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A new Marine Corps policy could lead to the administrative separation of troops diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a genetic skin condition that primarily affects Black men and causes painful irritation from shaving.
The interim guidance, issued earlier this month, instructs military health care providers to reevaluate affected Marines within 90 days. If a Marine’s condition does not improve after a four-phase treatment program and requires a shaving waiver for more than a year, commanders may separate them for “incompatibility with service.”
The new directive reverses a 2022 policy that prohibited separating Marines solely for PFB, a condition in which curled hairs grow back into the skin, causing inflammation and scarring.
Military Dermatologist Raises Discrimination Concerns
A military dermatologist, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that the policy could disproportionately impact Black Marines, who represent 66% of shaving waiver holders despite making up only 15-16% of active-duty troops.
“You could have a white person, Black person, Hispanic person, or Asian person on a shaving waiver— they’ll all face discrimination and slower promotions. But since most waiver holders are Black, the racial impact is undeniable,” the dermatologist said.
The Marine Corps’ four-phase treatment program includes:
- Avoiding shaving for four weeks to allow skin to heal.
- Non-laser hair removal and modified grooming for moderate to severe cases.
- Referral for laser hair removal, which is government-funded but not mandatory.
However, the dermatologist emphasized that treatment options for PFB are limited.
“We can’t change genetics. Marines will either have to endure pain and scarring from shaving, undergo laser hair removal, or face separation,” they said.
Commanders Regain Control Over Shaving Waivers
Under the new guidance, commanding officers—not medical professionals—will decide whether a Marine keeps or loses their shaving waiver. This reverses the 2022 policy, which placed the decision in the hands of healthcare providers.
Additionally, the new policy requires Marines to carry a copy of their waiver at all times, another rollback from previous regulations.
When asked whether the Marine Corps considered the potential racial disparity, Maj. Jacoby Getty, a Marine Corps spokesperson, insisted the policy was about maintaining high standards.
“This MARADMIN does not lower our standards but ensures clear, standardized guidance on grooming and medical conditions,” Getty said.
He added that separation would only be considered if a Marine’s condition remains unresolved after a year and is deemed incompatible with service.
Limited Treatment Access Could Leave Marines Without Options
The availability of laser hair removal—a possible solution—varies widely, the dermatologist noted.
“If you’re stationed in Japan or Korea, you can’t just walk to an on-base dermatologist for laser hair removal. Even in the U.S., many areas lack active-duty dermatologists, and Tricare doesn’t cover civilian laser treatments,” they said.
This means some Marines with PFB could be left without viable treatment options, leading to either forced shaving and painful symptoms or discharge from service.
Policy Part of Military-Wide Review of Standards
The Marine Corps issued the new policy as the Pentagon conducts a force-wide review of military standards, including shaving waivers and body fat regulations.
Getty stated that the policy aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broader review of military fitness and appearance standards.
“This guidance balances talent retention with the need for clear standards for lethality and readiness,” he said.
With the official order codifying the changes expected in late spring or early summer, Marines with PFB now face uncertainty over whether they can continue serving.
