Orders have been issued to Canadian soldiers to trim their beards and tie back their long hair after previous restrictions were lifted in 2022.

A recent update from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) states that "hair extending below the bottom of the collar must be tied back and away from the face, and facial hair must not exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) for any style."

As part of an effort to reduce restrictions and attract more recruits, the Canadian military relaxed its dress code in 2022 to allow everything from artificial nails to face tattoos and colored hair. All styles of facial hair and sideburns, including dyed and braided beards, were also permitted, while hair can be of any length as long as it does not cover the face and is tied back if it is longer than shoulder length.

The forces stated in their update: "While the changes had many positive effects, there have been inconsistent interpretations and applications."

Canadian soldiers previously gained attention at a prestigious international military skills competition in April, where they sported various haircuts from front to back, achieving an impressive second place.

An American member of the gold medal-winning team told the British Forces Broadcasting Service at the time: "The Canadians embraced the 'burly.' “We prefer a nicely coiffed head of hair - trimmed cleanly - and that is our secret sauce.”

Under the updated rules, hair volume must not impede the wearing of headgear or protective equipment such as helmets, while necessary hair accessories like hair ties andpins must be either black or a color similar to the individual’s hair - whatever that may be.

Bob McCann, the Chief Warrant Officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, said in the announcement: "What is lost in translation is what we represent, we who choose to serve, when we wear the CAF uniform. "We represent not just ourselves but everyone who has worn this uniform and fought before us so that we can enjoy the freedoms and way of life we have today."

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces were notified of the changes last week. The new dress code comes into effect on July 2. Religious and spiritual facilities remain permitted.