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Grooming Standards

NJROTC cadets are required to maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance while in uniform. Grooming standards are based on U.S. Navy and NJROTC regulations and are designed to promote discipline, uniformity, safety, and pride in the unit. These standards apply during NJROTC classes, activities, inspections, and official events.

Cadets are responsible for knowing and following all grooming requirements.

General Appearance Standards

All cadets must:

  • Maintain good personal hygiene

  • Wear uniforms that are clean, pressed, and properly fitted

  • Ensure grooming does not detract from a professional military appearance

  • Meet grooming standards whenever in uniform or representing the unit

Extreme, distracting, or unsafe styles are not permitted while in uniform.

Hair Standards

Hair must be clean, neat, and well-groomed at all times. Hairstyles must allow for the proper wear of uniform headgear and must not interfere with safety or visibility.

Short Hair Standards (Typically Applied to Male Cadets)

  • Hair must be tapered and evenly groomed

  • Hair may not touch the ears or collar

  • Hair must not fall below the eyebrows when headgear is removed

  • Extreme styles, designs, or unnatural colors are not authorized

Long Hair Standards (Typically Applied to Female Cadets)

  • Hair may not fall below the lower edge of the collar when in uniform unless properly secured

  • Long hair must be neatly fastened, pinned, or braided

  • Hairstyles must be conservative and symmetrical

  • Hair accessories must match natural hair color and remain minimal

(Hair standards apply based on hair length and uniform requirements, not personal identity.)

Facial Hair

  • Facial hair is not authorized while in uniform unless permitted by SNSI

  • Mustaches, if authorized, must be neatly trimmed and conservative

  • Beards or goatees are not authorized unless a waiver or accommodation has been approved

Jewelry & Accessories

Jewelry and accessories must be minimal, conservative, and authorized.

General guidelines include:

  • One wristwatch and one bracelet may be worn

  • Small silver ball earrings may be authorized for females in accordance with NJROTC guidance

  • Males are not permitted to wear earrings

  • Necklaces must not be visible while in uniform

  • Body piercings are not authorized while in uniform

Jewelry must not present a safety hazard or distract from the uniform.

Makeup & Cosmetics

  • Makeup, if worn, must be conservative and professional

  • Colors must complement the uniform and natural appearance

  • Excessive or distracting cosmetics are not permitted

Fingernails

  • Fingernails must be clean and well-maintained

  • Length must not interfere with uniform wear or safety

  • Nail colors, if worn, must be conservative and appropriate

Tattoos & Body Art

  • Tattoos must comply with NJROTC and U.S. Navy guidelines

  • Tattoos that are obscene, extremist, or discriminatory are not permitted

  • Tattoos that interfere with a professional military appearance may be restricted

Specific guidance should be reviewed with unit staff.

Responsibility & Compliance

Cadets are expected to arrive in uniform meeting grooming standards. Failure to comply may result in corrective action in accordance with NJROTC and school policies. Cadets unsure about grooming requirements should seek guidance from unit staff before uniform day.