Snip, Snip: Hair for the Fighting Men

Time for a haircut! Shown here is the typical Mohawk treatment.

One of the things which made the American soldier identifiable was his hair. During World War II, Army regulations briskly commanded the men, “Keep your hair cut short.”

As soon as recruits were sworn in, the young men had to succumb to the clipper-happy barbers for a thorough “scalping.” In less than a minute, he would be shorn of all but a third of his hair as it was reduced to a half-inch crew-cut—the result being known as the “chili bowl.” The U.S. military was convinced that such a haircut was necessary to both cleanliness and sanitation.

Friendly G.I.s (U.S. 83rd Division) sport their approved regulation haircuts—short and neat, no hair touching the ear.

This was only initiatory; before long, the hair would grow out, though servicemen were expected to wear a regulation haircut and remain clean-shaven at all times, if possible. Most G.I.s wore a medium-short tapered cut, trimmed to the nape of the neck and around the ears. Hair was not to touch the ears or the collar, and the sideburns could be no longer than mid-ear. The sides were kept clipped very close, with the top short as well, or if longer, combed back neatly. Such a cut produced a squared-off, unmistakably military silhouette. Beards were only allowed during times when it was too difficult to shave, such as during prolonged combat.

In October of 1944, American Marines on the Palau Islands get their hair cut at makeshift barber shop.

While some airborne divisions became known for their trademark “Mohawks”, standard haircuts were the butch cut and crew cut. The crew cut was a popular choice because it was considered to be athletic and patriotic.

Navy men were often allowed the choice of having longer hair on top. Still, as this photograph shows, it appears well kempt. These sailors are writing a message on the signal bridge, 1945.

In the Navy, sailors sported regulation haircuts also. The usual rule was that they were to be clean-shaven, although it could vary from ship to ship—sometimes facial hair being allowed (it still had to be kept short and trimmed). In submarines, beards and mustaches were seen more often. The sailors who had been shipped off to colder areas were allowed to grow fuller facial hair, since it aided them in the icy weather. This also saved razors and the water aboard ship.  

The U.S. military was not about to tolerate a slovenly appearance in its fighting men.

Photograph Credits- SERVICEMEN: United States Army; HAIRCUT: Vintag.es; SAILORS: U. S. National Archives.