Overview

• On July 17, the Defense Department released new grooming standards that fund laser hair removal, ban eyelash extensions, restrict certain nail polishes, and tighten uniform sleeve and cuff rules.
• The policy includes government-covered laser treatments intended to prevent shaving-induced skin issues reported by Black service members.
• Cosmetic restrictions bar eyelash extensions and specific nail polish colors as officials move to standardize appearance across ranks.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the measures support Army readiness and reflect his broader campaign to restore a warrior ethos by rolling back diversity and inclusion programs.
• Critics label the initiative a "war on wrinkles" and say it prioritizes appearance over operational concerns as questions persist about Hegseth’s handling of Signalgate and his unilateral pause on Ukraine weapons shipments.