A military shaving waiver is a medical document that exempts service members from adhering to the standard clean-shaven appearance required by most branches of the U.S. military.
This profile is usually granted to individuals suffering from conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), a common skin condition affecting those with curly hair.
PFB occurs when tightly curled hair grows back into the skin after shaving, leading to painful bumps, inflammation, and irritation.
In this 2024 update, we’ll explore the latest procedures for obtaining a shaving profile across different branches of the military, including beard length requirements and source documents for each branch.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Military Shaving Profile: A medical document that exempts service members from maintaining a clean-shaven appearance due to conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), which is particularly common among individuals with curly hair.
- Branch-Specific Requirements: Procedures for obtaining a shaving profile vary by branch, with each branch having specific regulations, approval processes, and beard length limits (typically 1/4 inch for medical waivers, with some allowances for religious accommodations up to 2 inches).
- Renewal and Maintenance: Shaving profiles are typically temporary and require periodic renewal. Maintaining up-to-date documentation is crucial for compliance with military grooming standards and for accurate VA disability assessments.
- VA Disability Ratings: While there’s no specific VA rating for a shaving profile, it serves as critical evidence in establishing service connection for PFB. VA ratings for razor bumps range from 0% to 60% with breaks at 10% and 30%, based on the severity of symptoms and the area of skin affected.
What is a Military Shaving Waiver?
A military shaving waiver, often interchangeable with a shaving profile, is a formal document that allows a service member to maintain facial hair due to medical conditions.
Unlike personal grooming preferences, shaving waivers are medically driven, usually necessitated by dermatological conditions such as PFB, which causes painful ingrown hairs and inflammation.
The shaving waiver outlines the extent of the exemption, whether it’s a complete exemption from shaving or a partial one (e.g., allowing a beard of a specific length).
The waiver also specifies the duration of the exemption, which could be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition.
Military Shaving Waiver Requirements by Service Branch
1. Army
Regulation: AR 670-1 (Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia)
Process: The Army requires a thorough medical evaluation to determine the necessity of a shaving waiver. This process begins with a visit to a military healthcare provider, who will assess the skin condition. If the condition justifies a waiver, the healthcare provider will document the findings and issue a temporary shaving profile. This profile must be reviewed and potentially renewed regularly, depending on the severity of the condition. The Army uses DA Form 3349 (Physical Profile Form) to document medical conditions that may limit a soldier’s duty performance, including the need for a shaving waiver due to conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).
Beard Length: AR 670-1 allows soldiers with certain medical conditions, like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), to maintain a beard typically up to 1/4 inch long. This is the standard limit, but in special cases, a doctor may allow a longer beard based on medical necessity. A religious waiver can allow a beard to be grown up to 2 inches in length. However, if the beard grows beyond 2 inches, it must be rolled or tied to stay within the 2-inch limit.
2. Navy
Regulation: NAVPERS 15665I (U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations) and BUPERSINST 1000.22C (Management of Facial Hair)
Process: The Navy follows a similar process, requiring sailors to obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional. The Navy Medical Corps is responsible for issuing and renewing shaving waivers. In some cases, sailors might be referred to a dermatologist for a more detailed evaluation before a waiver is granted. The Navy typically uses the NAVMED 6100/5 (Medical Waiver Form) to document medical conditions, including the need for a shaving waiver due to conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).
Beard Length: Beards authorized by a waiver must not exceed 1/4 inch in length unless specified otherwise by the medical provider. Beards should not be longer than 1/4 inch unless a religious accommodation allows it. Supervisors must keep an eye on individuals with medical shaving waivers to ensure they follow their treatment plan. No one is allowed to have facial hair unless they have been given a medical or religious waiver.
3. Air Force
Regulation: AFI 36-2903 (Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel)
Process: The Air Force requires an initial consultation with a healthcare provider who evaluates the condition. Once the need for a shaving profile is confirmed, the service member must follow the proper chain of command to obtain the necessary approvals. The profile typically needs to be renewed every six months unless a permanent condition is diagnosed. The Air Force shaving waiver is typically documented on AF Form 469, which focuses on duty limitations and communicates the need for a shaving waiver to the command. The AF Form 422 is more comprehensive, documenting the member’s overall medical profile, including fitness assessments and other medical accommodations.
Beard Length and Shaving Waiver: Beards in the Air Force are generally not allowed, except for medical reasons approved by a medical official or for religious accommodations. If authorized for medical reasons, the beard must be kept evenly trimmed and cannot exceed 1/4 inch in length. The beard should look neat, clean, and professional, and members cannot shape it into different styles like goatees or faded beards. The beard must also match the natural hair color on the member’s head, and bleaching or dyeing is prohibited. Beards grown for religious reasons are governed by separate guidelines in Chapter 11 of the AFI.
Beard Length for Religious Accommodation: An Airman or Guardian with a beard, authorized through a religious accommodation, must maintain it to a bulk not exceeding 2 inches when measured from any point on the neck, chin, or cheeks. If the beard grows longer than 2 inches from the bottom of the chin, it must be rolled or tied to stay within this length. The beard should follow the natural shape of the face and be kept neat and conservative to present a professional military appearance, with hairs groomed downward and flyaways minimized. Styling products and accessories like clear hair ties or bobby pins can be used to hold the beard in place, but they must be discreet, matching the beard’s color and posing no safety risks. Petroleum-based products should be avoided if wearing a protective mask. Additionally, the beard must not interfere with the operation of weapons, equipment, or machinery. A mustache worn with a beard can extend sideways to connect with the beard but must be trimmed to avoid covering the upper lip.
4. Marine Corps
Regulation: MCO 1020.34H (Marine Corps Uniform Regulations)
Process: The Marine Corps has stringent grooming standards, but medical conditions like PFB can qualify Marines for a shaving waiver. The process involves medical documentation and a review by a dermatologist if needed. Once approved, the waiver is noted in the Marine’s official record and must be renewed periodically. The Marine Corps generally uses the NAVMED 6310/1 (Light Duty/Temporary Limited Duty Form) to document medical conditions that require special accommodations, including shaving waivers for conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).
Beard Length: You correctly stated that for medical reasons, the Marine Corps typically allows beards up to 1/4 inch in length. This is standard for conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), and the beard must be kept neat and trimmed.
Religious Accommodation: The Marine Corps does allow beards for religious reasons. However, the policies are a bit more nuanced. While beards for religious accommodation can be longer, they are generally subject to the same neatness and grooming standards. In some cases, religious accommodations may be limited based on operational requirements, especially in environments where a gas mask seal is critical, such as in combat zones. This is an evolving area, especially with recent legal cases influencing policy changes.
5. Coast Guard
Regulation: COMDTINST M1020.6K (Coast Guard Uniform Regulations)
Process: The Coast Guard allows service members to seek a shaving waiver through a medical evaluation. Once a waiver is granted, it must be documented in the member’s health record and is subject to periodic reviews and renewals. In the Coast Guard, the SF 600 (Chronological Record of Medical Care) or CG-6100 (Medical Waiver Request) forms are commonly used to document medical conditions that require special accommodations, including shaving waivers for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB).
Beard Length: Beards authorized under a medical waiver should not exceed 1/4 inch in length, unless a longer length is specifically justified by medical necessity. This is consistent with the Coast Guard’s strict grooming standards designed to maintain uniformity and safety across the service.
Beard Length for Religious Accommodation: When a religious accommodation for a beard is granted, the beard length may exceed the standard 1/4 inch, but it is still required to be kept neat and well-groomed. Specific length limitations can be set by the commanding officer based on the operational environment and safety requirements. The beard must also not interfere with the performance of military duties or the proper wear of required safety equipment.
6. Space Force
Regulation: Space Force personnel follow AFI 36-2903, similar to the Air Force.
Process: As the newest branch of the U.S. military, the Space Force follows a process similar to the Air Force, given their close organizational ties. Medical evaluations and chain-of-command approvals are required for obtaining a shaving waiver. The Space Force shaving waiver is typically documented on AF Form 469, which focuses on duty limitations and communicates the need for a shaving waiver to the command. The AF Form 422 is more comprehensive, documenting the member’s overall medical profile, including fitness assessments and other medical accommodations.
Beard Length and Shaving Waiver: Beards in the Air Force are generally not allowed, except for medical reasons approved by a medical official or for religious accommodations. If authorized for medical reasons, the beard must be kept evenly trimmed and cannot exceed 1/4 inch in length. The beard should look neat, clean, and professional, and members cannot shape it into different styles like goatees or faded beards. The beard must also match the natural hair color on the member’s head, and bleaching or dyeing is prohibited. Beards grown for religious reasons are governed by separate guidelines in Chapter 11 of the AFI.
Beard Length for Religious Accommodation: An Airman or Guardian with a beard, authorized through a religious accommodation, must maintain it to a bulk not exceeding 2 inches when measured from any point on the neck, chin, or cheeks. If the beard grows longer than 2 inches from the bottom of the chin, it must be rolled or tied to stay within this length. The beard should follow the natural shape of the face and be kept neat and conservative to present a professional military appearance, with hairs groomed downward and flyaways minimized. Styling products and accessories like clear hair ties or bobby pins can be used to hold the beard in place, but they must be discreet, matching the beard’s color and posing no safety risks. Petroleum-based products should be avoided if wearing a protective mask. Additionally, the beard must not interfere with the operation of weapons, equipment, or machinery. A mustache worn with a beard can extend sideways to connect with the beard but must be trimmed to avoid covering the upper lip.
How to Get an Army Shaving Profile
Medical Evaluation: Schedule an appointment with a military healthcare provider who will assess conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) to determine if a shaving profile is necessary.
Documentation: If approved, the provider will issue a temporary profile, typically limiting beard length to 1/4 inch unless otherwise medically necessary.
Chain of Command Approval: The profile must be reviewed and signed off by the chain of command. Ensure you keep a copy of the approved profile.
Profile Renewal: These profiles are usually temporary and need to be renewed periodically, with follow-up evaluations determining any extensions or adjustments.
How to Get an Air Force Shaving Waiver
Initial Consultation: Visit a base medical clinic for an evaluation of the condition, such as PFB.
Approval Process: Submit the recommendation for a shaving waiver to your commanding officer. Typically, the waiver limits facial hair to 1/4 inch.
Periodic Review: Shaving waivers are reviewed periodically, often every six months, but some waivers, particularly for PFB, can be extended to five years.
How to Get a Shaving Profile in the Army Reserves
Medical Evaluation: Reservists should seek evaluation from a military or authorized civilian healthcare provider for conditions like PFB.
Documentation and Submission: Submit the documentation to the unit’s medical readiness personnel, with the profile typically limiting beard length to 1/4 inch.
Drill Weekend Considerations: Ensure the shaving profile is current for all drill weekends, carrying a copy to avoid issues during inspections or training.
How to Get a Shaving Profile in the National Guard
Seek Medical Evaluation: National Guard members must get a medical evaluation from a military or civilian healthcare provider.
Submission to Authorities: The submission process may vary depending on whether the Guard member is under state or federal control.
Profile Maintenance: National Guard members, particularly part-timers, must keep their profiles up to date, generally limiting beard length to 1/4 inch unless otherwise specified.
Can I Get VA Disability Benefits for a Shaving Waiver?
While there is no specific VA disability rating for a shaving profile itself, the profile serves as critical evidence in establishing a service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps.
Your shaving waiver or profile helps document the diagnosis and the ongoing impact of PFB on your daily life, which is essential for the VA to consider when assigning a disability rating.
VA ratings for PFB can range from 0% to 60% with breaks at 10% and 30%, depending on factors such as the extent of scarring, disfigurement, or functional limitations caused by the condition:
Here are the specific requirements for the VA ratings related to Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) under the VA’s rating criteria for skin conditions:
0% Rating
No visible symptoms or minimal symptoms: The condition is diagnosed, but it does not result in significant symptoms, scarring, or disfigurement. It might affect a very small area of skin or cause symptoms that do not interfere with the veteran’s daily life or work.
10% Rating
Less than 5% of the body or exposed areas affected: The condition causes intermittent symptoms or affects a small percentage of the body or exposed skin. The symptoms might include mild irritation, occasional bumps, or slight scarring.
Treatment with no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period: If the condition can be managed with topical treatments like creams or ointments, and does not require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs.
30% Rating
20% to 40% of the body or 20% to 40% of exposed areas affected: The condition affects a larger portion of the body or visible areas like the face and neck, causing moderate disfigurement or more frequent symptoms.
Systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period: If the condition requires more intensive treatment, including systemic therapy like oral medication, but not on a continuous basis.
60% Rating
More than 40% of the body or exposed areas affected: The condition is severe, affecting a large portion of the body or exposed areas, leading to significant disfigurement or functional impairment.
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy required during the past 12-month period: If the veteran requires continuous or almost continuous systemic treatment to manage the condition, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs.
Conclusion & Wrap-Up
Obtaining a military shaving profile or waiver is a medically necessary process for many service members who suffer from conditions like PFB.
Each branch of the military has specific requirements, but the general process involves medical evaluation, documentation, and approval through the chain of command.
Keeping your profile or waiver current is crucial to ensure compliance with military grooming standards while also managing your health effectively.
This 2024 update reflects the most current information and procedures, but always consult with your healthcare provider and chain of command for the most accurate guidance tailored to your situation.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
