Finland’s military now allows long hair for male conscripts

Finland’s Defence Forces have updated their regulations to permit male conscripts to wear long hair, effective this month, as a new intake of around 12,500 recruits begins service today.

Previously, only women were allowed long hair, which had to be tied back during service. The change follows a 2019 reprimand from the Deputy Parliamentary Ombudsman over gender equality concerns. Under the revised rules, all personnel—regardless of gender—may now wear long hair, provided it is secured during duty.

Tests with incoming conscripts, including Niclas Aspelin and Tomi Turunen, confirmed that helmets and berets fit securely over tied-back long hair. Aspelin, set to begin service next year, noted that facial piercings must still be removed but can be reinstated later.

General Lieutenant Rami Saari, head of personnel, acknowledged the reform could have been implemented sooner, stating that hair length does not affect combat effectiveness. He added that while most tasks accommodate long hair, exceptions may arise for safety reasons, such as wearing gas masks. Restrictions also remain on unconventional hair colours or styles to maintain uniformity.

The new rules apply equally to permanent staff. However, gendered job titles like “tykkimies” (artillery soldier) remain unchanged, as they are enshrined in conscription law.

Responding to the change, incoming conscripts welcomed the update. Turunen supported the shift, arguing that if long hair is permitted for women without safety issues, the same should apply to men in peacetime. Aspelin, meanwhile, may still opt for a shorter cut to avoid daily styling.