The U.S. military is undergoing significant changes to its grooming standards, sparking debates across the armed forces. New regulations now allow female soldiers to wear ponytails during physical training and combat operations, marking a shift toward greater practicality. Meanwhile, facial hair policies remain strict, with beards still prohibited except under limited medical or religious waivers.
Recent directives emphasize a “clean-shaven” appearance, with troops holding medical shaving waivers now facing potential separation. These updates reflect the Pentagon’s broader review of military standards, balancing tradition with modern operational needs. As the policies evolve, service members must stay informed to remain in compliance.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders military-wide review of grooming standards, including beards and body fat, citing concerns over eroding military culture.
- Massachusetts Guard revokes shaving waivers, disproportionately affecting Black troops, as part of stricter enforcement of “clean-shaven” policies.
- Army updates AR 670-1 hair regulations, detailing approved hairstyles for both men and women, effective February 25th.
Can You Have a Beard in the Army Now? Latest Policy Changes Explained
The Army’s grooming standards have been a hot topic, especially regarding facial hair. Historically, beards were prohibited except for medical or religious exemptions, but recent reviews suggest potential shifts. The Pentagon’s 2025 memo ordered a service-wide review of grooming standards, including facial hair policies. Currently, soldiers with medical shaving waivers face potential separation if they cannot comply with the clean-shaven mandate.
Temporary exemptions exist for conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps), but these are strictly regulated. Religious accommodations are rare, and even then, only well-groomed mustaches or goatees are permitted. The Air Force’s pilot program for beards has sparked debate about whether the Army might follow suit.
Medical Waivers Under Scrutiny
Troops with long-term shaving waivers now face increased scrutiny. The 2025 directive emphasizes that exemptions are temporary, and soldiers must eventually meet standards or risk separation. This has raised concerns about fairness, particularly for those with chronic skin conditions.
What Are the New Rules for Army Haircuts? Female & Male Styles
AR 670-1, the Army’s appearance regulation, details acceptable haircuts for both genders. For men, hair must be tapered and not exceed 2 inches in bulk. Women can now wear ponytails during physical training and combat operations, a significant update from previous restrictions.
Key changes include:
- Long-haired females no longer need buns during PT
- Braids and twists are permitted if neatly maintained
- No extreme contrasts in hair color
Why Did Pentagon Tighten Grooming Standards in 2025?
Defense Secretary Hegseth’s memo cited maintaining combat readiness as the primary reason for reviewing standards. The military faces evolving threats, and leadership believes strict appearance policies contribute to operational effectiveness. Critics argue the changes disproportionately affect minority servicemembers with textured hair or skin conditions.
Can You Keep Long Hair in Basic Training? Survival Guide
Recruits often wonder if they can maintain their preferred hairstyles during boot camp. The answer is no – all trainees receive regulation haircuts upon arrival. Men are typically buzzed to near-shaved lengths, while women’s hair must meet length and bulk requirements immediately.
Military Hair Regulations by Branch: Army vs. Others
While this article focuses on Army standards, it’s worth noting how other services compare:
| Branch | Beard Policy | Female Hair Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Army | Prohibited (medical exemptions only) | Ponytails allowed during PT |
| Air Force | Pilot program underway | Most lenient styling options |
| Navy | No beards (outside special units) | Medium-length restrictions |
Religious Exemptions for Grooming: What’s Allowed?
Despite recent reviews, religious accommodations remain extremely limited. Sikh servicemembers can request beard waivers, but approval isn’t guaranteed. The Army maintains that uniformity supports cohesion and safety, though some argue this stance contradicts diversity initiatives.
Finally some common sense! The military isn’t a fashion show – these relaxed grooming standards for women and medical waivers for PFB make life easier without compromising discipline. About time! ✊
Tell that to Hegseth who’s kicking out troops with shaving waivers. So much for ‘medical accommodations’.
As a vet, this beard flip-flop gives me whiplash. One day it’s ‘progress,’ next day it’s ‘clean shave or GTFO.’ Pick a lane, Pentagon.
The new female hair regs are great but… did y’all SEE that ArmyPRT page? Their ‘updated’ guide still uses photos from 2015. Priorities much? 😂
At least they updated the text. The Marines still have uniform regs written in crayon.
All this fuss over hair while China’s building hypersonic missiles. Maybe focus on actual lethality?
Medical waivers getting axed is straight-up discrimination. PFB isn’t a choice – it’s literal pain. But sure, let’s keep that ‘high and tight’ fantasy alive.
Exactly! My brother got kicked after 8 years over razor bumps. Meanwhile some colonel’s rocking a beer gut that violates AR 600-9.
Beard waivers ≠ combat readiness. Cry harder.