Soldiers seeking shaving exemption must get approval from doctors, Army chain of command

The Army wants its soldiers to be clean-shaven and will now require anyone claiming an exemption to the policy to submit a temporary medical profile and to seek approval from their chain of command.

Any soldier with a shaving exemption must keep copies of the documents with him while in uniform or on duty in civilian clothes, Army officials said Tuesday.

“We’re taking a phased approach to this to help soldiers manage their shaving issues and to reduce the need for temporary shaving exemptions,” said Steve Warren, an Army spokesperson. “This is about uniformity, discipline, and standards, and this is about training.”

Some Army soldiers who seek shaving exemptions have been diagnosed with pseudo-folliculitis barbae or PFB, which is commonly known as razor bumps.

It is a chronic yet common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when shaved or plucked hairs curve back and re-enter the skin.

In March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Pentagon officials to document the current state of physical fitness and grooming standards throughout the military.

“We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people in our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force,” Mr. Hegseth said

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, razor bumps occur in up to 60% of Black men and other people with curly hair. The Army said its new shaving profile isn’t focused on any particular group.

“This standard applies to all soldiers, not just minorities,” Mr. Warren said.

More than 40,000 soldiers today claim a shaving profile, twice the number from five years ago, Army officials said.

“This update reinforces our culture that fosters discipline, and discipline equals readiness,” said Michael R. Weimer, sergeant major of the Army. “Through a phased implementation, we are working with providers through commanders to effectively address grooming standards to ensure we maintain a professional force.”

The Army said a lack of education for new soldiers might be at the root of the service’s shaving difficulties.

“We need to train our soldiers better on how to take care of their shaving needs,” Mr. Warren said. “For whatever reason, they’re struggling with the proper shaving technique.”

Army health-care providers, commanders, and leaders will assist soldiers by providing them with education and treatment plans while monitoring the progress toward adhering to the grooming standards.

“Soldiers who cannot comply with grooming standards within a reasonable time may be administratively separated,” Army officials said.

Some soldiers have sought exemptions against shaving for religious reasons, such as those who practice the Sikh religion.

They won’t lose their religious accommodation under the new Army policy, but must have it revalidated, officials said.

“All of those religious accommodations will be reviewed in the next 90 days to ensure they’re still valid,” Mr. Warren said.