided, touch either eyebrow (Exception: female bangs), or end below an imaginary
line across the forehead at the top of the eyebrows that is parallel to the ground. If applied,
dyes, tints, bleaches, and frostings must result in natural hair colors, present a natural
appearance and be complementary to facial hair e.g., eyebrows, lashes, beards (if authorized
for medical or religious reasons), etc. Examples of natural hair colors are brown, blonde,
brunette, natural red, gray, or black. All Airmen are authorized to wear natural color hair
regardless of their natural born hair color, but when highlighted or frosted, the colors must
blend as to naturally. Example: Hair colors may be displayed as a “salt-and-pepper” look as
this presents a naturally blended hair color and is, therefore, authorized.
3.1.1.1. Wigs/Hairpieces/Extensions. Are authorized and will meet the same standards
required for natural hair, be of good quality, fit properly, and comply with safety,
functionality, and professional military standards. If synthetic hair or extensions are added
to hair, they will be natural hair colors, and must blend with Airmen’s hair, as to not create
an unnatural appearance (Note: Extensions are prohibited for males).
Wigs/Hairpieces/Extensions will not be used to cover unauthorized hair styles. Synthetic
hair or other materials are not authorized when prohibited by safety and mission
requirements. Commanders may authorize Airmen to wear plain (single color, without
additional ornamentation, frills/ruffles, excess fabric that extends down the back) caps
(black, navy, or tan) while indoors due to a medical condition (e.g., Alopecia, radiation
and/or chemotherapy). Airmen are still required to wear appropriate headgear while
outdoors. Note: Head scarves are not authorized.
3.1.1.2. Hairnets. Worn as required for health or safety reasons. Made of natural or a
synthetic material; must be conservative (plain and moderate, being within reasonable
limits; not excessive or extreme), solid color similar to the member's hair color, also strong
enough to support and control hair and contain no metal fasteners. Hairnets are only
authorized when performing related duties as determined by applicable commander.