Overview
- All medical shaving profiles issued before March 1, 2025 become invalid on Jan. 31, 2026, and affected Airmen and Guardians must schedule evaluations by that date.
- No single shaving profile may exceed six months, with a referral to the unit commander once profiles total more than 12 months within 24 months starting Feb. 1, 2026.
- Unit commanders now hold final approval authority for medical shaving profiles and must record approvals or denials in ASIMS within seven days.
- The guidance preserves medical care for pseudofolliculitis barbae, directing education, medication, dermatology consults, or laser hair removal when appropriate.
- Religious shaving waivers are exempt, while cases exceeding new thresholds may be sent to a medical review board that could lead to separation for a duty-limiting condition.