Marine Corps’ new shaving waiver policy sparks concerns over impact on Black marines

The recent tightening of shaving waiver policies on medical conditions by the U.S. Marine Corps, especially pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), has raised eyebrows among dermatologists and activists at the disproportionate effect it is bound to have on Black Marines. PFB, or painful skin condition otherwise referred to as razor bumps, primarily occurs among Black men and usually requires shaving waivers in a bid to avoid serious irritation and scarring.

In March 2025, the Marine Corps also published a new policy requiring Marines granted medical shaving exemptions to be reevaluated within 90 days. More importantly, the policy permits commanders to look into administrative separation for Marines who have had shaving waivers for more than a year if their condition is not compatible with military service.

This represents a change from a 2022 instruction that prohibited separations based on "no shave" medical status alone and left waiver authority to medical officers. Commanding officers now have the ultimate authority for approving or revoking shaving exemptions, with a presumed responsibility to monitor treatment compliance closely.

Medical professionals note that this policy may have a racially disproportionate effect. An anonymous military dermatologist pointed out that while Black soldiers account for roughly 15-16% of the active-duty force, they hold roughly 66% of shaving waivers. The dermatologist stated that shaving waiver recipients tend to have lower promotion rates and higher attrition, with Black Marines being disproportionately impacted by the genetic aspect of PFB and the Marine Corps' stern grooming regulations.

The Marine Corps defends the policy as needed to ensure readiness, discipline, and uniformity. Lt. Col. Yvonne Carlock, USMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs spokeswoman, said that commanders will actively monitor treatment plans and provide communication bridges between Marines, medical staff, and commanders. The policy seeks to balance talent retention with operational performance and return Marines to compliance when possible. Marines separated with PFB would be given honorable discharges, the Corps said.

This policy shift follows an overall Department of Defense assessment of physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards launched by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Marine Corps, with its strict grooming policies, has a hardline against beards, and Commandant Gen. Eric Smith reaffirmed that PFB waivers are medical, not fashion-based.

Critics suggest that the more stringent shaving waiver policy threatens to undermine Black Marines' careers by compelling them to endure painful shaving or possible discharge. PFB treatments are still limited, with alternatives being to suffer in silence, laser hair removal, or seeking a shaving waiver. The stress on reevaluation and possible discharge in the new policy has also raised questions regarding fairness and long-term minority service member retention in the Corps.

While the Marine Corps completes the policy with a pending codification later this spring or summer, the controversy remains regarding how to balance medical requirements with military standards without disproportionately prejudicing Black Marines.