A recent Marine Corps policy update states that service members diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a genetic skin condition that causes painful irritation and scarring from shaving—primarily affecting Black men—may face administrative separation if the condition persists.
Issued as "interim guidance" on Thursday, the directive instructs military healthcare providers to reevaluate Marines diagnosed with PFB within 90 days. If a Marine does not improve after following a four-phase treatment plan, requires a shaving waiver for over a year, and a commanding officer deems them unfit for service, the Corps may administratively separate them due to "incompatibility with service."
This marks a reversal of the 2022 policy, which prohibited administrative separation based solely on PFB. The condition, caused by tightly curled hairs growing back into the skin, disproportionately affects Black service members.
The policy update coincides with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s military-wide review of grooming and body fat standards.
Policy Justification and Implementation
Maj. Jacoby Getty, spokesperson for the Corps' Manpower and Reserve Affairs, stated that Marines unable to meet grooming standards for over a year may be considered for separation if the condition impacts long-term service compatibility. However, he emphasized that the Corps aims to support Marines through treatment before making such decisions.
Getty assured that the policy is intended to standardize medical exemptions while maintaining the Corps’ commitment to supporting Marines with PFB. The Marine Corps does not centrally track how many service members have shaving waivers for PFB, but those discharged solely due to the condition would receive an honorable discharge.
Concerns Over Racial Disparity and Discrimination
A military dermatologist, speaking anonymously, warned that the policy could disproportionately impact Black Marines, who comprise 15-16% of the active-duty force but hold 66% of shaving waivers.
"Shaving waiver holders already promote more slowly and often leave service early due to the military’s aversion to beards," the dermatologist noted. "While this affects all racial groups, the vast majority of waiver holders are Black, leading to a racially disproportionate impact."
Since PFB is genetically determined, treatment options are limited. "We can’t change genetics," the dermatologist explained. "Marines either shave and endure pain and scarring, undergo laser hair removal, or receive a shaving waiver. Those are the only real options."
Potential Consequences and Limited Treatment Options
The dermatologist outlined three potential outcomes of the policy:
- Some Marines misdiagnosed with PFB but who actually have shaving dermatitis may benefit from improved shaving techniques.
- Others with genuine PFB may feel pressured to shave despite the pain and scarring, fearing separation.
- Some Marines may seek laser hair removal, but access is inconsistent—especially in remote duty locations where military dermatologists are unavailable and Tricare does not cover civilian laser treatments.
"Many Marines will be left without viable options," the dermatologist added.
Shifts in Authority and Enforcement
Under the new policy, commanding officers—not medical professionals—will now have the final say on granting or revoking shaving waivers. This marks another shift from 2022, when medical personnel had sole authority over such exemptions.
Additionally, Marines must now carry a copy of their waiver at all times, a requirement absent from the previous policy.
The Marine Corps is developing a formal order to codify these changes, expected to be published by late spring or early summer.