US Army to end shaving waivers, impacting soldiers with chronic skin condition

The US Army is set to implement a new policy that could lead to the discharge of soldiers diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a chronic skin condition that causes painful razor bumps and scarring and disproportionately affects Black men.

According to multiple service officials and internal documents obtained by Military.com, the forthcoming guidance will eliminate permanent shaving waivers. Instead, medical personnel will be required to develop formal treatment plans for affected soldiers. Those needing shaving exemptions for more than 12 months within a two-year period may face separation from the Army. Additionally, all units will be required to rebrief personnel on grooming standards within 90 days of the policy’s rollout, Caliber.Az reports.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly referred to as PFB, occurs when shaved hairs curl back into the skin, causing irritation and discomfort. The Pentagon may cover laser hair removal treatments, which can cost thousands of dollars per soldier depending on the number of sessions required. However, laser treatments carry risks, including scarring and changes in skin pigmentation. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology estimates that up to 60 per cent of Black men are affected by this condition.

A senior noncommissioned officer, speaking anonymously to avoid retaliation, called the policy racially motivated. 

"Of course, this is racially motivated. There’s no tactical reason; you can look professional with facial hair," the official said.

This move follows a similar program launched by the Marine Corps earlier this year, which also allows separation of troops if the skin condition persists, prompting concerns over racial discrimination.

The policy shift comes amid ongoing challenges with Army recruitment. Although Black Americans represent approximately 14 per cent of the US population, they have made up about one-quarter of the Army’s new recruits in recent years. However, overall recruitment has declined, with the number of new white recruits dropping 43 per cent from 2018 to 2023.

Efforts to reduce diversity-focused recruiting initiatives also coincided with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s review of military policies. Hegseth has criticized relaxed grooming standards, linking them to a perceived decline in military discipline and readiness.

Historically, shaving waivers to accommodate PFB have been a contentious issue. In the 1970s, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt allowed beards and mustaches in the Navy to address similar concerns, despite traditional grooming rules. Although the military has long cited gas mask seal concerns as a reason to enforce shaving, a 2021 study in Military Medicine found no conclusive evidence that well-groomed beards interfere with mask function.

Certain military units, such as those in Alaska, already have flexibility with grooming standards due to extreme weather conditions, which can make shaving hazardous.

Hegseth’s push to tighten grooming standards follows his criticism of previous policies, including those related to tattoos, hairstyles, and physical fitness. 

"We kicked out good soldiers for having naked women tattooed on their arms," Hegseth said in March. "And today we are relaxing the standards on shaving, dreadlocks, man buns, and straight-up obesity. Piece by piece, the standard had to go — because of equity."

The new Army policy is expected to take effect in the coming weeks.

By Sabina Mammadli