Army Regulation 670-1 sets the standard for how U.S. Army soldiers should look and dress. In 2025, the Army introduced important updates through official directives that make the rules clearer than ever before. These changes remove confusing language and give soldiers exact measurements and guidelines to follow.
Army leadership made these updates to end confusion and ensure every soldier understands the expectations. The focus is simple: create a uniform, professional appearance across the entire force.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025 AR 670-1 changes, including hair regulations, grooming standards, uniform requirements, and tattoo policies.
What Changed in Hair and Grooming Standards
The biggest 2025 updates focus on hair, giving soldiers specific numbers instead of unclear terms like “neat” or “conservative.”
Hair Rules for Male Soldiers
The Army now uses exact measurements for men’s haircuts to remove any guesswork.
| Hair Component | New Requirement | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Hair on Top | Cannot be more than 2 inches from your scalp | Prevents overly puffy or tall hairstyles |
| Hair on Sides and Back | Cannot exceed 1 inch from your scalp | Creates a tighter, cleaner look around your head |
| Taper or Fade Required | Must start at skin level or 1/4 inch at sideburns | Ensures professional blending and sharp edges |
| No Creative Designs | Zero tolerance for patterns, shaved designs, or uneven cuts | Maintains military uniformity |
These measurements apply whether you’re in your combat uniform or dress uniform. The goal is a traditional military appearance that looks the same across all units.
Hair Rules for Female Soldiers
Female soldiers get more style options while still following specific limits for safety and headgear compatibility.
| Hairstyle Type | What’s Allowed in 2025 | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Ponytails and Braids in Utility Uniforms | Approved for wear; ponytail or braid width limited to 2 inches, hanging no more than 6 inches below top of collar | Cannot wear with dress uniforms (ASU or AGSU) |
| Buns | Must sit on back of head; maximum 3 inches out from scalp; cannot be wider than head width | Must be centered horizontally at ear level |
| Multiple Braids, Locs, Twists | Allowed if styled uniformly and gathered into one braid or ponytail | Individual pieces must look neat and consistent |
| Shaved Heads | Fully permitted; no minimum length required | Hair cannot block headgear or protective gear |
The Army recognizes different hair textures and styles while maintaining standards that work with military equipment.
New Facial Hair and Shaving Profile Rules
Army Directive 2025-13 changed how the Army handles shaving exemptions for medical conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).
Key Changes:
- No More Permanent Profiles: Doctors now issue treatment plans in three phases (30 days, 60 days, then 90 days maximum per phase)
- Time Limit: If your exemptions add up to more than 12 months within any 24-month period, you may face administrative separation
- Religious Accommodations: Beards for religious reasons will be reviewed by your first O-5 commander to verify proper documentation
The Army wants soldiers clean-shaven whenever medically possible, with treatment focused on returning to standard appearance.
Makeup, Nails, and Jewelry Standards
Previous rules about “neutral colors” caused too many disagreements. The 2025 updates give clear yes-or-no answers.
| Item | Male Soldiers | Female Soldiers |
|---|---|---|
| Fingernails | Must be trimmed shorter than fingertip; no polish of any kind (including clear) unless medically required | Cannot extend beyond 1/4 inch past fingertip; only clear polish allowed; square or rounded shapes only |
| Makeup | Not authorized unless medically exempted | Must look natural and match skin tone; no eyelash extensions, colored lipstick, or lip liner (only clear gloss or lip balm) |
| Earrings in Utility Uniform | Never allowed in any uniform or while on duty | Allowed with ACU and APFU only; must be gold, silver, diamond, or pearl studs; maximum 6mm (1/4 inch) diameter |
These standards ensure soldiers maintain a professional military appearance without distracting accessories.
Uniform and Equipment Standards
Beyond personal appearance, AR 670-1 controls what you wear and carry. The term “AR 670-1 Compliant” matters when buying commercial gear. You can find the official regulation at the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate.
Combat Boot Requirements
If you buy commercial boots instead of issue boots, they must meet strict specifications.
| Boot Feature | Must Have | Cannot Have |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Coyote brown (Tan 499) or tan throughout, including sole | Black, green, or mismatched colors |
| Height | Between 8 to 10 inches tall | Short tactical shoes or boots under 8 inches |
| Material | Flesh-side-out cattlehide leather with plain toe; upper can mix leather and non-mesh fabric | Mesh material; shiny or polished leather (except toe cap on organizational boots) |
| Sole Type | Rubber or polyether polyurethane only; height under 2 inches | Metal cleats, side tabs, or soles that wrap around heel or toe |
| Lacing System | Diagonal lacing with excess tucked in or wrapped neatly | Zippers (sewn-in or laced-in); speed laces that don’t allow tucking |
These requirements ensure safety, uniformity, and compatibility with military operations.
Backpacks and Bags
How you carry bags matters in uniform.
Backpack Rules:
- Color: Must be coyote brown, black, or OCP pattern when worn with ACU
- How to Wear: Must be centered on back over both shoulders (not allowed over one shoulder)
- Civilian Bags: Handbags, gym bags, and personal backpacks must be conservative in color and design; carry in left hand only when wearing service uniform (ASU/AGSU), not over shoulder
These rules prevent sloppy appearance and maintain professionalism.
Tattoo Policy in 2025
The Army has relaxed tattoo restrictions over recent years but still prohibits certain content and locations. For comprehensive information on military appearance standards, visit Military OneSource.
| Tattoo Rule | What’s Allowed and Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Content | No tattoos showing extremist views, sexual content, sexism, or racism |
| Prohibited Locations | Cannot have tattoos on head, face, neck (above collar line), or hands (except one ring tattoo per hand) |
| Allowed Locations | Tattoos permitted on chest, back, arms, legs, lower torso, and ring fingers; must not show above collar in any uniform |
The Army doesn’t limit how many tattoos you can have or their size on approved body areas. The focus is on what the tattoo shows and where it’s located.
Why These Standards Matter
Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer explained that these detailed rules go beyond appearance—they reflect professionalism and readiness.
The Army’s message is clear: soldiers must commit to the standard, not just comply with it. This cultural shift emphasizes that following appearance regulations demonstrates dedication to the warfighting profession.
The 2025 updates remove the gray areas that caused inconsistent enforcement. Now every soldier and leader knows exactly what meets the standard.
How to Stay Compliant
Quick Tips:
- Measure Your Hair: Use a ruler to check bulk measurements before duty
- Check Your Gear: Ensure all commercial items meet published specifications
- Review Your Profile: If you have a shaving exemption, understand the phase system and time limits
- Ask Questions: When unsure, consult your chain of command or refer to Army Publishing Directorate for official guidance
- Stay Updated: Army directives can change; regularly check official sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can female soldiers wear ponytails with dress uniforms? No, ponytails are only authorized with utility uniforms like the ACU, not with dress uniforms.
Are clear nail polish and clear gloss the same thing? For males, no nail polish of any kind is authorized. For females, only clear nail polish on nails and clear gloss on lips are allowed.
What happens if I need a shaving profile for more than 12 months? Under the new policy, accumulating more than 12 months of shaving exemptions within 24 months may result in administrative separation proceedings.
Can I wear black boots with my ACU? No, boots worn with the ACU must be coyote brown or tan. Black boots are not authorized.
Are sleeve tattoos allowed? Yes, as long as the tattoo content meets standards (no extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist imagery) and doesn’t extend above the collar line.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 AR 670-1 updates represent the Army’s commitment to clarity and consistency. By replacing vague language with precise measurements and specific rules, these changes help soldiers maintain the professional standard expected of America’s military.
Understanding and following these regulations isn’t just about avoiding corrections—it’s about demonstrating your commitment to the profession of arms and the team around you.
Stay informed, measure carefully, and maintain the standard. That’s what being an Army professional means in 2025.