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When you picture a man in uniform, most likely, he’s clean-shaven. That’s especially true if you imagined a military uniform since the U.S. Army requires soldiers to shave. However, men with certain skin conditions may be eligible for a military shaving waiver that excuses them from shaving daily. So how do you get a shaving waiver for the National Guard?

Generally, men in the U.S. military treated by a licensed medical professional for shaving-related skin problems may be given a shaving waiver, called a shaving profile. A doctor, dermatologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must certify that the soldier suffers from a medical condition requiring them to grow their facial hair. A neatly trimmed beard shorter than a one-quarter inch may then be allowed.

Wondering if a military shaving waiver is right for you? Read on to find out why soldiers are required to shave and how you can get a profile in the National Guard.

Can You Get a Shaving Profile in the National Guard? 

A profile is an injury or condition that prevents soldiers from performing their duty. For instance, a shaving profile means a medical diagnosis means a soldier cannot shave daily. Instead of shaving, men may trim facial hair neatly with scissors or clippers. 

A shaving profile is essentially a medical recommendation, though. Commanders have the final say in whether a shaving profile will be honored or not.

The most common reason for shaving waivers is a skin problem called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). This condition causes painful bumps to form that can scar a man’s face permanently. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 83% of African American men suffer from PFB.

What Army Regulation Covers a Shaving Profile?

The National Guard soldiers serve the military by supplementing U.S. Army units. Army regulation 670-1 1-8 2(c) requires men to keep faces “clean shaven while in uniform or civilian clothes on duty.” That means that soldiers have to shave each day, which can worsen skin problems or cause permanent damage for some men.

With a shaving waiver, men can keep facial hair groomed very short, ⅛ to ¼ inches. A shaving profile is not an excuse to grow out a beard. Furthermore, tyling of facial hair is never allowed.

Officers can stop soldiers in uniform and ask to see their profiles. So it is important to keep required paperwork on hand at all times. 

What Causes Pseudofolliculitis?

The U.S. Army Medical Services Technical Bulletin 287  tells more about this topic. After shaving, sharp hair tips can curl and grow back into the skin. This trauma to the skin can hurt. It is also itchy. Pockets of pus may also form when bacteria trapped under the skin multiply. Cases of PFB may be mild to severe. 

Soldiers who experience PFB should see a doctor. According to the Army bulletin, “virtually all individuals with PFB will require a profile for the entire face and neck at some point in therapy.” 

A military shaving profile may state how often a man is can shave and how long the hair should grow out to avoid skin problems. A profile is re-evaluated at an officer’s request or if the soldier’s condition changes. 

Summary

Now you know if a shaving profile for the National Guard might be right for you. It is best to consult a licensed physician about any medical condition. If you still have questions, now is the time to talke to a specialist.

Connect with Our Board-Certified Physicians

Would you like to talk to a caring doctor about your skin problems? To meet a top board-certified physician, chat with us now.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.

Shaving can cause problems. Some men who shave develop serious skin conditions. As a result, they may have to see a physician for a shaving waiver. But can you get a shaving waiver completed online without having to go to the doctor's office? The answer is yes.

Men who require a shaving waiver can obtain one online. Video visits with online doctors can provide patients with routine medical care such as exams, treatment, and help with employer medical forms, like shaving waivers.  

If you need a shaving waiver, you will want to know how to make an appointment. You may also need to know how much it may cost.

What Is a Shaving Waiver Online?

Some employers and training programs, including the military, police, and security, have grooming standards and policies that require men to shave their faces. But shaving may cause scarring, excessive dryness, ingrown hairs, or a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae that you can read about here.

When shaving causes skin complications, a shaving waiver can protect employees. Employers may refer to a shaving waiver form by different terms, including: 

You can read more about shaving waivers in this article

A shaving waiver must come from a licensed physician. Online doctors who provide telemedicine services can provide shaving excuse letters for their patients who meet the conditions. Virtual physicians see their patients through a video visit. Then they digitally complete and sign forms required by employers.

How Can I Get a Shaving Waiver Online?

There are just a few steps to getting a shaving waiver online. 

  1. Check with your employer. Ask them what type of documentation is needed to excuse employees from the shaving policies. Ask if there are specific forms to complete and sign with your doctor. If they do not have a form, then your doctor can provide a letter for you.
  2. Find a doctor. A quick internet will turn up doctors that can help with your shaving exemption. Skim for details such as availability, cost, and patient reviews.
  3. Book an appointment. You should be able to book the appointment right away either online or by contacting the office. Be sure to provide insurance information if you have it, and let the doctor know the reason for your visit. Tell them upfront that you need a shaving waiver for your job.
  4. See the doctor. Tell the doctor what symptoms you have because of shaving. Do you have pain? Itching? Does your skin change colors? The doctor should perform an exam and answer any questions you have.
  5. Get the shaving waiver! Lastly, the doctor will provide a form from the visit to excuse you from shaving if you’ve met the employer requirements.

These five steps are simple and painless. In most cases, men can obtain the online shaving excuse within a couple of days.

How Much Does a Shaving Waiver Online Cost?

A shaving excuse letter or “no-shave waiver” is usually completed as part of a doctor’s visit. If your insurance covers the cost of the doctor visit, then it may be free. 

Still, if you do not have insurance or your insurance will not cover the visit, the cost of an online shaving waiver is around $50. 

Is an Online Shaving Waiver the Same as In-Person?

Sometimes men do not have a doctor they see regularly or cannot wait for the next available doctor's appointment. Travel time and cost are also factors when choosing to see a doctor. When it is not possible to get to a doctor near you, the next best thing is a video visit. Many patients are very happy with telemedicine services (seeing a doctor online) because they are convenient and inexpensive. 

Through a video visit, the online doctor can see and hear the patient. They can ask and answer questions. Doctors still examine the patient to make a diagnosis. And they can refer patients to a laboratory or outpatient center if any tests are needed. When it comes to shaving excuse forms, whether completed online or in person the paperwork is the same.

But watch out! Patients must be careful about choosing an online doctor. Not all virtual doctors’ offices are the same. Some telehealth services do not schedule you to see a doctor. They may take your information and payment to complete a shaving waiver, but never actually schedule you with a doctor.

Connect with Our Board-Certified Physicians

We offer live, video visits with real doctors. Our caring experts offer the highest quality service. To get a shaving waiver online from a top board-certified physician, book an appointment now!

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