I need some honest opinions on this. I got a shorter hair cut a while ago, but I have curly hair, and it doesn't always look that great. I am now at an interim where my hair is about to the bottom of my ears, too short to be a bob or be pulled back. I want to get it cut shorter again, I think, but my parents are extremely worried that other people would think I was a guy (I'm a girl), or form other negative opinions of me, both of which are obviously a bad thing. I want it a bit shorter just since it would be so much easier to maintain. What are your experiences with this? Are women with boyish or bad looking pixie cuts ostracized? What would you do if you were me? I did look at some other threads about similar topics, but nothing seemed to specifically fit my situation. Thanks.
Short Female Hair?
- Thread starter KiwiBird
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graceelizabeth51
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Hi! I am fellow female incoming to the class of 25. I don’t know of this is an unpopular opinion, but I think you should do whatever *you* want with your hair (which sounds like cutting it short). If anyone thinks negatively of you because you look “boyish” then I think their opinion is completely irrelevant. Their opinion of you & your gender doesn’t matter at all. People should judge you on your character, not hair.
You want to look professional and have a practical hairstyle. If that means short hair for you, I think you should go for it!
You want to look professional and have a practical hairstyle. If that means short hair for you, I think you should go for it!
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Do whatever you want to do. I have an extremely short pixie cut and get mistaken for a guy all the time - but so do a few of my friends with long hair when they are in uniform...so often it's just people assuming and not actually looking at us. That said - I have always had short hair (with the exception of about 2 years where I attempted keeping it long and gave up because of the insane maintenance time required for my very thick hair).
There are plenty of VERY bad pixie hair cuts in basic - no one will think you are a guy then because they all get their heads shaved. It'll take a while for their hair to catch up and for you to be confused at USAFA. My basic cut was TERRIBLE but so worth it with the extremely short shower times and constant dirt.
You have two good choices for basic, VERY short, or long enough to pull back. Nothing in the shortish category is a good idea because it will be flopping in your face all day, and if you don't go super short, it'll be in your face by the end of basic.
Also note: Old threads on hair are a bit obsolete now! The Women's Initiative Team (WIT) successfully got the female hair regulation changed in February! https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf
There are plenty of VERY bad pixie hair cuts in basic - no one will think you are a guy then because they all get their heads shaved. It'll take a while for their hair to catch up and for you to be confused at USAFA. My basic cut was TERRIBLE but so worth it with the extremely short shower times and constant dirt.
You have two good choices for basic, VERY short, or long enough to pull back. Nothing in the shortish category is a good idea because it will be flopping in your face all day, and if you don't go super short, it'll be in your face by the end of basic.
Also note: Old threads on hair are a bit obsolete now! The Women's Initiative Team (WIT) successfully got the female hair regulation changed in February! https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi36-2903/afi36-2903.pdf
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I'm guessing it is in the appointee handbook - but if not, this is the new regulation, so I doubt they'll change it for basic since part of basic is learning the regs...and these are a little more complicated than the old ones. The only times it's not followed is in environments where it could get caught and is a safety hazard. Most long hair falls out of the bun anyway for the more intense activities (Assault course, Obstacle course, even LRC). You'll need a current cadet to know for sure though - some units lost their minds a bit and commanders paused the change 
BUFF-Driver
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As a freshman, nobody is going to care much. You'll be glad for easy hair in basic training for sure. We all want to look good, but for you as a freshman, it won't matter too much. Grow it out while you're a freshman and by the time you get some freedom as a sophomore, you'll be able to style it as "cute" as you'd like without having to worry about other stressors taking second place to your hair styling commitment.
I cut my hair short for The Citadel. It was definitely a lot easier for me in the morning to get ready than my rommate cause I just had to brush it real quick. I'm trying to grow it out in time for next school year. Yes people will think your a guy at times and may think some things of you, but you shouldn't bother. I didnt tell my parents that I was cutting it as short as I did and they weren't happy, but I was happy to know it made my knob year a lot easier in that department.
@KiwiBird I say cut your hair short. It will be most comfortable and practical for you. You will be fine! There are lots of girls with short styles.
During the academic year, you can chose whether to grow it out or continue to cut it short. The ladies in your squad are best to get advice where to get your hair cut if you prefer a place off campus. My DD gets a simple, straight trim for her long hair at the USAFA barbers.
During the academic year, you can chose whether to grow it out or continue to cut it short. The ladies in your squad are best to get advice where to get your hair cut if you prefer a place off campus. My DD gets a simple, straight trim for her long hair at the USAFA barbers.
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You be you. As for people who might make assumptions about your gender, just ignore. They will figure it out, or not. Voice, face structure, body shape, body language, all contribute. Your voice, how you express yourself, your actions, your eye contact, your command presence, will weigh far more than hair length in the military.
Repeat as needed to yourself, “I am a woman, therefore everything I do is feminine, and I get to choose how I express that.” I spent twenty-six years in the Navy, had braids, buns, short, long. It was whatever I felt I had time for and could keep looking good.
I have known many women in the military with very curly hair, thick hair, thick and curly hair, who had short, easy care pixie cuts. Saves a whole lot of time. You’ll have plenty of upperclass women to observe and learn from.
Have some fun googling “military women short haircuts” and “military women pixie cuts.”
You’ll be too busy thinking about other things and too exhausted to do more than basics until you hit your stride and figure the place out, and you’re in fine company. The more senior you get, the more you will be able to carve out your “look.”
I’ve promised myself to go full pixie when I hit 85 or so and don’t want to do much more than run a finger through my hair. Here’s my target look, the late great actress Jessica Tandy in her late 80’s. No problem mistaking her for a man. In the meantime, check out Charlize Theron. I would bet there are no male cadets who will have that haircut. Of course, you wouldn’t be doing that much make-up in uniform, but that leaves potential for if and when you want to when you have civilian clothes privileges or are in formal dress.
To recap, you be you.
Repeat as needed to yourself, “I am a woman, therefore everything I do is feminine, and I get to choose how I express that.” I spent twenty-six years in the Navy, had braids, buns, short, long. It was whatever I felt I had time for and could keep looking good.
I have known many women in the military with very curly hair, thick hair, thick and curly hair, who had short, easy care pixie cuts. Saves a whole lot of time. You’ll have plenty of upperclass women to observe and learn from.
Have some fun googling “military women short haircuts” and “military women pixie cuts.”
You’ll be too busy thinking about other things and too exhausted to do more than basics until you hit your stride and figure the place out, and you’re in fine company. The more senior you get, the more you will be able to carve out your “look.”
I’ve promised myself to go full pixie when I hit 85 or so and don’t want to do much more than run a finger through my hair. Here’s my target look, the late great actress Jessica Tandy in her late 80’s. No problem mistaking her for a man. In the meantime, check out Charlize Theron. I would bet there are no male cadets who will have that haircut. Of course, you wouldn’t be doing that much make-up in uniform, but that leaves potential for if and when you want to when you have civilian clothes privileges or are in formal dress.
To recap, you be you.
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Yes and yes. I have a deep voice, and got/still get many “sirs” on the phone, and countless “sir…uhMA’AMS” back in uniformed days. Not a big deal, the thought was in the right place. Funny to know it still happens.
usafcellist2026
MSU AFROTC '26
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Back in 8th grade, I cut my hair exactly like a guys, shaved on the sides and long on top. The amount of "sirs" I got was unbelievable.
Adding onto this out of curiosity, are undercuts allowed? I have mine shaved from around the top of my ear down. The rest of my hair reaches down to my collarbone, so it covers the undercut when down but when up in a ponytail/bun it's visible. It's from when I was growing out my hair, and the underneath curled up so I got it shaved out of convenience, also helps since my hair is quite thick.
Adding onto this out of curiosity, are undercuts allowed? I have mine shaved from around the top of my ear down. The rest of my hair reaches down to my collarbone, so it covers the undercut when down but when up in a ponytail/bun it's visible. It's from when I was growing out my hair, and the underneath curled up so I got it shaved out of convenience, also helps since my hair is quite thick.
Just want to chime in on the difference between BCT, 4 degree year, and the rest of your time at USAFA. There are definitely 3 distinct periods with regards to female hair. BCT: Anything to keep it out of your face and the least amount of time to maintain (ie. none). Honestly, short hair is best. C4C academic year: You'll want it to look nice occassionally (Christmas break?) but not take too much time to maintain or struggle with it during training sessions. Longer hair that can be quickly be put up is good but so is low-maintenance short hair. Also, low maintenance is a bonus during CST. I wore my longish hair in two french braids for all of CST (never took them out and dirt/grease cemented it in over time) and it was perfect so long hair can work for that. The rest of USAFA: You'll probably want to look nice and professional at the same time. I'd pick the best combo between what you like in particular (really, who cares if others thing you look male if you like how you look.) and low-maintenance. Long hair is typically easy to put back in a professional way but you will have time for hair care as an upperclassman. You can just get up a little earlier.
"Back in my day... (said with a grandma tone)," we got the BCT cut and it looked terrible on everyone no matter what type of hair we had. Some girls hair grew out faster and nicer than others. It was fine, we all dealt with it. I can not imagine going through BCT with long hair but I know some do it now. For girls going through BCT/C4C year with long hair, I would also plan on a french braid as a ponytail will allow hair to escape and look disheveled or be in your face. As an upperclassman, being able to put hair in a ponytail will be great!
"Back in my day... (said with a grandma tone)," we got the BCT cut and it looked terrible on everyone no matter what type of hair we had. Some girls hair grew out faster and nicer than others. It was fine, we all dealt with it. I can not imagine going through BCT with long hair but I know some do it now. For girls going through BCT/C4C year with long hair, I would also plan on a french braid as a ponytail will allow hair to escape and look disheveled or be in your face. As an upperclassman, being able to put hair in a ponytail will be great!
1. "What other people think is none of my business." --Eleanor Roosevelt. 2. What other people think is telling about THEM, not you! 3. BCT...female shorter the better. You won't have time and no one will care. YOU will appreciate the advantage. 4. Pixie/Buzz cut on a woman is more acceptable than you think! 5. You are an adult now, time to cut the parental strings!
f4fwildcatfm2
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I'm a female and I cut all my hair off for basic. It was so efficient that I've kept it that way all year.
Yeah you will get mistaken as a guy probably. That happens to me a lot which is honestly kinda annoying sometimes. But at least for me having short hair is worth it so you need to ask yourself if you really want it. If so go for it! I haven't been ostracized for it
And your roommates will probably appreciate you being able to help them because you probably will be a little faster at meeting time hacks.
Yeah you will get mistaken as a guy probably. That happens to me a lot which is honestly kinda annoying sometimes. But at least for me having short hair is worth it so you need to ask yourself if you really want it. If so go for it! I haven't been ostracized for it
And your roommates will probably appreciate you being able to help them because you probably will be a little faster at meeting time hacks.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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If my daughter were approaching this fork in the road, I would advise her to do what works for her. Period.
Show up in the best shape to excel and be a good teammate, without distraction of hair or vanity. Regardless of gender, I would give that counsel. Make the decision that works for you to be the best teammate you can be and who cares if people aren’t fans of your hair style?
Haters are everywhere. Win by excelling and not giving the busy bodies any of your attention.
You will be so busy you won’t care about those who talk about others personal appearance or hair styles. And as a friend once told me, it’s hair. Not a tattoo. It isn’t permanent.
Show up in the best shape to excel and be a good teammate, without distraction of hair or vanity. Regardless of gender, I would give that counsel. Make the decision that works for you to be the best teammate you can be and who cares if people aren’t fans of your hair style?
Haters are everywhere. Win by excelling and not giving the busy bodies any of your attention.
You will be so busy you won’t care about those who talk about others personal appearance or hair styles. And as a friend once told me, it’s hair. Not a tattoo. It isn’t permanent.
FlyFalcon
'26, FFS (NWP 2021)
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So I cut and donated my hair this past winter. I had 16 inches. Now I keep a short bob in the front ( ends right at my ears) and a stacked bob the is tailored to my neck ( meaning a bit of it is shaved at the bottom). So far I haven't been called sir and only received complements. I plan on keeping my hair this way because it's much easier to style in the morning and I can still have some fun with it.
mamabear2023
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My teen son and I both got mistaken for members of the service at a restaurant a month or so ago when we wore ballcaps bearing the name of my older kid's service academy. Another patron asked if "you ladies" were in that branch and thanked us for our service. My son's hair was about chin-length. So it cuts (!) both ways! fwiw, there are plenty of women with short hair at the academies. They look great.