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Navy Ends Permanent Shaving Waivers, Imposes One-Year Rule

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

In July 2026 the U.S. Navy ended permanent shaving waivers and set a one-year treatment period before separation for sailors with shaving-related skin conditions.
Sailors with pseudofolliculitis barbae fall under the one-year rule, while commanders may grant a 90-day quarter-inch beard waiver.
The directive also forces religious-exemption sailors to reapply under stricter review, while SEALs may keep beards only when mission essential and must be clean-shaven for CBRN missions.

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Story summary

In July 2026 the U.S. Navy ended permanent shaving waivers and set a one-year treatment period before separation for sailors with shaving-related skin conditions.
Sailors with pseudofolliculitis barbae fall under the one-year rule, while commanders may grant a 90-day quarter-inch beard waiver.
The directive also forces religious-exemption sailors to reapply under stricter review, while SEALs may keep beards only when mission essential and must be clean-shaven for CBRN missions.