But for most men, beards are still disallowed.
Women’s bangs may now touch their eyebrows, but not cover their eyes, the Air Force also said Thursday.
“This decision is a commitment to supporting the Airmen We Need and sustaining the culture and environment of excellence that will continue to make the Air Force an attractive career choice for Airmen and families,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. said in an Air Force announcement.
The Air Force uniform board convened virtually in November to discuss ideas from Airmen across the Air Force on dress and appearance standards
In all, the Air Force said thousands of women across the Air Force provided feedback, “stating constraints to hair grooming standards resulted in damage to hair, migraines and in some cases, hair loss.”
”In addition to the health concerns we have for our Airmen, not all women have the same hair type, and our hair standards should reflect our diverse force,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “I am pleased we could make this important change for our women service members.”
“No one can take my joy,” said one Twitter user Thursday, called “The Capt Wears Her Mask.” “This is awesome. My phone is blowing up from other AF women so excited about this.”
No one can take my joy. This is awesome. My phone is blowing up from other AF women so excited about this.
— The Capt Wears Her Mask (@AboveRebroach) January 21, 2021
”We remain committed to removing barriers to service,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “In an all-volunteer force, we want fully qualified volunteers who are representative of the nation to see us as a great opportunity to maximize their talent and serve.”
The Air Force cautioned, however, that members must adhere to occupational safety, fire and health guidance, and mishap prevention procedures.
Beards are permitted in conjunction with medical exceptions such as shaving waivers or for approved religious accommodations.
The new rules will be effective on their publication next month, the Air Force said.
Space Force guardians will adhere to the female grooming standards of the Air Force. Eventually, the U.S. Space Force will develop its own policy, the Air Force said.
The Space Force is part of the Department of the Air Force.
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