Women in the Marine Corps can now wear their hair in locks and twists as a part of their uniform for the first time ever.
“For some, this change is culturally liberating, has financial benefits, and is simply convenient,” Staff Sgt. Cherie Wright, the woman who pushed a review of the approved hairstyles, is quoted as telling Marine officials.
Early 2014, the Defense Department ordered that all services renew their hair policies for women after growing concern that the regulations didn’t account for the way black women take care of their hair.
Wearing these styles come with stipulations, however. Marine Corps Uniform board 215 authorized two-strand twists and thin locks for women in uniform as long as they are neat, professional looking and don’t interfere with military headgear. Locks can be any length, however, they have to be parted in square or rectangular shapes. Military.com reported that Marines should follow the specific size regulations outline when wearing twists and locks"
All locks and twists must be no wider than 3/8ths of an inch in diameter. Conspicuous hair accessories and 'faddish' or 'eccentric' hairstyles are still off-limits.
Though the Marine Corps is the first military branch to permit locks, their policy change comes after the Navy began allowing two-strand twists and larger buns to accommodate black female sailors in uniform.
H/T Black Enterprise
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