Navy personnel will be allowed to wear false eyelashes, nail polish and makeup under new gender-neutral guidelines.

The fresh changes will come when the New Zealand Defence Force update its grooming and appearance guidelines to make the force more inclusive.

'These updates are to reflect that the RNZN make no distinction between male and female members in terms of their personal grooming and appearance,' Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Proctor confirmed to Newshub.

The changes will come into effect on November 1, giving all Navy personnel the right to wear subtle makeup, clear or lightly coloured nail polish, 'trimmed, and neat and natural' fake eyelashes

'These changes reflect that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as an organisation, as are the unique traditions and characteristics of the RNZN.'

The changes will come into effect on November 1, giving all Navy personnel the right to wear subtle makeup, clear or lightly coloured nail polish, 'trimmed, neat and natural' fake eyelashes, and one pair of 'natural coloured' stud earrings.

They will also be permitted to wear perfume or cologne, rings on a maximum of two fingers, and use natural-coloured hair dye or buns or single plaits.

However body piercings, 'exaggerated hairstyles' such as mohawks and hair accessories are still prohibited.

Proctor said the Royal New Zealand Navy grooming and attire is focused on cleanliness, military image and neatness.

The standards are designed to show off an inclusive but professional military image.

'The RNZN is a modern and professional organisation that embraces individuality and personality. However, we are a military organisation and with that comes certain expectations on our personnel in terms of dress and appearance,' Proctor said.

It comes after the US military eased its rules on gender-neutral regulations, allowing women to serve in combat roles.

Meanwhile, the British army has relaxed its policy on appearance, allowing both hand and neck tattoos.