Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. As a result, being out of work due to illness or layoffs can have devastating effects. This cold and flu season, workers are worried about getting sick. Yet, some have a bigger concern. Men with facial hair could face suspension for not shaving.
Some jobs require workers to wear N95 respirator masks on the job. And according to authorities, the masks are not effective when worn over full beards. Consequently, many employers have policies that require employees to shave. Those who do not comply with company mandates could be suspended for not shaving.
You may wonder who these rules apply to or what workers can do about it. Here is what employees should know.
Men grow beards for many reasons. In fact, when they are required to shave, it can feel like a violation of personal freedom.
From a legal perspective, experts agree that employers can require men to shave as long as it does not:
To explain, here are a few examples. If an employer required a man to shave a beard that was grown for religious observance, it would be considered a violation of the right to practice religion. If an employer required a man to shave even though it aggravated or caused a medical condition, that would be an instance of a policy that caused undue hardship.
For jobs that do not require N95 masks, it may be unlawful to have policies prohibiting facial hair. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a policy prohibiting beards on the job can be racially discriminatory. A "no-beard" policy may be unlawful if it is not job-related and harms the employment of African-American men (who have a predisposition to a skin condition that causes severe shaving bumps). You can read the EEOC's statement here.
Workers who think their job is doing something wrong should talk to their boss about their concerns.
Employers considered first-responders, like emergency medical response and law enforcement, might require N95 respirator masks for worker protection. In other words, jobs that regulate N95 masks and can suspend workers who do not shave include:
Men in these jobs may find themselves in tough situations if they can't shave.
A lot of men suffer from skin conditions caused by shaving. In particular, approximately 60% of African-American men suffer from a medical condition called Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, known as razor bumps. You can read more on Psueodfolliculitis Barbae here. In most black men, shaving causes swollen, painful bumps that can scar their faces over time. A 100% effective treatment is to let the beard grow.
Generally, employers allow exemptions. A medical excuse from a doctor can prevent suspensions in many cases. A doctor can confirm that a worker cannot shave due to a medical condition, like razor bumps. Then the employee would be allowed to grow their beard and avoid suspension.
A recent story made national news from the police department in Maryland's Prince George County. Due to an N95 mask requirement, the police department changed its policy to require clean-shaven faces. In this case, men with razor bumps were allowed medical exemptions. The police chief said in a statement that his department encouraged officers to come forward with medical waivers. You can read more about the officers in Maryland here.
In short, shaving waivers are encouraged for workers who cannot shave due to medical conditions. In some cases, employees can avoid suspensions or other disciplinary action when showing that shaving causes undue hardship. While employers can legally require shaving, it should not violate civil rights or aggravate a medical condition.
Have you experienced problems from shaving for your job? If razor bumps have you worried, you need to talk to one of our doctors. Meet a top board-certified physician online through a convenient virtual video visit. Find out more by chatting 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.
Some employers require shaving. A clean-shaven face is part of the uniform. Many law enforcement jobs prohibit beards. So it’s normal to wonder - can you have a beard as a security guard?
Typically, security guards or security officers must maintain a professional appearance on the job. Often that means a shaven face or well-groomed beard. Security guards can be excused in some cases, such as religious or medical exemptions.
If you’re thinking about a security job but cannot shave due to personal beliefs or skin problems, here’s what you should know.
The truth is that each business has different requirements for grooming and appearance. Employers want to put their best face forward. And when it comes to providing security, men are expected to appear respectable and professional.
Here are some of the rules from top names in private security:
Most security jobs require shaving as a part of their grooming standards.
Men who cannot shave their facial hair for religious or medical reasons can talk to their supervisor about the process of getting a shaving waiver. To learn about what a shaving waiver is, read more here.
Security guards who suffer from damaging skin conditions with frequent shaving may need a shaving waiver.
A medical excuse is needed in some situations. Shaving weekly may cause security guards to experience:
Not only can these be painful, but they are also unattractive. Symptoms may range from mild to very serious. They can also lead to scarring or other permanent effects.
Security officers who have these problems from shaving should see a doctor. They may need a medical excuse.
Thanks to the internet, seeing a doctor is now easier than ever. And virtual visits online are less expensive than driving to a specialist’s office.
Getting an appointment for a shaving waiver is simple. The first step is to find a doctor. Telemedicine doctors can treat patients through smartphones, tablets, or computers. Seeing an online doctor is the fastest way to get a shaving waiver.
A telemedicine appointment should include a physical exam with the doctor that focuses on the skin problem. The doctor will ask questions about the symptoms. And they may discuss treatment options. After the appointment, the online physician can provide a medical excuse showing why an officer should avoid frequent shaving.
So if you are considering a job in security, now you know what to expect when it comes to shaving. Many employers will have rules about growing facial hair. But you may still be able to grow a beard if there is are medical concerns.
Would you like to talk to a caring doctor about your skin problems? To meet a top board-certified physician, chat with Razor Bumps, Inc. 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.
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.
There are just a few steps to getting a shaving waiver online.
These five steps are simple and painless. In most cases, men can obtain the online shaving excuse within a couple of days.
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.
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.
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!
