Austrian Constitutional Court to hear soldier's non-regulation hairstyle case

In 2023, a soldier was disciplined for wearing his hair in a long ponytail. Army spokesman Colonel Michael Bauer explained that soldiers' hairstyles are strictly regulated. Hair must be cut short so that it does not cover the eyes and ears or touch the collar of the uniform or shirt.

For women, the rules are different. Hair that would touch the shoulder in a vertical position of the body and head is braided into pigtails at the back of the head, tied with a ribbon (ponytail) or styled with a hairpin.

Now the soldier intends to fight the decree of the Ministry of Defense. Among other things, the soldier believes that his right to equality before the law has been violated.

Colonel Bauer posted the results of a survey on the unregulated hairstyle on social media before the court hearing. Of the approximately 200 respondents, 46% said "yes" and 54% "no."