DAFI36-2903 — Dress And Personal Appearance Of Department Of The Air Force Personnel

DAFI36-2903 governs Air Force dress, personal appearance, grooming, tattoos, uniforms, and related military image standards.

Search DAFI36-2903

  • Publication number: DAFI36-2903
  • Title: DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE PERSONNEL
  • Date: 2024-02-29

View DAFI36-2903 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers hair, sideburns, mustaches, beards, fingernails, cosmetics, tattoos, service dress uniforms, and OCP coats. It establishes limits, prohibitions, authorization conditions, and commander and supervisor responsibilities for appearance standards.

Topics covered

  • Personal grooming standards
  • Male hair standards
  • Mustaches and beards
  • Fingernail and cosmetics standards
  • Tattoos and body markings
  • Service dress uniforms
  • Operational Camouflage Pattern uniforms

Questions and answers

How long can male Airmen’s hair be?

Hair will not exceed 2 ½ inches in bulk, regardless of length and 1/4-inch at natural termination point; allowing only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck to touch the collar (see Figure 3.3.).

What mustaches are prohibited?

Handlebar styles, twists, curls, and goatees are strictly prohibited.

When are beards authorized for male Airmen?

Beards are not authorized unless for medical reasons, when recommended by a medical official and approved by the unit commander, or as authorized pursuant to a request for a religious accommodation.

How long can fingernails be?

Fingernails must not exceed 1/4-inch in length beyond the tip of the finger and must be clean and well groomed.

What cosmetics restrictions apply during field conditions?

Cosmetics will not be worn during field conditions.

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about DAFI36-2903