Remember when we told you about the US Army's new regulations on hair? Well we have an update for you.
Hello Beautiful reports that the military seems to be pulling back from its strict rules when it comes to how female officers are allowed to wear their hair.
Earlier this year, new regulations for women were put into place that prevented a lot of hairstyles, particularly those worn predominantly by women of color.
Army Regulation 670-1 prohibited female soldiers from wearing their hair in "twists, dreadlocks, Afros and braids" during deployment. The reasons given for these new rules described the natural styles as "matted" and "unkempt."
The consequence for not adhering to the rules meant that women would have to either cut their hair or wear a wig.
Controversy swirled around these new hair mandates, set forth by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Many felt and still feel the rules directly target black women. To combat the regulations, a petition was started by Sgt. Jasmine Jacobs of the Georgia National Guard and it seems to have paid off.
In a letter to Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman, Hagel addressed the changes being made to the rules released back in March.
"At my direction, over the last three months, each Military Service reviewed its definitions of authorized and prohibited hairstyles, and eliminated offensive language, including the terms 'matted and unkempt' from both the Army and the Air Force grooming regulations," Hagel stated.
"Each Service reviewed its hairstyle policies to ensure standards are fair and respectful while also meeting our military requirements."
So what does this mean for women and their chosen hairstyle?
Women in the Army will be allowed to rock cornrows and other approved styles of braids. Women in the Air Force are allowed to wear their hair in French Twists and Dutch braids.
Within the Navy, the only rule is that women keep their heads covered and any hair is allowed to hang no lower than the collar.
And this doesn't seem to be the end to the hair amendments. Officials are said to be forming a "special uniform board this summer to consider the expansion of authorized hairstyles."
What's your take on this hairy subject? Tell us with a note below!