No more beardos as US Navy begins monthly facial hair accountability reports
US Navy commands that issue waivers to personnel who say they are unable to shave for medical reasons must now submit monthly facial hair accountability reports under updated grooming standards.
The new policy requires them to maintain records of sailors diagnosed with qualifying medical skin conditions, such as pseudofolliculitis barbae - commonly known as razor bumps - who have been granted an accommodation to grow facial hair.
Under the revised rules, active duty and reserve sailors may receive medical treatment for up to 12 months.
If their condition is deemed incurable and they remain unable to meet grooming standards, they may be evaluated for administrative separation.
Monthly accountability
Commands must also submit a Facial Hair Accommodation Accountability Report in Excel format by the 15th of each month, starting from now.
The update comes after the US Navy issued a directive in early July requiring sailors with shaving-related skin conditions, including those with existing medical shaving waivers, to report their condition to their supervisors and seek a medical evaluation.
If treatment is recommended, a commanding officer may issue a temporary shaving waiver, allowing the sailor to maintain a beard of up to one-quarter of an inch in length.
No more beardos
The changes bring the US Navy into line with guidance issued last year by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, which significantly tightened the use of shaving exemptions across the US military.
Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia last September, Mr Hegseth said "No more beardos ... The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done.
"Simply put, if you do not meet the male-level physical standards for combat positions, cannot pass a [physical training] test or don’t want to shave and look professional, it’s time for a new position or a new profession."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
