What is a shaving waiver?

The shaving waiver shows employers and supervisors of organizations that it would be unhealthy for a man to shave. A shaving waiver must be necessary to prove that an individual should not have to shave for medical reasons. For some men, facial shaving causes: Ingrown hairs (folliculitis) Excessive dry skin.

What is a military shaving waiver?

The Air Force allows airmen with pseudofolliculitis barbae, a condition causing razor bumps and painful ingrown beard hairs that commonly affects black men, to ask for a five-year medical shaving waiver. (

How do I get a shaving waiver?

A doctor, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must certify that the soldier suffers from a medical condition requiring them to grow their facial hair. A neatly trimmed beard shorter than a one-quarter inch may then be allowed. Wondering if a military shaving waiver is right for you?

How long does a shaving waiver last?

For example, in June 2020, the Air Force surgeon general extended shaving waivers so that they are valid for up to five years.

Do you have to shave to be in the Air Force?

Another change to facial hair standards lets airmen with shaving waivers, known as profiles, shave or trim their hair as necessary “to present a neat, clean, professional image.” The new standards also remove a line requiring commanders and supervisors to “monitor progress in treatment to control these waivers.”

SHAVING WAIVER IN THE AIR FORCE

Will the U.S. military ever allow beards?

Military personnel are allowed to grow a beard or moustache only during periods when they are out of uniform. The beard must be "correctly trimmed", and provisions are stated for a possible ban of beards by the military authorities to ensure compatibility with certain equipment.

Will the Air Force ever allow beards?

Beards are still off-limits — except for medical or religious purposes — because they may get in the way of necessary flight equipment and masks that protect against chemical, biological or radiological attacks, according to the Air Force.

Do I have to show my shaving waiver?

The shaving waiver shows employers and supervisors of organizations that it would be unhealthy for a man to shave. A shaving waiver must be necessary to prove that an individual should not have to shave for medical reasons. For some men, facial shaving causes: Ingrown hairs (folliculitis)

What is the VA rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae?

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae disability has been assigned a noncompensable rating since September 9, 2009, and a 30 percent disability rating since April 6, 2010.

Can hair touch ears Air Force?

The Air Force prohibits men from wearing their hair in what it deems to be extreme or fad hairstyles, particularly in such a way that exceeds length or bulk standards or violates safety requirements. Hair cannot touch the ears, and only closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar.

Why is facial hair not allowed in the military?

Military history buffs know that our military has had an on-again, off-again love affair with facial hair. The invention of chemical weapons ended the affair for good. Beards were prohibited across all branches for two reasons: Hygiene and the need for a good seal while wearing a gas mask.

Which military branch allows beards?

The only men lucky enough to be allowed beards now are special operations units such as Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs (as long as they are in Afghanistan at least).

What is it called when you cant shave?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a persistent irritation caused by shaving. It was first described in 1956. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Other names. Barber's itch, folliculitis barbae traumatica, razor bumps, scarring pseudofolliculitis of the beard, shave bumps.

Can you get a gas mask seal with a beard?

What you need to do is slather the edges of the mask with Vaseline and coat your beard with it, too. It should be a nasty amount of goo. It won't be pleasant, but it will be a lot faster than shaving and a lot less painful than sucking up CS gas.

Why does the Navy make you shave?

The regulation states specifically, "If you are in uniform, you are to be clean-shaven," unless you have a proper medical waiver/chit due to health reasons (no-shave chit), in which case you are to keep your facial hair trimmed.

How do I get a military shaving profile?

Any male Soldier determined to have PFB or ingrown hairs of the beard treated by an Army physician, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant may be given an appropriate shaving profile. This beard must be uniform, neatly trimmed, and normally will not exceed one-fourth inch in length.

Is a shaving waiver VA disability?

Pseudofolliculitis barbae VA ratings

For many veterans, psuedofolliculitis barbae is not their primary disability. It's likely a secondary condition. Some veterans may have obtained superficial scars during active duty that contribute to the aggravation of their pseudofolliculitis barbae.

Is shaving a VA disability?

PFB is a skin condition caused by close shaving resulting in clusters of dark bumps, scarring, and marks and can be disfiguring, which is why the VA considers it a VA Disability.

Is pseudofolliculitis barbae a disability under the ADA?

(Counts 10 and 14); and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq. (Counts 22, 23 and 24). Those eight counts rest on Kennedy's claim that his condition, pseudofolliculitis barbae, is a disability within the meaning of the ADA.

Are mustaches allowed in the Air Force?

Mustaches: No portion of the mustache will extend below the lip line of the upper lip. Additionally, the mustache will not go beyond a horizontal line extending across the corners of the mouth and no more than 1/4 inch beyond a vertical line drawn from the corner of the mouth.

How often do you shave in BMT?

Drill Sergeant Johnson answers that haircuts are given to all recruits every 2 weeks during Basic Combat Training.

Can you wear a hijab in the Air Force?

The US Air Force made it easier for its soldiers to wear hijabs and turbans during active duty.

Can you have an undercut in the military?

It is still short enough to be acceptable for military life but long enough to style. Flat tops and undercuts are also classic military haircuts. Flat tops can be really short or have some length. Undercuts can be worn with a high and tight, recon or Ivy League.

Why can Navy SEALs have beards?

Beards remain, by and large, the distinctive hallmark of special operations forces in Afghanistan. They allow Afghans to distinguish regular U.S. and allied military units from special operations forces, the highly trained teams like the Green Berets and Navy SEALs.