USA: Soldiers will be allowed to wear ponytails and earrings in the future

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US soldier (archive image): Previously, women in the troop had to tie their hair in a bun

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TIM SLOAN / AFP

The Pentagon has revised regulations on the appearance of women in the military.

In the future, US Army soldiers will be allowed to wear ponytails, nail polish and earrings.

The US Department of Defense announced on Tuesday.

Accordingly, among other things, the number of permitted hairstyles was expanded.

For example, women soldiers with long hair no longer have to tie it together in knots.

Women in the US Army had complained that the buns under the helmets were uncomfortable.

In addition, there has long been a debate about whether the strict regulations discriminate against some population groups.

In 2014, for example, the Pentagon had various hairstyles banned.

Since the hairstyles in question are common among African American women, the Pentagon was then confronted with accusations of racism.

The loosening of the regulations for female soldiers is now the result of an examination that the former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper ordered last year.

This was part of a broader study of racism and discrimination against minorities in the US Army.

"This is about an army standard and how we can move forward with the army and be a more diverse, inclusive team."

Sergeant Major Michael Grinston, Army Chief Crew

According to the new rules, long women's hair is generally allowed in the future, but must be held together or braided in ponytails during physical training sessions.

The relaxed rules now also include numerous braided hairstyles that are more natural than a topknot for different hair types.

This includes braids and cornrows, which are common among women with afro hair.

In addition, the new rules stipulate that the hairstyle must fit comfortably under the helmet.

In addition, soldiers will in future be allowed to paint their nails and apply lipstick.

However, certain colors that are classified as extreme are prohibited.

These include blue, black, purple, and bright red.

Some colors such as pink, green and blue are also prohibited when coloring hair.

"This is not about men and women," US media quoted the Army Chief of Staff, Sergeant Major Michael Grinston.

"This is about an army standard and how we can move forward with the army and be a more diverse, inclusive team."

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