Taking the high road....

SFC Dees, I have great respect for what you have accomplished, having over 15 years of service, thriving and kicking butt in a male-dominated field. &nbsp;I hope someday to be much like you.<div><br></div><div>I agree with what the previous posters said about subjectivism. &nbsp;I would just like to add that I've listened to some great NCOs address this subject with others, and three guidelines they gave us regarding our hairstyles were 1) If your hair can be seen from the front while you're wearing a PC, 2) If it's so unique that you never see others wearing the same style, or 3) If more than 1 NCO has questioned you regarding your style, then your hair style is not professional. &nbsp;My favorite NCO told us that in order to be a great leader, everything about our bearing and appearance must be unquestionable and beyond reproach.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Going by the standards I was taught, if you were my platoon sergeant with that hair style, I might look for a different leader to model myself after. I say that with all due respect for your rank and accomplishments. &nbsp;</div>

From one senior NCO to another--- one word. Bulky.&nbsp; I have read the regulation plenty.&nbsp; Spent my DS career explaining this regulation on a frequent basis and the last 13 years as an NCO.&nbsp; Just because you are used to having it, doesn't make it right.&nbsp; And you know its not right because you carry the regulation with you.&nbsp; I would expect that a Senior NCO would set the example.&nbsp; I care not about the 15-6 or your EO complaint.&nbsp; Your question was about your hair.&nbsp; And honestly, in uniform, from that picture.&nbsp; You look unprofessional.&nbsp; First impressions can be lasting impressions.&nbsp; You asked a question and on just about every comment, you became defensive.&nbsp; Again, another sign to me, that you know its wrong.&nbsp; Fix your hair.&nbsp; Everyone here pretty much tells you the same thing.&nbsp; If you don't like it, get out.&nbsp; That easy.&nbsp; If you are the only female out of 300 as you said, EVEN MORE reason to set the example.&nbsp; People always feel its personal when all it really often is.... is professional.

SFC Dees,<div><br></div><div>There are really two things you are talking about - is your hairstyle within regulation and/or is your hairstyle professional.</div><div><br></div><div>Honestly, two totally different things. I say this because the regulation only contains the words "professional military appearance" once and it relates only to the color of the hair, nothing else.</div><div><br></div><div>The regulation specifically states it is up to leaders to determine whether hairstyles are eccentric or conservative (obviously the two extremes), not professional.</div><div><br></div><div>So, with that being said, do I as a CSM think your hairstyle is within regulation - probably so. Is it professional - really doesn't matter, because according to the regulation, it is YOUR leader's interpretation, not anyone else.</div><div><br></div><div>As others have alluded to, continued pursuit of being right may not be your best course of action.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, I do have one question for you - how was your hairstyle in your DA Photo? I wonder if you were so confident in your two-bun hairstyle that you actually had your DA Photo made with your hair that way.</div><div><br></div><div>I ask, because it is similar to the conversation I have with folks who say that 1/4 inch hair on the face is professional, but they shave before going to their DA Photo.</div><div><br></div>