Tightening its shaving regulations, the U.S. Army is now requiring soldiers who do not shave to be discharged, a policy that is disproportionately expected to affect Black service members.
The New York Times reported on July 9 that the U.S. Army has implemented stricter guidelines to mandate that soldiers who fail to adhere to clean-shaven standards within a specific period must leave the military.
The Army stated that the revision reinforces a military culture that values discipline, and that discipline equals readiness.
However, this has drawn criticism that the decision fails to account for Black men. Approximately 60% of Black men struggle with pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition where beard hairs grow back into the skin and make shaving difficult.
Under the new policy, even those previously granted medical exemptions for pseudofolliculitis barbae must now comply with shaving requirements. Exceptions for religious reasons will still be permitted.
Medical experts report that the incidence of pseudofolliculitis barbae among Black men is as high as 60%. It affects about 45% of Black soldiers, compared to just 3% of their white counterparts. Currently, it is estimated that around 40,000 soldiers across the Army, Reserves, and National Guard have medical exemptions from shaving.
Dr. Cylburn Soden, a dermatologist with over 20 years of Army service, told the New York Times that some individuals have problems with shaving primarily due to curly hair. He pointed out that ingrown hairs can cause severe scarring.
This policy shift follows U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s directive to review regulations on physical fitness, body composition, and shaving standards. Previously, the U.S. Marine Corps implemented stricter shaving restrictions in March.
In line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Hegseth has been eliminating numerous policies that were initially established to address racial and gender discrimination within the military.
Meanwhile, according to the New York Times, the British Army eliminated its ban on beards last year to boost recruitment among younger demographics, with Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Canada also permitting their soldiers to grow beards.
