Military Tightens Grooming Standards Across Services

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2025 - The Department of Defense and U.S. Army issued new directives today tightening appearance and facial hair policies, requiring service members to comply with clarified standards for hair, cosmetics, nails and shaving waivers.

The simultaneous announcements reinforce uniformity and professionalism by removing ambiguity in existing regulations and limiting medical exceptions for shaving, officials said.

Pentagon Limits Medical Shaving Waivers

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed commanders to approve shaving waivers only for one year of medical treatment.
• Service members unable to shave cleanly after a year must be separated, barring religious accommodations.
• The policy aims to uphold “a clean-shaven, neat presentation” as the baseline for military appearance.

Army Updates Appearance and Grooming Policy

• Army Directive 2025-18 clarifies hairstyle lengths, permissible accessories, makeup and jewelry guidelines.
• Men’s hair must blend smoothly with a maximum bulk of 2 in. on top and 1 in. on the sides; braids, twists and designs are prohibited.
• Women may wear ponytails or braids with combat and PT uniforms-limited to 6 in. from the collar and 2 in. wide-but not with dress uniforms. Natural hair colors only.
• Makeup use is restricted to conservative, even skin-tone application; lipstick and eyelash extensions are banned.
• Nail length for women is capped at ¼ in. with clear polish; men’s nails must not extend past the fingertip, and polish is forbidden.

Both policies go into effect with a 30-day compliance window, empowering commanders and NCOs to enforce standards aligned with warfighting priorities and a disciplined, professional force.