Grooming Standards

How you appear to others when you are in uniform matters. You represent not just yourself, but your family, the NSCC, and the Navy as well. Cadet who always appears unkempt will not last very long in the USNSCC. However, a cadet who looks sharp in his/her uniform will often be looked up as a leader or role model.

First Offense: If your appearance is out of regulation, as described below, when you arrive to a Sea Cadet event or activity (including drill), you will be informed and the problem explained and documented, with the expectation that the problem is fixed before the next event, and for every event thereafter.

Second Offense: The offense will be documented and you will be asked to correct the issue immediately on-site, if possible (Ex: Shaving, removing jewelry). If the issue cannot be corrected on-site (Ex: Haircut), it is expected that it is corrected before the next event, and for every event thereafter.

Third Offense: The offense will be documented. If the issue cannot be corrected on-site (Ex: Haircut), you will be dismissed from activities immediately until you are able to correct the issue.

HAIR

  • Hair for all must be kept neat, clean, and well-groomed

  • Hair styles must not interfere with the proper positioning of cover (hat)

  • Hair coloring must be natural. Faddish and outrageous colors and styles are not authorized.

Males:

  • Hair around ears and neckline must be tapered away from ears and neck to blend with hairstyle

  • Hair at neckline must not touch the collar; around ears must not touch the ears; at the forehead must not touch eyebrows nor be visible below the front edge of cover (hat)

  • Hair must be no longer than 4 inches in length, and the bulk must not exceed 2 inches (measured from the scalp to the outside of the hairstyle)

  • Sideburns must not extend below the middle of the ear and must end with a clean-shaven, horizonal line

Females:

  • Short Hair: Bulk must not exceed 2 inches (measured from the scalp to the outside of the hairstyle), and must be long enough to prevent the scalp from being readily visible

  • Angled hairstyles must have no more than 1 ½ inch difference between the front and the back

  • Bangs cannot extend below the eyebrows

  • Hair can touch but not fall below the back of the collar without being pulled into a bun or other acceptable style

  • Long Hair: Defined by hair length that extends beyond the collar. Long hair must be restrained. Click here to review acceptable hairstyles per the U.S. Navy standards.

FACIAL HAIR