New Delhi, July 10 -- The US Navy has issued a major update to its facial hair grooming standards, tightening rules governing medical shaving waivers while reaffirming that sailors are generally expected to remain clean shaven to ensure operational readiness and compatibility with protective equipment.

The updated guidance, issued through a NAVADMIN, applies to both active-duty and reserve personnel. It introduces stricter requirements for granting and renewing medical shaving waivers, mandates regular readiness evaluations and, in some cases, could lead to administrative separation for sailors who remain unable to comply with grooming standards after prolonged treatment.

The policy does not affect religious accommodations for facial ha...