For women in the U.S. Army, changes to regulations and grooming standards announced Tuesday morning (opens in new tab) mean not only more freedom of expression but also some much-needed support. Sergeant Major Mark Anthony Clark of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Army General Staff, said the Army's grooming standards are designed to help soldiers present a "clean and professional appearance." They now include lipstick, nail polish, earrings, and hairstyles like braids, twists, and locks as opposed to buns. Clark announced, "In an effort to stem the damage and loss of hair caused by hairstyles like the bun, the Army has approved healthier hairstyle options that are more inclusive of a variety of natural styles."

Additionally, breastfeeding and lactating soldiers are now allowed to wear undershirts to accommodate their needs. These changes came just days after President Biden overturned the ban on transgender people in the U.S. military. Lieutenant General Gary Brito said, "When it comes to inclusiveness and fairness in our ranks, we know that actions speak louder than words." 'I believe the changes we announced today are an example of a policy that puts our people first.'