Latest "Pseudofolliculitis Barbae" stories

Airman 1st Class Sunjit Rathour was the first Sikh airman to receive a religious accommodation, and may grow his beard and wear his turban while in uniform. A policy-focused team within the Air Force is considering the merits of a pilot program to study beard wear. (Alexander Goad/Air Force)

Air Force may temporarily allow beards, in the name of research

The idea would let participating airmen sport well-kept beards no longer than one-quarter inch.

By Rachel S. Cohen

9 months ago

It’s time for the Navy to allow sailors on shore duty to have short, trimmed beards

In this commentary, the author writes that the Navy's recent change to grooming standards for those who suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB, is a positive step, but it does not go far enough.

By John Cordle

14 months ago

How the Navy’s beard policy discriminates against Black sailors

Some Black sailors say the Navy's shaving policies discriminate against them due to a skin condition over which which they have no control.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

14 months ago

Are you a Black sailor afflicted with razor bumps? We’d like to hear from you

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB, afflicts roughly 60 percent of Black men.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

15 months ago

Navy’s top personnel officer: Beards? Maybe!!!!!

The 59th Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. John B. Nowell Jr. said he gets an earful about facial hair from members of his own family, too.

By Navy Times staff

4 years ago

Inside Big Navy’s war on beards

Personnel with the permanent no-shave chits have six months to receive a medical reevaluation, which likely will trigger a new treatment regimen, according to the updated Bureau of Naval Personnel instruction.

By Courtney Mabeus

4 years ago