FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Department of the Air Force has updated its medical guidance on shaving waivers, refining how service members with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) are evaluated and treated, officials announced Wednesday.
The new policy, which takes effect March 1, 2025, distinguishes between mild, moderate, and severe cases of PFB. It also aligns the Air Force’s approach with other military branches, emphasizing education for medical providers and standardizing shaving-related medical exemptions.
Under the revised guidelines, permanent or long-term shaving waivers will be reserved for severe cases, while those with mild-to-moderate PFB will require more frequent evaluations and temporary waivers. Existing shaving profiles will remain valid but will expire 90 days after a service member’s next periodic health assessment.
Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force surgeon general, stated that aligning policies with the Army and Navy is crucial for consistency across the Department of Defense. “This initiative will ensure consistency across the Department of Defense and better prepare service members and providers to address grooming-related medical conditions,” he said.
The Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) is implementing training programs to educate healthcare providers and unit leaders on the updated policies, aiming to create a more standardized and enforceable system.