Passport Photo Hair Requirements (2026)

The core rule is simple: your full face and both eyebrows must be completely visible. Here's everything you need to know about hair, hairstyles, and head coverings in US passport photos.

The Official Rule

"The subject must be in focus, facing front with the full face in view... hair should not obscure the face." -- U.S. Department of State

Most common rejection: eyebrows not visible

Bangs covering your eyebrows are the number one reason hair-related passport photos get rejected. Pin your bangs back with bobby pins or sweep them to the side before taking your photo. Both eyebrows must be fully visible — even a partial cover will fail.

What must be visible

The State Department requires these features to be fully visible and unobstructed by hair: both eyes (fully open), both eyebrows, forehead (top of face), nose and mouth, chin and jawline, and both ears (recommended, not required).

If any of these features are partially hidden by hair, your photo will likely be rejected.

Hairstyle guide: what’s allowed

There are no banned hairstyles. You can wear your hair however you like as long as your face is visible:

  • Hair down — Allowed if your face is clear. Make sure strands don’t fall across your eyebrows or eyes.
  • Ponytail or bun — Great options that keep hair away from the face. One of the safest choices.
  • Braids — All braid styles are fine. Keep braids behind your shoulders or to the side.
  • Bangs (with conditions) — Allowed only if they do not cover your eyebrows. Side-swept bangs are usually fine.
  • Natural / afro styles — Natural hair, afros, locs, and twists are all acceptable.
  • Bald or shaved — No issues at all.

What’s not allowed

Not Allowed

  • ✕ Headbands -- all headbands are banned
  • ✕ Hats and caps -- no beanies, baseball caps, or non-religious head covering
  • ✕ Large bows or decorative clips
  • ✕ Scarves or wraps (unless religious)
  • ✕ Hair covering the face -- even partially covering one eye or eyebrow
  • ✕ Visible elastic bands or scrunchies on top of head

Allowed

  • ✓ Hair down (face visible)
  • ✓ Ponytail, bun, braids
  • ✓ Bobby pins and thin clips (flat, not visible)
  • ✓ Religious head coverings (with documentation)
  • ✓ Any hair color including dyed
  • ✓ Facial hair (beards, mustaches)

Religious head coverings: the exception

Religious head coverings such as hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, and other coverings worn daily for sincerely held religious beliefs are allowed in US passport photos.

Requirements for religious head coverings

  1. Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  2. The covering must be a solid, uniform color with no pattern
  3. The covering must not cast shadows on your face
  4. You may need to include a signed written statement explaining the religious nature of the covering

Facial hair rules

There are no restrictions on facial hair in US passport photos. Beards, mustaches, goatees, and stubble are all allowed. Your photo should reflect your current appearance.

Pro tip

If you’re planning a major change (growing or shaving a beard), take your passport photo after the change so it matches your typical appearance for the next 10 years.

Dyed hair and color

Dyed hair is completely acceptable in passport photos. Whether you have highlights, balayage, or a bold color, it won’t cause a rejection. The only restriction: you cannot change your hair color specifically to disguise your identity.

Hair rules by country

United States Face & eyebrows visible | Religious head coverings only
United Kingdom Face clearly visible | Religious only
Canada Full face visible | Religious only
Australia No hair across face | Religious only
EU / Schengen Face from chin to forehead visible | Religious only (varies)
India Face clearly visible | Religious coverings allowed
Japan Face unobstructed | Religious only

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have bangs in my passport photo?

Yes, bangs are allowed as long as they do not cover your eyebrows. If your bangs fall below your eyebrows, pin them back or sweep them to the side before taking your photo.

Do I need to pull my hair back for a passport photo?

Not necessarily. You can wear your hair down, in a ponytail, braid, or bun. The only requirement is that your hair does not cover any part of your face, including your eyebrows.

Can I wear a headband in my passport photo?

No. Headbands are considered head coverings and are not allowed in US passport photos. This includes decorative headbands, wide fabric bands, and athletic headbands.

Are hair accessories allowed in passport photos?

Small, non-decorative accessories like bobby pins and thin clips are generally acceptable if they lie flat and do not obscure your face. Large scrunchies, decorative clips, bows should be removed.

Can I wear a hijab or religious head covering?

Yes. Religious head coverings worn daily for sincerely held religious beliefs are allowed, provided your full face is visible from forehead to chin. You may need to include a signed statement.

Is dyed or colored hair okay for a passport photo?

Yes. Dyed hair is perfectly acceptable as long as you did not change your hair color specifically to disguise your identity. Your photo should reflect how you currently look.

Can I wear a hat in my passport photo?

No. Hats, caps, beanies, and other non-religious head coverings are not allowed in US passport photos.

Does facial hair matter for passport photos?

Facial hair is allowed. Beards, mustaches, and goatees are all acceptable. Your photo should reflect your current appearance.

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