Military haircuts: regulations and origin

The military haircut is not just a matter of taste. This ultra-short haircut is compulsory for soldiers in France and many other countries around the world.

Every year, several hundred young recruits join the troops, and the first question is always the same. What is the cut authorized by the French Ministry of Defence?

Here's a look back at the origins of this haircut and a presentation of the rules laid down by the regulations.

Origins of the military haircut

An appearance in Roman legionary times

Developments in the Middle Ages and under the Ancien Régime

During the Middle Ages and Ancien Régime, the ultra-short haircut gave way to the more fashionable long haircut. During the reign of Louis XVI, the military code specified that hair had to be at least six inches long, or about 20 centimetres. Later, during the Napoleonic era, military men (known as hussars) were required to wear their hair in a cadenette style. This military hairstyle was made up of several braids to protect against saber blows.

A return to ultrashort since the Modern Era

The ultra-short haircut made a comeback in the army after the French Revolution. During the First World War, poilus sometimes had long hair due to the lack of access to shaving, but this exception proves the rule. Even today, this haircut is the norm among French army troops. New recruits are obliged to go through it, and regulations are strict about it. More than just a haircut, the ultra-short haircut of French servicemen embodies the order and discipline of the army.

Find out why French soldiers are called poilus

Why must military personnel have short hair? 

The military cut is not a matter of chance. If its style depended mainly on the fashion of the times, today this choice is entirely justified by the French army. There are three reasons for this ultra-short cut: hygiene, safety and discipline.

A question of hygiene

Living and working conditions in the armed forces are not easy, and access to hygiene is sometimes complicated. Lice and other scalp diseases are common in military camps. An ultra-short haircut not only avoids these parasites, but is also less demanding to maintain than long hair. In this way, the short haircut enables soldiers to remain on mission for several months at a time, while ensuring proper hygiene.

Safety first

The ultra-short military haircut is also explained by the need for security in the armed forces. Long hair can easily get caught on combat gear, tanks and weapons. Worse still, it can obstruct a soldier's vision on dangerous missions, making him more easily identifiable. On the other hand, a short haircut allows the soldier to wear his headgear safely, without it falling off or leaving marks.

The embodiment of discipline

Military discipline is a commitment for every soldier. The neat, ultra-short haircut is the epitome of this. With a short haircut, the soldier demonstrates rigor, severity and seriousness. They embody the main values of the army, right from the moment they enlist. The haircut is also one of the first steps for new recruits.

If you'd like to find out more about military recruitment, read our article explaining how to join the French army! 

Regulated haircuts for military women

Women in the military are not required to wear an ultra-short haircut. However, the regulations do impose several rules on female recruits. Hair must be tied back, and barrettes and elastics must not be visible. Hair must not touch the collar of the military shirt, nor interfere with vision or the wearing of a helmet, kepi or beret.

When on land, a ponytail may only be worn if it does not extend beyond the shirt collar. All ostentatious accessories are strictly forbidden.

Statutory haircuts for men in the army

The rules are strict for the French military. Ministry of the Armed Forces regulations stipulate that hair must be no longer than 3 millimeters to facilitate the wearing of a helmet, kepi or beret. Layering is authorized, provided that a headband does not create a spike. Neck hair should end halfway between the bottom of the ear and the shirt collar. Sideburns must be straight and thin, ending halfway down the ear. Finally, the army prohibits the complete shaving of the skull. An exception is made if the soldier's head is balding due to alopecia or advanced baldness. White hair can be concealed, but only with a natural color.

The soldier's beard must also comply with regulations. Wearing a gas mask requires a strict shave to guarantee the soldier's airtightness and safety. The only soldiers authorized to keep a long beard are those in the Foreign Legion and Special Forces operators.

Statutory haircuts by rank

Regulations vary slightly depending on the soldier's rank. While young recruits must adopt an ultra-short haircut, high-ranking soldiers may allow themselves a longer length. Even so, no extravagance is allowed. However, rising through the ranks in the army requires discipline, rigor and ambition. Simply wanting longer hair can't be a soldier's sole motivation for joining the troops.

Head coverers in the army

In the army, different types of headgear are used. Helmet, kepi and, of course, the famous beret: the right headgear for every occasion! Berets are the embodiment of French soldiers, and their colors vary according to the soldier's regiment: green for the Foreign Legion, dark blue for infantry regiments and red for the French Army.

Would you also like to purchase military headgear? Discover our collection of military helmets, caps, bush hats, military caps, military balaclavas or bobs to protect you from the sun.

If you'd like to wear patches on your military helmet, check out our article explaining how to put patches on your military helmet.