U.S. Army Lifts Ban On Dreadlocks

It's about time.

The U.S. Army has lifted the ban on dreadlocks, freeing black women in the army from having to decide between their hair and serving their country.

The ban against locs, twists and braids was instated in April 2014, facing instant backlash from black women who find these protective styles the most practical to wear when in service. The Army unbanned braids and twists amidst the criticism, but the ban on locs remained.

YouTube guru Nikky Nwamokobia, who runs the channel Green Beauty, created a video requesting a removal of the ban on locs in the Army in September.

In January 2017, the loc ban was finally reversed. According to the New York Times, the latest change was made in the Army’s Army Regulation 670-1 grooming regulations, which states that each loc, twist or braid must be “of uniform dimension; have a diameter no greater than a half-inch; and present a neat, professional and well-groomed appearance.”

While it doesn’t look like freeform locs are a part of this lifted ban, this is most certainly a victory for black women and men who wear natural styles in the military.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the date the ban was lifted.

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Diana Ross

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