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Grooming Standards (Haircuts, etc.)

Hair - Shortish civilian or military haircut, nothing too fancy, short sideburns.  Hair tended to be cut very short on the side (as illustrated by the White Walls cut above), but was left longer on top, often treated with hair tonic. Commercial hair tonics like Brylcreem are still available today.  Several hairstyles were popular in the 20th Century, though soldiers in uniform found themselves restricted to what they were permitted to do with their hair. In all cases, hair was kept short, the basic standard being that it had to be kept off the collar and off the ears. In general, extremely short hair styles, as found favour in the 1980s and 1990s in modern militaries, the were not common during the Second World War.

Hair color - Natural colors only (no camo, blue, etc.)

Facial hair - No beards, limited moustaches (by approval of unit commander)

Moustaches were not prohibited by German military regulations, they simply were not socially popular at the time except in southern Germany.  Among younger "progressive" Germans in the 1940s, they were viewed as "old fashioned", something one's father might do.  In keeping with the practice, we allow only limited use in our unit, by older soldaten only.

At bivouac events, we generally allow 2-4 days beard growth since we will be simulating field conditions.  At barrack events, clean shaven.

Glasses -  For those who must wear eyeglasses, acceptable styles are limited to round wire frames, or alternately, rimless glasses.
If you wear glasses, we can help you find a proper 1930-1940s style.  In the meantime, wire rim frames if you have them. Contact lenses are a good option as well.
 

Jewelry

No pierced rings (earrings, nose rings, eyebrow rings, studs, etc.)

Minimal jewelry.  It really wasn't very common in the 1940s.  A Northern German would usually wear his wedding ring on his left hand in the Protestant manner, a Southern German on his right in the Roman Catholic manner.

Watches - Period-style wrist watch or pocket watch if you want a watch.  You can purchase an original or a reproduction.  No digital LCD watches.  Wristwatches began to be common in the first years of the 20th Century; First World War soldiers were more likely to have a pocket watch, however. By the Second World War, wristwatches were becoming universal. Bands were in leather or metal "twist-o-flex" and the dial was a simple one with either Roman or Arabic numerals. Day/date features did not yet exist. Non period watches should not be worn.