Hair-raising: New rules could see personnel kicked out of US military for having beards

Whether beards are compatible with a life of service has long been a question for militaries across the world. Now, it seems the answer is settled in the US: facial hair is not acceptable in a Trump-era army.

The Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has ordered the US military to adopt new grooming standards which ban beards and other types of facial hair.

A memorandum of understanding released by the Pentagon states: "The grooming standard set by the US military is to be clean-shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance."

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The policy change follows a rapid, force-wide review of military standards as part of Mr Hegseth's plan to embed a "warrior ethos" within the US military.

The memorandum goes on to state that personnel can apply for a shaving waiver from a medical officer, but this will only apply for a limited period.

"Unit commanders will initiate separation of service members who require a shaving waiver after more than one year of medical treatment," it says.

A bumpy ride

The new US policy could have significant implications for black men and members of certain ethnic groups for whom beards form a part of their religious identity.

Around 60% of black men are affected by chronic skin issues caused by shaving, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

Razor bumps, known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, are a common condition of the beard area which can result in scarring.

Black Americans make up about 14% of the US population and around one-quarter of the Army's new recruits in recent years – a figure which is rising.

It's unclear where the new policy stands on cultural or religious waivers.

British relaxation of rules

In the UK, the RAF and Navy have long allowed beards, but the Army had held out, citing concerns over respirator fit, among other factors.

Last year, the ban was lifted, meaning personnel in all three services can now grow beards. However, they must be kept neat and properly groomed.