Braids and ponytails allowed in U.S. Air Force! | Elora Jean

The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to update its standards for grooming this February, which will allow women to wear up to two braids or a single ponytail in uniform!
READ THE STORY HERE:
bit.ly/3pgYYjC
UPDATED* DRESS & APPEARANCE REGULATION:
bit.ly/2Zxkdmd
*as of Feb. 2021
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[@karinamurphy6645]

Even Ariana grande talks about how much of a pain it has been for her scalp always doing her signature ponytail lol people don’t realize how much it can hurt to have tight buns all the time.

[@Emperor_of_China]

Elora should do a story on this. twitter.com/wahaaaa123/status/1396287578307907584?s=19

[@emijahsudler7570]

I can’t wait. Them buns was taking my edges

[@crystalrobins1378]

Fr!! No one talks about this!

[@graceduke9467]

I got SO excited when they told us. I'm in AFROTC and I've always struggled with putting my shorter hair In a bun

[@tashaelove704]

15 years in the Airforce. I'm trying it for the first time today.

[@eyeamLadyDi]

Wow, I saw this on tiktok. This woman was showing her daily life in the airforce.

[@jamiela-taylia7480]

What’s her TikTok?

[@eyeamLadyDi]

@@jamiela-taylia7480 oh my! Idek😭 im sorry

[@shelbystevens2558]

So hyped for this for when I join in a few years... I can't do buns to save my life!

[@genesis-kb6gp]

THE BANGS CHANGE IS A WIN!!! IVE HAD BANGS FOR 3 YEARS IM SO USED TO MY FACE W THEM I WAS SO BUMMED I WOULD HAVE TO PIN THEM BACK SOON BUT NOW I DONT HAVE TO!!!

[@diad80]

I cant explain how happy I am over this change! I leave for bmt in march. I have had locs for 7 years. Thats 7 years of an up and down journey with my hair. I was unfortunately planning on cutting them just last week because of how much suffrage I would put myself through trying to maintain a military standard bun. Thankfully I didn’t cut it! Then I get this amazing news! Another reason why Im happy I chose the Air Force. It seems to be a more progressive and inclusive branch.

[@braydenash4915]

BMT might be different I would definitely check with your recruiter first!!

[@EloraJean]

Even if your recruiter tells you to cut your hair, wait until you get to BMT. Mention the update to the regulation and say you prefer wait to be sure. BMT *should* in theory allow braids or ponytails since it’s an Air Force wide regulation, but if the installation commander or MTI there decides otherwise...youre out of luck. I would def wait.

[@diad80]

@@EloraJean Thank you so much! Will do.

[@DomingaShataun]

wow! I don't think I've been this early lol! 💞

[@Keisha_Kay32]

HEY GIRL HEYYYY

[@brandneweyes4095]

LUCKYYYY ugh. Wish Navy would let us do that

[@alicaljungberg3742]

haha zoomies rule! At least you still get the most beautiful uniform in the world. those hot whites.

[@gmistakes]

This is so refreshing to hear, I've been growing my hair out and practicing my buns! But ponytail is perfect for me when I join

[@Trash.baby.2004]

I saw that the army can too!! I’ll have to ask my recruiter if I’m gonna get shit for that but 😍French braids instead of a tiny little ponytail every day!!! I’m happy about this one. Woman can have corn rows, locs and twists now!! That’s amazing for black women.

[@afreeman0024]

Just got the call I’m leaving Feb 2nd!!! Thank you so much for your videos🙏 Wish me luck

[@EloraJean]

I hope it goes well! Enjoy it :)

[@Department_of_Defense]

@@EloraJean When are you going to make more video content Elora Jean?? Your videos here are much more informative than your content on the other platforms.

[@melissaherndon3211]

we got options!

[@mariahhammond6583]

Over here praying that on February 10th the reg says maintenance women are allowed to at least wear braids when not actively working on something 🤞😭 (if anyone is reading this is AGE, I think we can all kinda agree we’re one of the few MX jobs that can get away with at least a braid tucked into our shirts. Idk how many times I’ve almost gotten stuck in a unit because of my bun!!) Regardless, super impressed with what CMSAF Bass has done for the force so far! We went from one great leader to another Now for the men, get together and do what these ladies did for the change! So many men in the force have such bad reactions to shaving every day. DOCUMENT IT! Even if you don’t get a waiver, document it! The more men that prove shaving every day is a hazard to their health and join together they’ll for sure get beards. I myself have seen men with bad ingrown hairs and infections from shaving everything and they’re getting denied shaving waivers.

[@madisonpolston2028]

Dude I saw this and was like yaaaaaassssss

[@JennyLliana]

Thanks for sharing this information! That great for women in the force

[@insertbasicuserhere9716]

Super helpful, thank you! Starting the process of growing my hair out right now and it’s so hard to find styles for all those stages while keeping it in regs

[@niyahlittlepage5708]

Yesss, I saw this and immediately got excited for a new vid.

[@chelsea2059]

I am so stoked!!!

[@hawghawg381]

Can't tell Airforce thank you for your service... they are civilians.

[@skyefinnestad2257]

I was so excited, but my hair is A LOT longer than that ):

[@EloraJean]

I’ve seen this comment a lot, which I believe can easily be resolved by twisting the hair up into itself to make it seem shorter than it is. I’m sure there are plenty of tutorials out there demonstrating how to do this :)

[@jeorginasilva9703]

Video on how you would style it!! ❤️

[@CouncilOfTheWolf]

Happy for the ladies, but I feel a bit excluded as a guy. The Air Force spends all this money for training so everyone is equal regardless of race, gender, religion, etc., then are super hypocritical regarding changes like this. *Some men* get acne, ingrown hairs, irritation, and bleeding from shaving, just as *some women* get migraines or hair damage from putting their hair in a bun. Yet for some reason all women can now have ponytails and all men can't go a day without shaving unless they get a waiver, which is also like impossible if they're white. And some men feel better about themselves with facial hair too. On top of that, women already had choices to not put their hair in a bun whereas men have no choice at all. Again, this is a positive move for women, but big AF deserves to be called out for their unfair application of rules.

[@spideysenses4275]

i don’t disagree but it’s a lot of women who suffer from tension alopecia not just some

[@danielh6015]

Feeling better about yourself isn’t one the things the military is concerned about . Honestly if shaving your face is is going to be your biggest issue with serving , I think you will be greatly surprised if you join

[@CouncilOfTheWolf]

@@danielh6015 I'm simply applying the same reasoning for allowing pony tails as stated by Elora (which is big AF's stance) to the men's shaving case. And women have to deal with more than just putting their hair in a bun when joining the military too. Again, it's about applying rules equally.

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

That's an unwritten rule outside the military as well for us. Especially in the South, if you show up to a meeting you are almost expected to be cleanly shaven. Studies show to this day that people trust shaved men more. Not sure why. Perhaps it says he takes care of himself? While that might matter less if you are an accountant it matters more if you are trying to sell a car.

[@niyahlittlepage5708]

I’m not a male so I can’t relate, but I do agree that the AF should increase their equality practice. Chances are, lots of women brought attention to the issue and were granted the opportunity to diversify their hair. With that being said, I believe that the issue that you’re bringing up with shaving should be brought into light, otherwise nothing will be done about it.

[@1111Paiste]

Good for the USAF for making a well-rounded, well informed decision. The USAF was already moving in a more progressive direction when I served in the late 80s/ early 90s.

[@loraynegulbrandsen6580]

oh my god ive never clicked this fast.

[@abbieamavi]

*this is such a big move for POC and just women in general, yay!!* 🤘☺️

[@de3saura]

I hope they start at BMT soon cause I leave February 23rd😭

[@BBMustache]

I’m so excited!!!

[@laurajolley3305]

I left the Air Force in 1992. This would have been wonderful.

[@oborotsuki6sai]

Wow bangs!? Wow

[@morganhouston1637]

Do these regulations also apply at BMT?

[@LynnGirl16]

I hope so!!!! I'm in DEP now.

[@KatieKicks]

Likely, considering they enforce the same AFIs :) while you are there, they teach you 36-2903.

[@mckenziehartley7700]

I’m going to basic feb 2nd, do you think this applies to bmt as well or just active?

[@TheMantha0728]

If it is in the official AFI then yes you should be able to wear it. I wouldn't do it without confirming the updated 36-2903 has been published when you go to BMT. However, I wouldn't be surprised if an old-fashioned MTI isn't a fan of it. If you do choose to wear it like that just make sure you know the reg back to front and can use that as a defense if questioned.

[@meishebarber1407]

I’m going to basic on Feb 2nd also!! See you there :)

[@shaynac3965]

i would assume they would allow it so they can correct you if its wrong

[@jasminrose7019]

I ship out the 16th next month. Army is changing their hair regulations as well.

[@erdemmemisyazici3950]

*gasps* 😮 Blasphemy! 😄 That's wonderful. Military folk by the numbers are about 1% of the global population, but you'd think 100% if you live in a military college town where everyone's been in the Navy 😄 I'm glad some outdated ideas are being reformed to better reflect society as a whole.

[@biancafranco1789]

I am so excited for this! My head hurts so much because of my buns

[@LloydNance]

Love your content.

[@expedition_em]

Do you think females will continue to have to wear buns at BMT to make sure they are ready for any deployment or occupation? (Like preparing them for a hazard prone job they will have to wear a bun at?)

[@mariahhammond6583]

I’d imagine they’d still teach the buns because of discipline

[@expedition_em]

@@mariahhammond6583 that’s what I’m thinking

[@Blackmittens]

Would woman with longer hair be able to wear these styles still? Like if their braid or ponytail reaches mid back?

[@danielh6015]

There is still a length requirement which she showed so mid back would be too long

[@samimurray6838]

No, mid back is too long according to the regulations.

[@willpotter22]

Damn gorgeous!

[@special_warfare]

Elora Jean... people really don't realize how important this information is. I'm still informing others of this good news by sharing your video. Really... all your videos are great but... I really like this one. It's progress. Air Force women are really awesome. Every single one of you. 🇺🇸🤍

[@ivanajohnson3387]

What about the color of hair different thinks like that

[@TheOlivejuice2013]

WOO FREAKING HOO!!!

[@goldfish544]

This is awesome! Do you know if these changes will also apply to AFJROTC? I imagine they would.

[@goldfish544]

Update, I'm in AFJROTC and my unit started using the new hair reg at the start of fourth quarter/ halfway through march.

[@imunderyourbed358]

@@goldfish544 nice!! I’m joining the AFJROTC next year so it’s good to know I can do these hairstyles if they support it

[@Keisha_Kay32]

OOOP, AFI CHANGES!!?!?!

[@ariellebro]

That is awesome!

[@braydenash4915]

Yesssss!! Let’s get beards for the men!!

[@caitlinhackbarth7971]

Is this just Air Force or army too?

[@Keisha_Kay32]

Just AF

[@Keisha_Kay32]

I hear Army is also working on changing their hair regs to be inclusive

[@Iamregina33]

Army already changed the hair standard

[@uwillnevahno6837]

What's next mullets for males?

[@hayleemeske8067]

Does this also mean BMT will allow it as well? Come February

[@Keisha_Kay32]

Please let it beee

[@emijahsudler7570]

I was told BMT would still wear buns but things are changing, it could happen!

[@camidelude4704]

Hi Elora. I have a really important question for you about the Air Force. Are you allowed to take anti depressants? I have done some research and couldn't find a lot so I was wondering if you knew.

[@ShutUPAndPlay64]

Taking meds or having a history of depression or other disorders typically disqualify someone from joining.

[@ariana.arroyo]

You have to be off of them for at least 2 years in order to qualify.

[@ladym994]

Will this be allowed in BMT training for reservist

[@emirubio1]

I saw the ponytail situation; I thought it looked unkempt and unprofessional as worn in the utility uniform

[@thaydancini2252]

Elora are you allowed to die your hair different colors than what you were born being in the air force??

[@robertf6409]

BEAUTY! 😁

[@kayla-ll5mx]

this would apply to the Air Guard right? (i’m sure it does but i want to double check)

[@EloraJean]

Correct. Air Force active duty, reserves and guard all follow the same guidelines.

[@brandyyoung5085]

Very professional

[@darcyhess1947]

Hi Elora, I’m looking to join the Air Force in a few months and was wondering if you know anything about the Air Force making the Covid vaccine mandatory? I’ve been looking this up but can’t find any answers

[@EloraJean]

As of now the COVID vaccine is 100% voluntary.

[@darcyhess1947]

@@EloraJean Thanks so much for your reply! This really helped!

[@ShutUPAndPlay64]

Has anyone ever seen someone in bmt with an undercut? I got one and it hasn’t grown out much since October to be put in my ponytail lol. Idk what to do with my hair now.

[@neptune6865]

!!!!

[@RyandoSparks]

I fully support the change, but the reasoning for not allowing beards is trash. Statistically there are more men suffering from pseudofolliculitis barbae than women suffering from alopecia. Also their reasoning for allowing this other than medical directly applies to men as well. This was horribly communicated.

[@RyandoSparks]

@C Woods if regulated, no. They would be able to limit length to allow a seal to still be possible. Also, there could be location specific policies and job specific policies when necessary. A seal can still be achieved with a 1/4” beard.

[@walruspolishing9153]

Beards should be authorised cmv

[@goat3111]

Russian military: makes lightweight battle suit which can take bullets that would damage light armor vehicles Us military:

[@Buzgal]

ITS A LOW PONY, not that exciting lol

[@EloraJean]

Agree to disagree :)

[@Buzgal]

@@EloraJean by no means I say it's not a great thing and I rather the bun, but the French military is allowed to have nice pony up! I wish we got that instead of CBRNE pony style

[@emilyreign9466]

fr

[@Liliana_Mend0za]

Do they let women shave their heads😅

[@TacomanDezzy]

I agree on all the new styles except the dual braids. That looks unprofessional imo

and yet no one cares what you think.

[@mylesgxtreme2106]

First

[@twentysecondcenturywoman]

Looks unprofessional, whatevs tho.

[@freshswagga100]

And guys get...nothing - go figure.