U.S. Navy orders monthly facial hair waiver accountability reports from commands

Published Aug 3, 03:55 PM UTC

The U.S. Navy issued a new directive on July 31, 2026, requiring commands to produce monthly facial hair accountability reports for sailors with medical shaving waivers, due by the 15th of each month starting August 2026. The policy expands on a July 7 order allowing up to 12 months of medical treatment for skin conditions like Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (razor bumps). Treatment plans are limited to 90-day increments, with a review after six months. Sailors exceeding 12 months without achieving daily shaving ability will be evaluated for discharge, with administrative separations beginning September 30, 2026. Additionally, all previously approved religious accommodation requests for facial hair must be resubmitted and reevaluated; unapproved requests will be closed. Commanding officers have until August 7, 2026, to submit updated requests for sailors who missed deadlines due to deployment or other exceptional circumstances.