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Commentary | May 14, 2021

Coast Guard hair grooming standards return to normal

By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Allyson E.T. Conroy

As of May 14, the Coast Guard has returned to regular uniform standards, including hair grooming standards and hair length.

Grooming standards were temporarily relaxed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure member safety and support state and local restrictions limiting commercial haircare.

The course of the COVID-19 pandemic within the United States has drastically improved from its peak in January 2021. As a result, states and localities have eased pandemic restrictions and commercial haircare is now widely available in most areas. In addition, all active duty members have been afforded the opportunity to receive the vaccine, which provides personal protection from contracting COVID-19.

Leaders at all levels should continue to apply good judgement, based upon local conditions, to preserve force health protection during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Resources

  • USCG’s COVID-19 website
  • COVID-19: Cancellation of ALCOAST 118/20 - Temporary Relaxation of Hair Grooming Standards During COVID-19 Pandemic ALCOAST 184/21
  • General policy questions should be emailed to COMDT (CG-1331).
  • Technical or procedural Uniform Manual questions should be emailed to Mr. Hayes C. Davis or by phone (202) 795-6656.
Pandemic COVID-19 covid coronavirus grooming standards uniform regulations

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