As of May 25, 2025, a new wave of U.S. military grooming policies has ignited health and civil rights debates, particularly surrounding pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), commonly known as razor bumps. The condition, which disproportionately affects Black men due to the natural curvature of their hair, is at the center of scrutiny following recent changes implemented by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force.
PFB is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by shaving, which results in ingrown hairs, irritation, and scarring. While it affects individuals of all backgrounds, it is significantly more prevalent among men of African descent. For years, the military had allowed medical waivers and grooming accommodations to help those with PFB manage the condition while remaining in compliance with appearance standards. However, the updated policies introduced in 2025 appear to be narrowing those allowances, sparking concerns among service members and advocacy groups.
Stricter Policies from the Marine Corps
In March 2025, the U.S. Marine Corps updated its medical grooming policies to permit administrative separation of Marines who continue to suffer from PFB after one year of treatment. According to the guidance, Marines diagnosed with PFB are required to undergo medical reevaluation every 90 days. If after one year their condition remains unresolved and prevents them from maintaining the grooming standard, they may be subject to discharge.
This marks a sharp departure from previous policy, which prohibited discharging personnel solely based on a PFB diagnosis. The Marine Corps maintains that the change is aimed at ensuring uniformity and maintaining a professional appearance across the force. However, critics argue that this stance fails to account for the chronic nature of the condition and its disproportionate impact on a specific demographic within the ranks.
Changes in the Air Force Approach
Simultaneously, the U.S. Air Force revised its guidance on shaving waivers as of March 1, 2025. Under the new regulations, shaving waivers for PFB must be re-evaluated annually as part of routine health assessments. Permanent or extended-duration profiles are now largely reserved for the most severe cases. In cases deemed mild to moderate, service members may be required to rotate between shaving and treatment, which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to long-term skin damage.
This annual reassessment model, according to military officials, is intended to encourage better management of PFB while upholding grooming standards. Yet, dermatologists and civil rights organizations warn that forcing repeated shaving on those with known sensitivity may lead to avoidable medical complications and disproportionately penalize Black airmen.
Health and Equity Implications
Medical professionals have raised alarms over the health consequences of these policies. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no cure for PFB, only management strategies, which often involve avoiding shaving altogether. Dermatologist Dr. Tanya Hayes noted, “Requiring individuals with PFB to resume shaving on a periodic basis undermines medical treatment protocols and puts service members at risk of long-term skin damage.”
Civil rights advocates have also stepped in. Organizations such as the NAACP and the Service Women’s Action Network have called for a reevaluation of the policies, arguing they risk promoting systemic discrimination under the guise of uniformity. “Policies that disproportionately affect one group of people, especially when medical science is clear, amount to indirect discrimination,” said Gerald Davis, a civil rights attorney and former Marine.
The issue has prompted congressional attention as well. Several lawmakers have begun drafting inquiries into the rationale behind the updated policies and whether they align with broader military goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Department of Defense has yet to issue a uniform grooming policy revision but is reportedly reviewing feedback from across the services.
Calls for Inclusive Standards
Amid growing scrutiny, advocates are pushing for more inclusive grooming policies that recognize medical conditions like PFB and allow for permanent accommodations. Suggestions include revising dress and appearance codes to normalize beards where medically necessary, expanding education among commanding officers about PFB, and implementing better access to dermatological care for service members.
The broader concern remains: how to balance the need for uniform military appearance with the health and well-being of a diverse force. As grooming policies evolve, many hope that the conversation will move toward solutions that are both medically sound and equitable for all who serve.