DFRS

POLICES & PROCEDURES
Department Of Fire & Rescue Services
Montgomery County, MD

HAIR GROOMING
STANDARDS


 
 
No. 531
July 8, 1992

PURPOSE
1.0 To provide a standard for hair length and style that ensures and enhances the professional appearance of all on-duty DFRS personnel.

APPLICABILITY
2.0 All DFRS personnel in the Fire Protection Occupational series.

DEFINITIONS
3.0 Bulk - Distance that the mass of hair extends from the scalp (as opposed to length of hair).
3.1 On-Duty - Any time that DFRS personnel in the fire protection occupational series are acting in an official capacity or are on the scene of an emergency incident.

POLICY
4.0 The Department of Fire and Rescue Services requires that all on-duty personnel adhere to the provisions of this policy. (Note: The Department does not expect off-duty personnel to adhere to the provisions of this policy before rendering assistance.)
4.1 Hair must be kept clean and neatly groomed. Males must wear hair in such a way that the hair at the back of the head does not extend more than one-quarter inch below the bottom of a buttoned collar of a uniform shirt while the individual is standing at attention. Females must wear their hair in such a way that the hair at the back of the head does not extend more than one inch below the bottom of a buttoned collar of a uniform shirt while the individual is standing at attention.
4.2 Hair bulk must not exceed two inches from the scalp.
4.3 Hair must not be visible under the brim of headgear.
4.4 Decorative shaved areas and other similar hairstyles are prohibited.
4.5 Hair coloring must be in natural looking hair tones. Colors such as green, blue, purple, etc. are prohibited.
4.6 Hair accessories such as pins, combs, barrettes, and rubber or elastic bands that are similar in coloring to the individual's hair color may be worn.
4.7 Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. Sideburns must be of consistently even width for their entire length; must end in a clean shaven horizontal line; and may extend to the bottom of the ear lobe.
4.8 Beards, and any variation of facial hair that may come in contact with the seal of the facepiece are prohibited.
4.9 Mustaches must be neatly trimmed and worn in such a way that they extend no more than a maximum of one-half inch beyond a horizontal line drawn across the lower edge of the bottom lip. Mustaches must not extend more than three quarters of an inch beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corners of the mouth.
4.10 Personnel must refer to Fire and Rescue Commission Regulation 44-91 "Personnel Hair Safety and Grooming Standards", Section 5(a), for safety issues related to hair length and styles.
4.11 At the discretion of the Director, exceptions to this policy may be made for cause.