Navy announces updated “no-shave chit” guidelines

The Navy recently released changes to how commands manage individual readiness of Sailors diagnosed with the facial shaving-related condition pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The policy changes are the result of a 2016 Naval Safety Center review of several studies, later re-validated in 2018, which concluded that facial hair (beards) prevents the proper seal of protective breathing devices, such as respiratory protective masks and associated equipment. Failure to have a proper seal can result in serious personal injury, including death, according to the Naval Safety Center.

“The impact [of this policy change] is an improvement in readiness of the force and improvement in safety of the Sailor,” said Director of Military Personnel, Plans and Policies Rear Adm. Jeffrey Jablon. He explained the priority of this revision is ensuring that all Sailors will remain safe if required to don a respirator.

PFB is a treatable medical condition caused when tightly-curled beard hairs are sharpened by shaving, causing them to curve back and re-enter the skin, which can produce facial inflammation, bumps and infections. Updates to the Navy’s Bureau of Personnel (BUPERS) Instruction 1000.22B outline the treatment and command leadership management of Sailors diagnosed with PFB.

The goal of the updated instruction is to provide Sailors with medical treatments that result in successful management of the condition while simultaneously maximizing personnel readiness and safety in all Navy environments.

“We have worked hard to ensure that we can provide the medical treatment needed to support Sailors with PFB,” said Cmdr. Thomas Barlow, a dermatologist assigned to Naval Medical Center San Diego. “We are confident that the options in place will meet both the readiness demands of the Navy and needs of individuals who suffer from this.”

PFB has previously been mitigated through authorization of temporary or permanent shaving waivers, commonly referred to as “no-shave chits.” The updated instruction discontinues the issuance of permanent shaving waivers, but permits temporary shaving waivers in conjunction with treatment.

“Our job as Sailors is to maintain personal readiness, and that includes being able to wear protective breathing equipment in a safe and correct manner,” said PSCM Anton Fitz, staff senior enlisted leader for the Chief of Naval Personnel. “This updated policy will ensure we are meeting that standard.”

Sailors currently experiencing facial irritation after shaving will be referred to a medical provider for evaluation and possible treatment regimen aimed at returning the Sailor to Navy grooming requirements required for a proper respirator seal. Sailors previously issued a permanent shaving waiver must obtain a medical re-evaluation and new treatment regimen within six months of the release of BUPERSINST 1000.22C.

The revised instruction emphasizes that PFB is a treatable condition that can be effectively treated through prescribed medical management.

Treatment regimen options include application of medicated creams to make hairs more shaveable; shaving with gentle equipment; shaving techniques to minimize this risk of irritation and hair re-entry into the skin; and laser hair reduction, which is the most reliable approach allowing a return to Navy grooming standards ensuring the personal safety of our Sailors. Treatment can be counted successful when symptoms are improved enough to allow comfortable shaving.

When Sailors affected by PFB have not been prescribed treatment or are not assigned to an area in which evaluation and treatment are available, their command may authorize a temporary no-shave waiver. In such cases, the maximum allowable facial hair growth is 1/4 inch free of styling and edged.