Where can I find the latest Army fingernail guidance?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:19:31 -0500

One of my Soldiers is under the impression that French tips are not authorized by AR 670-1. My understanding is that as long as the nail is not a wacky color and doesn't exceed 1/4 inch past the end of the finger, she's good to go. But I can't find anything more specific than that...was an update released in a MILPER or ALARACT or something?

I'll be honest, to me the nails still allow her to maintain a professional appearance, and it doesn't hinder her work. I'd just like for her to be able to point to something more firm when she's confronted by others.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 10:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:30:28 -0500

This is from AR 670-1 " Females may only wear clear polish when in uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty. Females may wear clear acrylic nails, provided they have a natural appearance and conform to Army standards."

Pretty clear its only clear Sir

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:33:08 -0500

Sir,

AR 670-1 (Pub 20170525) prohibits the wear of nail polish other than a clear coat. I am not aware of any ALARCTs updating this portion of the regulation. The relevant regulation can be found on page 8.

3–2. Hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies
c. Fingernails. All personnel will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed. Males will keep nails trimmed so as not to extend beyond the fingertip unless medically required and are not authorized to wear nail polish. Females will not exceed a nail length of ¼ inch as measured from the tip of the finger. Females will trim nails shorter if the commander determines that the longer length detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties. Females may only wear clear polish when in uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty. Females may wear clear acrylic nails, provided they have a natural appearance and conform to Army standards.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 10:39 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:39:01 -0500

"Females will trim nails shorter if the commander determines that the longer length detracts from a professional appearance, presents a safety concern, or interferes with the performance of duties. Females may only wear clear polish when in uniform or while in civilian clothes on duty. Females may wear clear acrylic nails, provided they have a natural appearance and conform to Army standards"

Depending on how you interpret that, french nails are either good to go or against the regs. I would recommend speaking with the Commander and 1SG to see how they interpret the regs.

But as for me, I would interpret them french nails as a NO GO.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 10:45 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:45:36 -0500

For reference, this is what I'm seeing with a "French tip" manicure.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 26 at 2019 12:25 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 12:25:01 -0500

Two tones are not authorized, with that white tips would not meet the standards set. Commanders can also decrease the 1/4 inch length for safety and appearance if deemed appropriate. It is best to not read into regulations and policies, take them for what they state and verify the local command policies associated with the question. Just because you don’t this kk looks inappropriate will not help your Sokdier when she is confronted by others. Thank you fo your service.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 26 at 2019 1:00 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:00:34 -0500

This is why I always had a problem working with females.. many wouldn't wear work gloves as to not mess up their nails.. the pretty ones would hang out in the 1st Sgt' office... and this would make the Lesbians and regular girls angry ...then all the drama..

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 1:04 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:04:57 -0500

French tips aren't clear. There's no interpretation latitude. Clear means clear, as in no coloration.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 1:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 13:49:47 -0500

...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 10:00 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 22:00:53 -0500

I always liked this clip...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gbDgptNlvA

You look marvelous!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2019 1:26 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 01:26:59 -0500

To my knowledge, french tips are only authorized in the Air Force and Navy; not in the Army. If you work in a joint environment, this could be where some regulations become mismatched.