What's the deal with military cut hair? 8 best styles to try

"Why is military hair cut in a certain way?"

"Do military personnel have to completely shave their heads and refrain from growing facial hair?"

"How will military soldiers be affected by this?"

In this article, we shall examine some of the regulations concerning military hair cuts and find out why you seldom see military soldiers with long hair.

1. Crew cut

Face shape: Oval, square, round

Hair type: Straight, wavy, thick

The crew cut stands out from among all other hairstyles as the best one when it comes to the military style since it just works. It is easy and requires no efforts at all when getting out of the house in a hurry.

The sides are trimmed shorter than the top and have tapered lengths, whereas the top is slightly longer and tapers towards the crown of the head. This slight amount of additional length at the top will allow you to make a small part.

2. Induction cut

Face shape: Oval, chiselled square

Hair type: All hair types

This particular hairstyle is called an induction cut because of the buzz haircut that is given to new recruits in basic training on their very first day of camp.

Unlike other styles where some hair is kept, there is only one length and that too very short which runs along the whole head like a guard cut.

Since all the hair is removed, this style brings out the skeletal structure of your face. This style is great for emphasizing the strong jaw line or even hiding a receding hair line.

3. High and tight

Face shape: Oval, heart, angular

Hair type: Straight, coarse, thick

The high and tight is definitely a classic hairstyle that makes for an authentic staple at Marine and Army bases.

All the back and sides of the scalp are shaved down to the skin, but there is one small part left untouched and kept very short at the top of the head.

The neat, clear demarcation will help lift your face and bring attention to your cheekbones. For those who have trouble with wayward side hair that stands out at all angles, this haircut will fix everything.

4. Regulation cut

Face shape: Oval, square, rectangle

Hair type: Straight, fine, medium

The regulation haircut is the perfect choice for anyone who wants an army-inspired haircut that will fit well into a business environment.

This haircut follows the rules of the military hairstyle code, maintaining the sides tamed all the way to the skin, but leaving some hair at the top in order to create a noticeable side parting.

This haircut is professional and stylish, and looks wonderful with a business suit. All it takes is combing the slightly damp hair with a bit of low shine pomade.

5. Flat top

Face shape: Oval, round

Hair type: Coarse, thick, coiled

The flat top is one of those vintage cuts that have really taken off in popularity, and there’s nothing more distinctive or bold about its style.

The sides are shaved down to form a high taper, and the hair at the top is cut perfectly flat along the crown, giving an entirely horizontal appearance when seen from the front.

This cut suits people with thicker, denser hair types that naturally stand up straight very well. The square shape compliments rounder faces through height.

6. Recon

Face shape: Oval, square

Hair type: Coarse, thick, straight

The recon is yet another exaggerated version of the high and tight haircut.

This cut is mainly associated with special forces and features the entire sides and the back being shaved off.

What remains is a narrow band of hair down the middle of the scalp.

In essence, the style can be referred to as a micro mohawk. It is a very neat, aggressive, and flawless haircut.

The lack of any side hair means that there isn’t much hair to keep the head moist or hot.

7. Burr cut

Face shape: Oval, square, diamond

Hair type: All hair types

A little bit longer compared to the skin-bare induction cut, the burr cut entails the use of a #1 or #2 guard on the entire scalp.

This style creates a light and shadowy feel due to the thin layer of hair created by this cut that gives it an element of softness but still retains the very tough look of a military-style hairstyle.

This is the best style for you if you love the hassle-free nature of a buzz cut without having to go completely bald.

8. Military fade (Skin fade)

Face shape: Oval, square, round, heart

Hair type: All hair types

The modern military fade fades seamlessly from short hair on top all the way down to the skin around the ears and nape area.

Contrary to traditional square-shaped military haircuts, a skin fade will form a gradient that looks as if your hair is styled in purpose.

You can wear two inches of textured hair on top and comb it forward or keep it cropped. Arguably, this is the most versatile haircut listed.

What is a military hair cut?

If you consider a military hair cut, the first thought that will cross your mind is the buzz cut. The buzz cut has got its name because the unit's barber would buzz all the recruits' hair off his head to reveal his shaven head.

Nowadays, there are some modern variations of the military buzz cut, where many men choose the military hair cut with fades, undercuts, as well as with some hair left on top in combination with the short back and sides.

As it was stated above, the traditional military haircut for women was a tight bun, however nowadays, the situation has changed and the woman can choose a somewhat different hairstyle.

Nevertheless, if you will ask any barber in the world to make a military hair cut for you, he or she will almost surely clip the hair on your head with the use of the clippers and using the number 0 or number 1.

Do you have to cut your hair in the military?

The answer to this is simply a Yes – if you enter into the army of any nation on earth, then you have to trim your hair. But there are specific rules and regulations set by the military of each nation.

For instance, the following rules are set by the US Navy:

"You will be obligated to keep your hair neat, clean and well groomed." It also states that hair should be no longer than 4.0 inches and it must not touch the ears or collar.

Reference: https://www.navy.com/node

In the end, if you are serving in the military of a nation, then you have to make sure that you look good. And for almost all the military personnel, this requires short or faded haircuts.

Are females supposed to have a haircut in the military?

While it is necessary for men to have a very short haircut before going through basic training in the military, it is not the same for female recruits.

Times are changing in the US military, and women can have a buzz cut hairstyle these days. In the past, it was considered a style decision and was never allowed until army policies changed recently.

In the past, it was necessary for female officers and soldiers in the military to have a very tight and organized bun hairstyle. This hairstyle was similar to the buzz cut that men had while serving their country in the military.

Due to many changes in the culture recently and the increasing number of women enlisting in the armed forces, women can now have highlights in their hair and even wear makeup, which was once unimaginable.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/26/us/army-haircut-women-grooming-standard.html

Why does the military shave your head?

There are many reasons why the military shaves your head. Traditionally, it was the simplest way to get rid of lice, which were quite common in barracks and in units stationed overseas. Therefore, the buzz cut became the most effective way of maintaining personal hygiene in the field.

Nowadays, the buzz cut is all about standardization – the military doesn’t encourage any fashion statements. Everyone in a military unit of the same rank should be equal, and their haircuts prove it.

A lot could also be said about psychology behind short haircuts. Soldiers who have short buzz cuts appear more disciplined and are sure to scare the opposition. Although this isn’t the primary goal of shaving heads in military units, it becomes an effect of it anyway.

Are there any long hair military cuts?

The term itself is a kind of contradiction. You see, most of the armed forces dictate the condition that soldiers and officers mustn't have hair longer than 2-4 inches depending on the sex of a person.

That is why, you won't find any soldiers whose hair is longer than this limit, unless the soldier does not serve anymore. In case a soldier is on a holiday, he tends to keep his hair short due to old habits and the necessity to look like a soldier anyway.

How about facial hair among military men?

For most of the soldiers serving in various countries around the globe, they must be clean-shaven. This is a personal hygiene issue; however, soldiers need to maintain unity as members of the same unit.

Nonetheless, some militaries allow their soldiers to grow mustaches and beards up to certain lengths. For example, soldiers in Austria, Belgium, and Croatia are allowed to grow "neatly trimmed beards."

Source: https://www.forces.net/technology/uniform/time-trim-facial-hair-rules-across-worlds-militaries

While the UK and US military forces remain strict about no facial hair policy, the future is uncertain about this particular policy, just like how the haircuts for men and women in both countries have been modified recently.

Conclusion about military hairstyles

As discussed above, there are various rules and regulations regarding hairstyles among the military around the world. While some demand a buzz cut without facial hair, others are slightly lenient when it comes to how their soldiers should appear.

Nevertheless, with the guidelines above, if you want to design your hairstyle based on those of the military forces, then buzz cut would definitely be the best choice.

Lysira Moonwhisper

Lysira is an experienced beauty writer who has been working as a leading content writer for some of the most popular beauty companies across the globe for several years. Her specialization is focused on curly hair and natural color products. She is very good at breaking down complicated regimens into simpler terms, while still maintaining their integrity and effectiveness.