The personal grooming standards listed below are the minimum standards that represent common appearance issues and are notall-inclusive. Although cadets have the right, within established limits, to express their individuality through their appearance. The Air Force has defined what is and what is not an acceptable, professional military image for cadets in uniform. For more detailed instructions, reference Air Force Instruction 36-2903 and Air Force JROTC Operational Supplement - Chapter 7.
Hair.
Will be clean, well-groomed, present a professional appearance and allow for proper wear of headgear.
Will not contain excessive amounts of grooming aids (e.g. gel, mousse, pomade, and moisturizer).
Will not appear lopsided, touch either eyebrow, 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 that complement the cadet’s complexion and skin tone. Examples of natural hair colors are brown, blonde, brunette, natural red, or black. Prohibited examples (not all inclusive) are burgundy, purple, orange, fluorescent or neon colors.
Must have a tapered appearance on both sides and the back of the head, both with and without headgear. A tapered appearance is one that when viewed from any angle outlines the member's hair so that it conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point without eccentric directional flow, twists or spiking. A block-cut is permitted with tapered appearance.
Will not exceed 2.5 inches in bulk, regardless of length and ¼ inch at natural termination point, allowing only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck to touch the collar.
Will not touch the ears or protrude under the front band of headgear.
Cleanly shaven heads, military high-and-tight or flat-top cuts are authorized. Prohibited examples (not all inclusive) are mohawk, mullet, cornrows, dreadlocks or etched design.
Sideburns will be straight and even width (not flared), and will not extend below the bottom of the orifice of the ear opening. Sideburns will end in a clean-shaven horizontal line.
Mustaches, if worn, will be conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme) and will not extend downward beyond the lip line of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from both corners of the mouth.
Beards are not authorized.
Fingernails must be clean and well-groomed.
Nail Polish is not authorized.
Cosmetics are not authorized.
Earrings or Gauges are not authorized.
Jewelry will be plain and conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme) as determined by the SASI and/or ASI. All cadets are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, eye brows, lips, or any exposed body part (includes visible through the uniform).
Bracelets. Cadets may wear one bracelet around their wrist. If worn, the bracelet will be conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits, not excessive or extreme, and which is defined as plain, not drawing attention or faddish) in design, no wider than ½ inch, gold or silver in color, and will not have any inappropriate pictures or writing. Medical alert/identification bracelets are authorized; however, if worn, they will be conservative (moderate, being within reasonable limits, not excessive or extreme, and which is defined as plain, not drawing inappropriate attention or faddish). Bracelets espousing support for cause, philosophy, individual or group are not authorized (Exception: Traditional metal POW/MIA/KIA bracelets, which come in colors besides silver, bronze, or gold, remain authorized).
Watches must be conservative and only one can be worn around the wrist while in uniform. Conservative examples (not all inclusive) are solid color black, brown, silver or gold. Prohibited examples are diamond-covered, neon, bright colors, and bands that exceed one inch width.
Rings. Cadets may wear a total of no more than three rings. Rings will be worn at the base of the finger, and will not be worn on the thumb.
Necklaces. Cadets may wear a necklace but it cannot be visible at any time when in uniform. If worn, it must be concealed under a collar or undershirt.
Non-prescription sunglasses or eyeglasses, when in uniform, frames may be black or brown material or gold or silver wire. Brand name glasses may be worn with small logo on frames or lenses. Logo must be same color as frames or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn. Conservative, clear, slightly tinted or photosensitive lenses are authorized. Faddish styles and mirrored lenses are prohibited. Sunglasses (to include darkened photosensitive lenses) are not authorized in formation.
Contact lenses will be natural looking in shape and design while in uniform. They will be clear in color and not change the color of the cadet’s natural eye color.