Table of Contents
Introduction
The haircut donned by members of the Army Rangers is probably one of the well-known military haircuts. This high-and-tight style has been linked to the US military’s Army Rangers special forces unit for many years. Males, in particular, have to get the sides and the back of the head shaved very short while leaving a somewhat longer layer at the top.
The high-and-tight cut has various practical uses in the everyday life of an Army Ranger about his mission during combat. That is why it should be noted that such stormtroopers have close-cropped sides and back – there is very little hair to get in the way when the helmet of a combatant is put on. It also enables one to put on helmets, communication headsets, and other paraphernalia that the Rangers need to complete their tasks.
History and Origins
The army ranger haircut had its background during the establishment of the Ranger battalions during the late 1700s. It was appropriate to have hair short due to functionalism during that time. Long-haired people could easily be grabbed during hand fights, trapped in bushes while engaged in stealth actions, or even caught in fire.
In one year, the very short hair on the sides and back with slightly longer tops were adopted across the entire Army Rangers. It dramatically differed from the haircut used in other parts of the Army or other branches.
The high-and-tight is even present today in the Ranger’s tradition and identities. Since the first creation of the Ranger companies, this style has changed very little.
Subdivision of the Stylish High-and-Tight Ranger Style
Properly trimming hair for an Army Ranger haircut requires both talent, time as well as precision. There are a few key elements that make up the high-and-tight style:
- The Sides and Back: The hair on the sides and back of the head should be close to the skin. Normally, a # 0 clipper guard is used to trim the hair until they are close to the skin.
- The Top: As for the back/sides the hair is closer to the scalp, and the top hair can be significantly longer. Typically at least the top measures 2-3 inches in length. This hair on top is not as short as the crew cut, but still short.
- Description of Fade: The hair on top should be long while the side/back is nearly shaved. Before amputating, a slow and skillful sharp fading clipper work leads to a desirable transition line.
- The Edge Lines: Clean lines at the temple, neck, and above the ears puts the final detail to the Ranger cut. Sharp lines give the style an organized feel.
Having expert barbers who deal with military haircuts requested helps to arrive at this Ranger high-and-tight hairstyle. Any barber close to the bases should be able to tailor a proper Army Ranger haircut without breaking a sweat using clippers, trimmers, and edgers among others.
Check Out: The Classic Military Haircut: Timeless and Organizational Look & Feel.
Army Ranger Haircut Grooming Standards
Staff and Rangers are to ensure they will never compromise the strict grooming policy prescribed by the Army regulations. For the high-and-tight haircut, this means:
- Hair of the lateral and posterior parts of the head must be cut to the level of ¼ of an inch.
- It may not go more than 2 inches on the top when combed or brushed upwards.
- This hairline should be smooth, parallel to the ground and gently tapering between 1/4 to 1/2 an inch at the back of the neckline.
- They can only sprout up to a point on the side face just below the junction of the head and the ears. The sideburns cannot be wider than one flare, or 1/8 inch.
These are the specifications that Ranger cut should have and take on a high-and-tight look, and there is no room for compromise. Rangers cannot be allowed to go on leave or be disciplined when they are seen uncompliant with the grooming and appearance standards of the Army at any time.
Why the Ranger Haircut?
The sides and back are shaved with the buzz while the top hair is a little longer giving the boys a very aggressive look and feel. This has seen it relabeled as the hardcore, rugged model due to its dominance by the exclusive Ranger fraternity.
The Ranger cut is not for the faint of heart – getting a new one means that you’ll be visiting the barbershop every 2-3 weeks to maintain the look. Due to the set length requirements, the sides/top need to grow out. However, fitting this legendary style requires respect and attention all around. Indeed, it’s familiar with all the branches as being a part of individuals who endeavor to be part of the best Army.
Diversions in Styling the Army Ranger Haircut
It is important to understand that the defining features of short sides/longer tops make the framework of the Ranger haircut There are some distinctions in how this haircut type can be styled. Some modifications include enabling one to add some element of customization or individualism.
Common ways Army Rangers style their signature high-and-tight cut include:
The Faux Hawk
Putting longer hair on top that has been shaved up into a hawk-like entails brushing it from a forward direction and using the product to tease up the hair. This emphasizes tall height at certain zones while preserving short regulated sides.
The Hard Part
Shaving the hairline with a sharp etched hard part takes it one step further to a Ranger cut. That is why angling it back from the natural part line to the temple makes it pop. Its compelling look is maintained by weekly specifications of where the hard part is.
Messy Texture
The eventual adoption of matte finish styling products to obtain a natural messy, piecey texture is freedom within parameters. Such a slightly undone flow accentuates the contrast between the demarcation of the longer top and shorter sides.
Buzzed Flat Top
You will often find the top clipped slightly shorter than the rest (no more than 1.5 inches) and flat-top with hard lines to give it that block-like look. This pared-down variant minimizes maintenance and the flat surface at the top brings it to the modern age.
There are other small ASE trickisms Rangers use as long as length considerations are considered. These styling decisions allow Rangers to express themselves within grooming standard prohibitions.
The Ranger Cut is mainly a cutting-on of people of color.
As there is increased integration or diversification across all the branches of the armed forces including the Army Special Operations Rangers, the traditional Ranger shave head style can pose some inconvenience, especially to male people of color. Super coarse and curly hair types complicate the cutting process more when doing a standard high and tight fade.
However, there are specialized techniques barbers can use to enable people of color to wear the iconic Army Ranger haircut properly:
Clipper Over Comb
Using a clipper-over comb enables one to cut curls neatly and close to the head. The comb guide enables the clippers to trim as close as possible without achieving the appearance of scalloping.
Foil Shave
When the shave gel is applied, the sliding of the razor over it is made easy by applying foil right over it. The foil clamps or grips the hair against the skin for the closest possible shave on thick-set hair.
Razor Fading
In strict high and tight cuts, the barber may be forced to shave the sides or back with only a straight razor. This allows detail work to cut in excellent fade lines around the ears/neck, particularly for men of color.
Edge Control
By applying edge control cream or styling gel on the curly top hair, you tuck it flat at the required 2-inch regulation height. It keeps long curls from going over the top.
Applying correct barbershop practice to curlier male hair type, those rangers of color can pull off the characteristic cut as well. Das Werk jeder 10-14 Tage erfolgte Wartung sichert die Stabilität ihrer präzisen Hoch-und-Kant-Cuts.
Conclusion
More than a hundred years old, the Army Ranger high-and-tight haircut is as distinctively recognizable today as it was on first wearing, a quintessential statement cut of the special only for special.
Beyond the practical utility useful for dedicated specific operational tasks, the Ranger style is now associated with a vast sum total of the regimental pride, glory, valor, daring, and camaraderie these operators are capable of.
The haircut has transformed to symbolize, being one of the best in the Army- becoming a permanent feature in the identity, tradition, and culture of the Army Ranger.
Hence while many can get hair styled in a high and tight look only a few merit being referred to as the Army Ranger cut, that distinction will remain appropriately symbolic of those brave warriors who manage to survive through the arduous training and stressful operations leading up to the formation of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
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Common Army Ranger Haircut FAQs
Are any exemptions allowed for grooming Army Rangers?
The primary rules do little to allow for exceptions for medical or cosmetic reasons where the authors allow perhaps minimal flexibility; Rangers at any rank, year in service, etc., must adhere to hair/grooming standards inflexibly.
Are facial hair allowed for Rangers at all?
Facial hair is allowed but the mustache should not go beyond the edges or the lips. Currently the established regulations bar active-duty Rangers from sporting beards, goatees, and sideburns beyond the appropriate length.
Do all special operations wear ranger cuts or styles like ranger cuts?
Yes, mostly speaking, the Ranger haircut prescription pertains strictly to 75 RCC. However, other special operations teams like the Green Berets and Delta Force shave their heads in similar well-groomed clipped highs and tights as required by their assignments.
