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.
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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
What must be visible
The State Department requires that these features are fully visible and unobstructed by hair:
- ✓ Both eyes, fully open
- ✓ Both eyebrows
- ✓ Forehead (top of face)
- ✓ Both ears (recommended, not required)
- ✓ Nose and mouth
- ✓ Chin and jawline
If any of these features are partially hidden by hair, your photo will likely be rejected. The State Department reported that over 200,000 passport photos were rejected last year, with subject positioning (including hair obstruction) being the most common cause. See our photo rejection guide for all common reasons.
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. Here's what works:
Hair down
Allowed if your face is clear. Make sure strands don't fall across your eyebrows or eyes. Long hair can rest on your shoulders.
Ponytail or bun
Great options that keep hair away from the face. A low ponytail or bun is one of the safest choices for passport photos.
Braids
All braid styles are fine — single braid, French braid, cornrows, box braids. Keep braids behind your shoulders or to the side so they don't cross your face.
Bangs (with conditions)
Bangs are allowed only if they do not cover your eyebrows. Side-swept bangs are usually fine. If your bangs fall below your brows, pin them back or sweep them aside.
Natural / afro styles
Natural hair, afros, locs, and twists are all acceptable. Make sure your hairstyle doesn't extend past the edges of the photo frame, as this can affect the required head size measurements.
Bald or shaved
No issues at all. Bald and shaved heads actually make the head-size measurement more straightforward for compliance checking.
What's not allowed
- ✗ Headbands — all headbands are banned, including thin decorative ones
- ✗ Hats and caps — no beanies, baseball caps, or any non-religious head covering
- ✗ Large bows or decorative clips — anything that draws attention away from your face
- ✗ Scarves or wraps (unless religious) — fashion scarves are not allowed
- ✗ Hair covering the face — even partially covering one eye or eyebrow can cause rejection
- ✗ Visible elastic bands or scrunchies — use them to hold hair back but keep them out of frame
These rules also apply to glasses and other accessories. The State Department wants a clear, unobstructed view of your face for facial recognition.
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 or perforations
- 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
Note: Face coverings such as niqabs or burqas that obscure facial features are not permitted, as the full face must be identifiable. For more on background requirements and other rules, see our related guides below.
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Create passport photo — $1Facial 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. If you normally have a beard, keep it for the photo. If you've recently shaved or grown facial hair, your passport photo should show how you currently look — TSA and border agents are trained to verify identity regardless of facial hair changes.
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. As long as the photo reflects how you normally look, any hair color is fine.
Hair rules by country
Most countries have similar hair requirements. Here's a quick comparison:
| Country | Hair Rule | Head Coverings |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Face & eyebrows visible | Religious 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. If your hair naturally falls across your face, pull it back.
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. Simple, thin hair clips that lie flat and are not visible may be acceptable.
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 or hairline. Large scrunchies, decorative clips, bows, and visible elastic bands 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. The covering must be a solid, uniform color with no pattern. You may need to include a signed statement with your application.
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. The only exception is head coverings worn daily for religious or medical purposes.
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, so if you normally have facial hair, keep it for the photo.
Related guides
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