Women in the Air Force with thicker hair are now able to wear ponytails and braids on duty. The Air Force announced the policy change in late June. A staff sergeant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base says she no longer has to experience pain from twisting her hair into a regulation bun.
Staff Sergeant Nicole Kasl is a medic, a special needs technician, a mom, and the only female athlete on the Air Force High Power Rifle Team. Kasl used to spend two hours smoothing her hair into a bun every morning. She says it would cause headaches and irritation bumps throughout the day because it was so tight.
“It’s definitely not something that I notice anymore," Kasl said. "Like I don't get the headaches, I don't have to deal with my hair snagging at the back of my neck.”
This became possible after the Air Force amended a January decision allowing women to wear braids, ponytails and bangs. The Air Force says it’s been adapting its hair standards to reflect the military’s diversity.