U.S. Air Force Implements New Grooming Standards for Airmen

The U.S. Air Force has introduced revised grooming standards for airmen, detailed in a memorandum issued on October 29, 2023. This update aligns with a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized the need for uniform grooming standards across the military in a memo released on September 30, 2023.

The new guidelines require that sideburns must be trimmed above the ear opening, while mustaches should not extend beyond the corners of the mouth or interfere with respirator seals. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed these changes to Military Times. The memorandum outlines that “pride in an Airman’s personal appearance and uniform wear greatly enhances the discipline essential to an effective military force.”

The updated regulations specify that sideburns must be straight, with an even width above the ear and ending in a clean-shaven horizontal line. Mustaches are to be neatly trimmed and should match the natural hair color of the airman’s head. Styles such as handlebar, twists, curls, or goatees are explicitly prohibited.

In addition to these grooming specifics, the new memorandum has tightened the regulations surrounding shaving waivers. Now, only temporary waivers for medical conditions will be permitted, requiring approval from unit commanders. The memo emphasizes that “at the start of each duty day, male Airmen must be clean shaven.” Beards are not authorized, except for medical reasons, when recommended by a medical official and approved by the relevant unit commander, or if a request for a religious accommodation is granted.

These changes follow a meeting of military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in late September, where Hegseth committed to reforming the military’s physical fitness and appearance standards. Since August, he has been actively implementing grooming and fitness standards that reflect his vision of military appearance.

In an earlier memo dated August 20, 2023, Hegseth stated, “The strength of the military is our unity and our shared purpose,” highlighting the importance of maintaining grooming standards as fundamental to the warrior ethos.

These new grooming regulations are part of a broader effort to instill discipline and uniformity within the ranks of the Air Force, reinforcing the notion that personal appearance is vital to the overall effectiveness and image of the military.