For example, the Army has the AR 670-1 while the Air Force has the AFI 36-2903. Therefore, to know if eyelash extensions are allowed, we’ll take a look at each branch’s regulations.
Read on to discover the specific rules, nuances, and regulations concerning eyelash extensions for Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel in detail today.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Are Eyelash Extensions Allowed in the Military?
Because each branch of the U.S. military has its own dress code and regulations, it is impossible to know if lash extensions are allowed in the military without looking at each military branch individually.
For reference, there are currently 6 branches of the United States Armed Forces:
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Marine Corps
- U.S. Navy
- Air Force
- U.S. Space Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
In this article, I take a deep dive into whether or not you can wear lash extensions in the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
Are Eyelash Extensions Allowed in the Army?
The U.S. Army stipulates soldiers must dress conservatively from head to toe. The code explicitly states that appearance must be natural enough not to attract attention to the soldier. Eyelash extensions make no exception and are not authorized according to Army Regulation 670–1.[1]
These regulations apply to “regular Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S Army Reserve, Army Civilians, Army Veterans, Training Corps, Corps of Cadets, and U.S Military Academy when in uniform”
However, these don’t apply to “Chief of Staff of the Army, or former Chiefs of Staff of the Army, each of whom may prescribe their own uniform.”
I urge you not to disobey any AR regulations about fake lashes as it’s a serious offense.
Violating any specific regulations by soldiers may lead to “adverse administrative action and/or charges” according to the Code of Military Justice.
Here’s a video of a U.S. Army eyelash extension wearer talking about her experience with lash extensions in the army.
There are two reasons or situations why you would be allowed to wear your eyelash extensions in the Army.
1. Medical Reason Exception
According to the new AR Regulations 670-1 released in January 2021, “Eyelash extensions are not authorized unless medically prescribed.”[1]
As for the medical reasons for allowing eyelash extensions in the Army, this is a matter of discussion between the soldier and their doctor.
Once you have a medically valid reason, I suggest you also talk with your superior officer regarding the medical obligations to get approval.
2. Off Duty
Army personnel interested in eyelash extensions can wear them when not on duty.
Flaunt your beautiful lashes all you want during vacations!
That said, be prepared to let them go when you’re joining back on duty. And history shows once you get hooked on lash extensions, it’s hard to bid them goodbye. True story!
Are Eyelash Extensions Allowed in the Navy?
Yes, you can wear lash extensions in the U.S. Navy, provided they aren’t too long.
According to the personal apperance regulations in the Navy, “Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are not authorized with the uniform and shall not be worn. Care should be taken to avoid an artificial appearance. Long false eyelashes shall not be worn when in uniform.”[2]
Hence, the regulations don’t say anything about wearing conservative, classic, or short eyelash extensions.
But make sure your false lashes look modest and natural besides matching your natural features. So, loud, fancy, and outlandish styles must be strictly avoided.
If you don’t adhere to the rules, severe punitive actions may be taken against you.
Are Eyelash Extensions Allowed in the Air Force?
Although the United States Air Force didn’t allow eyelash extensions a while ago, the new regulation published on Dec. 4, 2021, now allows them.
According to AFI 36-2903, “Department of the Air Force guidance memorandum regulates female eyelash extensions to natural eyelash color, not to exceed 14 millimeters in length.”[3]
So, both the Classic eyelash extensions and the Natural Sweep styles fit the dress code.
Pro Tip: Check out my article if you want to know more about the different extension styles that would best fit your eye shape.
Check out Missy Lynn, an Air Force soldier, who did an Air Force Beauty Do’s and Don’ts video.
Final Thoughts
The U.S Military has many rules in place regarding hair and facial makeup because military personnel shouldn’t attract unwanted attention to themselves.
The goal is that soldiers in uniform must look uniform too.
Semi-permanent makeup like eyelash extensions isn’t allowed at all in the Army when on duty.
However, the regulations about eyelash extensions in the Navy and Air Force are slightly different. You aren’t allowed to wear long eyelashes in unnatural colors in the Navy. On the other hand, the Air Force allows lash extensions of lengths up to 14 mm.
The takeaway here is that your extensions should look natural. Classic eyelash extensions are a good choice because they are carefully attached to match the wearer’s lashes’ natural curl, length, and thickness. They can look gorgeous, natural, and modest too!
For example, this classic natural full set enhances the natural lashes and results in a very natural-looking set of lashes.
In case of any doubts, consult your superior officer before going for a specific style of lash extensions. This way, you won’t be penalized if your lash extensions aren’t appropriate.
– Asako 🙂
Additional Readings on DivineLashes.ca: Would you like to know when you can or shouldn’t wear eyelash extensions? Check out my article on wearing lash extensions for nurses and if you can get eyelash extensions when pregnant. Also, read my guide on how to get very natural-looking eyelash extensions.
References
- U.S Army (2021). Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30302-AR_670-1-000-WEB-1.pdf (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
- Chapter Two- U.S Navy Uniform Regulations (Grooming Standards). Retrieved from https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Uniform-Regulations/Chapter-2/2201-Personal-Appearance/ (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
- Department of the Air Force (2020). AFI 36-2903 Updates. Retrieved from https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-2903/dafi36-2903.pdf (Accessed 7 April 2022).
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