Overview
- Mustaches may not extend beyond the corners of the mouth or into a respirator seal zone, and sideburns must be straight, even in width, and end above the ear opening in a clean-shaven line.
- Male airmen must report clean-shaven at the start of each duty day, with beards allowed only for approved medical reasons or authorized religious accommodations.
- Handlebar mustaches, twists, curls, and goatees are prohibited, and any mustache worn must be neatly trimmed and match the wearer’s natural hair color.
- Shaving waivers are now restricted to temporary medical conditions, with unit commanders designated as the approval authority in alignment with Hegseth’s recent directives.
- The memo surfaced on an unofficial Air Force forum and was obtained by Task & Purpose and Military Times, as at least one anonymous airman criticized the shift as a more cookie-cutter approach.