AR 670-1 - female hair must have inconspicuous fastenings. Yet, headbands authorized? Seems contradictive.

I've been seeing more and more females wearing headbands in uniform (not PTs) and in my opinion, it does not look professional. The regulation doesn't specify a maximum width headband is allowed to be. I've seen female Soldiers with headbands that are 2" + in width, which seem unnecessary to inconspicuously secure your hair. Being a senior NCO, I want to make a correction, but the regulation doesn't give specific guidance on this. It may seem a bit petty, but we are Soldiers and not paid to look cute in uniform.

These are the 4 key phrases that are my go to as a female NCO when dealing with the female grooming standards, because there are so many variables to female hairstyles it's impossible to touch on them all. But these 4 key phrases from AR 670-1 will help you when maintaining the the grooming standards......
1)"If the commander determines it detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties."
2)" Leaders at all levels must exercise good judgment when interpreting
and enforcing this policy."
3)”The requirements for hair regulations are to maintain uniformity within a
military population for female Soldiers while in uniform, or in civilian clothes on duty.”
4)"It is the responsibility of leaders
at all levels to exercise good judgment when enforcing Army policy.”

So if it distracts from a professional uniform appearance, if you are looking at a female soldier and are thinking that a 2+ inch headband is excessive than you are most likely in the right to address it with the soldier.

Hope this helps.

OK... can you post the full text of 670-1 in question... or is this a research project? I am not sure what the issue is... but would like to know, as we use this standard for JROTC.

This is what I saw...

(e) Devices. Hair holding devices are authorized only for the purpose of securing the hair. Soldiers will not place hair holding devices in the hair for decorative purposes. All hair holding devices must be plain and of a color as close to the Soldier’s hair as is possible or clear. Authorized devices include, but are not limited to, small plain scrunchies (elastic hair bands covered with material), barrettes, combs, pins, clips, rubber bands, and hair/head bands. Such devices should conform to the natural shape of the head. Devices that are conspicuous, excessive, or decorative are prohibited. Some examples of prohibited devices include, but are not limited to: large, lacy scrunchies; beads, bows, or claw or alligator clips; clips, pins, or barrettes with butterflies, flowers, sparkles, gems, or scalloped edges; and bows made from hairpieces. Foreign material (for example, beads and decorative items) will not be used in the hair. Soldiers may not wear hairnets unless they are required for health or safety reasons, or in the performance of duties (such as those in a dining facility). No other type of hair covering is authorized in lieu of the hairnet. The commander will provide the hairnet at no cost to the Soldier.

(c) Long length. Long hair is defined as hair length that extends beyond the lower edge of the collar. Long hair will be neatly and inconspicuously fastened or pinned above the lower edge of the collar (except when worn in accordance with para 3–2a(j)), except that bangs may be worn. The regulations for the wear of bangs detailed in paragraph 3–2a(3)(a) apply. No portion of the bulk of the hair, as measured from the scalp as styled, will exceed 2 inches (except a bun, which is worn on the back of the head and may extend a maximum of 3 1/2 inches from the scalp and be no wider than the width of the head).