Clipper Cuts- Flying Tigers
For the gentlemen attending BCT, having their haircut is probably one of the more memorable moments of BCT. And just when they might start feeling a little bit like themselves again with their hair growing back, USAFA sends them back to the Barbar Shop to have their hair buzzed again. This should however be the last mandatory basic buzz cut while at the Academy.
In case you are interested, here is a summary of the Air Force Grooming Standards. The most basic rule is that hair must be clean, well-groomed, and neat with only natural hair colors, including dyed hair. Additionally, use of an excessive amount of grooming aids is a no-no. The hair must not touch eyebrows when groomed, and it may not protrude below the front band of properly worn headgear. However, it is OK if hair is visible in front of a woman's flight cap.
Hair ties may be worn for safety, but they must be made of cotton or synthetic material; be of a conservative, solid color similar to the individual’s hair color; be strong enough to support and control hair, and contain no metal fasteners.
Hairstyles for men must have a tapered appearance on both sides and back, both with and without headgear. A tapered appearance is one that when viewed from any angle outlines the individual’s hair so that it conforms to the shape of the head, curving inward to the natural termination point. Block cut is permitted with tapered appearance.
The Air Force prohibits both women and men from wearing their hair in what it deems to be extreme or fad hairstyles, particularly in such a way that exceeds length or bulk standards or violates safety requirements.
Men's hair cannot touch the ears, and only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar. It may not exceed 1.25 inches in bulk—regardless of length—and may not exceed 0.25 inch at the natural termination point. Hair cannot have any visible foreign items attached to it.
Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut, and they need to be straight and of even width (not flared) and end in a clean-shaven horizontal line. They cannot extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening.
Women must wear hairstyles that present a professional appearance. They may wear plain and conservative pins, combs, headbands, elastic bands, and barrettes similar to the individual’s hair color.
The Air Force updated the rules in 2018 to eliminate the minimum hair length for women. It also expands the maximum bulk from 3 inches to 3.5 inches, but it requires that all airmen be able to properly wear their headgear. The update also now permits a hair style known as locs, which "must be lightly fused or interwoven to present a neat, professional appearance."
The regulations for acceptable Women's hairstyles has recently changed and they are allowed more variety. Previous policies permitted a ponytail, small locs, twists or braids-but they could extend no farther than the bottom of the uniform collar.
Starting in February 2021 female service members are being allowed to wear their hair in a single braid, two braids or a ponytail that extends as far as the bottom of the shoulderblades and does not continue past the bottom of the uniform's short sleeves. Women will also be able to wear bangs that touch their eyebrows, not not cover their eyes.
With all that said, these basics are in training so they get the good ole buzz cut! Since this is clipper cuts, only the males went back for a clean up.
To view photos from Clipper Cuts, go to CLASSES > 2025 > BCT-1. Select your squadron. At the top of the page, make sure your Sort Photos is set OLDEST to NEWEST. Select your start page. Or you can click the link below.
*** Sort Photos must be Oldest to Newest otherwise the link will not take you to the correct page.