Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps

Personal Appearance/Grooming Standards.

The following are MINIMUM standards. They apply whenever a midshipman is in uniform or in unit spaces.

Men’s Hair:

  1. Hair will be neat, clean, and present a groomed appearance. When groomed it may not touch the ears, collar, or extend below the eyebrows when headgear is removed.
  2. Hair will be above the ears and around the neck shall be tapered from the lower hairline upwards and at least ¾ inch and outwards not greater than ¾ inch to blend with hairstyle.
  3. Hair on the back of the neck will not touch the collar.
  4. Hair will be no longer than 3 inches.

Women’s Hair:

  1. When in uniform, hair on the back of the head may touch but not extend past the lower edge of the collar.
  2. Hair must be fastened, pinned, or secured to the back of the head with inconspicuous pins. Pins, combs, and barrettes may be worn if they match hair color, but not gaudy ornaments and ribbons. In no case shall the bulk of the hair exceed 2 inches. Bulk is defined as the distance that a mass of hair protrudes from the scalp.
  3. Hair must not show under the front of the garrison cap or under the front of the combination cover.
  4. Various hairstyles are permitted as long as they are not exaggerated. Faddish and outrageous multicolor hair, stripes, or designs cut into hair are not authorized.

Facial Hair:

  1. The wearing of a beard is not authorized.
  2. A mustache must be neatly trimmed and according to specific regulation.

Fingernails:

  1. For men shall be kept trim so as not to extend past the fingertips. They shall be kept clean.
  2. For women shall not exceed ¼ inch measured from the fingertip. Nail polish shall be a soft shade, complimentary to skin tone.

Jewelry:

  1. The wearing for jewelry is authorized for all personnel, provided it does not present a safety hazard and is in accordance with the following guidelines.
  2. Only one ring per hand is authorized excluding the wedding ring and the engagement ring.
  3. Earrings are not authorized for men.
  4. For women one earring per ear may be worn at the woman’s discretion. Earrings shall be a 6 mm ball (1/4 inch), plain with a brush matte finish, screw-on, or post-type. Gold color. Small single pearl earrings are authorized for wear with dinner and formal dress.
  5. Only one necklace may be worn and it shall not be visible.
  6. Only one watch and bracelet may be worn. Ankle bracelets are not authorized.