Black female lawmakers are pushing back against Army 's updated appearance guidelines . The new rules require women to wear more makeup and hair extensions, but they also allow them to be in combat roles if their bodies can handle it. Female focus group helped determine new hair rules . Army says the regulation is needed to maintain a professional , uniform look among soldiers . Controversy touches on historic tensions about black hair and white beauty standards .
Black female lawmakers are pushing back against Army 's updated appearance guidelines . The new rules require women to wear more makeup and hair extensions, but they also allow them to be in combat roles if their bodies can handle it. Army says the regulation is needed to maintain a professional , uniform look among soldiers . Controversy touches on historic tensions about black hair and white beauty standards .