Austrian soldiers now allowed to wear buns and ponytails after court ruling

Friday 22 May 2026 - 16:45

The Austria has revised its military grooming regulations after a constitutional court decision ruled that previous hairstyle restrictions for male soldiers were discriminatory.

Under the updated directive issued by the Ministry of Defence, all soldiers are now required only to ensure that their hair does not obstruct their field of vision, marking a significant shift in long-standing military appearance rules.

The change follows a legal complaint filed by an officer who had been fined for refusing to cut his long hair. The Constitutional Court ruled in April that the previous policy violated principles of equality, as female soldiers were already allowed to wear long hairstyles.

As a result, male soldiers will now be permitted to wear buns, ponytails, braids, or other tied hairstyles, as long as they remain neat and do not interfere with their uniforms or operational duties.

According to the new guidelines, loose hair must not come into contact with the uniform, and any accessories used to tie hair must remain discreet in both design and color. Long hair must be secured and, when possible, tied into a bun, ponytail, or braid.

The original rule had been justified by the Ministry of Defence on the grounds of maintaining uniform appearance and discipline within the armed forces. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that it was inconsistent to apply stricter grooming standards to male soldiers than to female personnel.

The decision has been widely discussed in Austria, a country of around 9 million inhabitants, as it reflects broader debates on gender equality and modernization within military institutions.

Defense experts suggest the reform aligns Austria’s armed forces with evolving European standards, where flexibility in appearance is increasingly balanced with operational requirements and inclusivity.