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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
