The U.S. Air Force has issued detailed new grooming guidance that tightens standards for mustaches and sideburns, and it does so in a way that underscores accountability and readiness.

The October 29 memorandum provides specific measurements and expectations so commanders and airmen share a clear standard to follow.

“The new guidance mandates that sideburns must be above the ear opening and mustaches are prohibited from going beyond the corners of the mouth or into a respirator seal zone,” the spokesperson added.

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That line captures two key priorities behind the order: a crisp, uniform appearance and safety when wearing protective equipment.

The memo stresses the relationship between appearance and performance, and it makes clear that good order is not cosmetic but operational.

“Pride in an Airman’s personal appearance and uniform wear greatly enhances the discipline essential to an effective military force,” the memo says. “Therefore, Airmen must maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance through adherence to the five elements of this standard: neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity, and military image.”

Those five elements read like a blueprint for a military that wants to be taken seriously at home and abroad.

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Rules on sideburns require a straight, even width above the ear opening and a clean horizontal line at the lower edge, which removes ambiguity for both service members and supervisors.

Mustaches must be neatly trimmed and match natural head hair color, and more flamboyant facial styles such as handlebar or curled mustaches are not permitted.

The guidance is also specific about waivers, limiting shaving waivers to temporary medical needs and ensuring unit commanders review and approve exceptions so standards remain consistent across the force.

“At the start of each duty day, male Airmen must be clean shaven,” the memo states. “Beards are not authorized unless for medical reasons, when recommended by a medical official, and approved by applicable unit commander or as authorized pursuant to a request for a religious accommodation.”

These provisions make clear that personal accommodation remains possible, but only through proper channels and with command oversight.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made grooming and fitness standards a priority since August, pushing a broader cultural reset that many conservatives have supported because it reinforces discipline and cohesion.

“As I stated when directing the Rapid Force-Wide Review of Military Standards, the strength of the military is our unity and our shared purpose,” states an Aug. 20 memo from Hegseth to senior Pentagon leadership. “The Department must remain vigilant in maintaining the grooming standards which underpin the warrior ethos.”

That direct language from Hegseth signals a top down commitment to restoring predictable standards that reflect a fighting force, not a fashion show.

Supporters say the reforms are practical and necessary, since a clear standard removes inconsistent enforcement that can harm morale and mission focus.

At the same time critics argue the rules are too prescriptive, yet many senior leaders believe uniformity in appearance translates into reliable behavior under stress.

The rules also emphasize safety, especially when facial hair might interfere with respirator seals or other lifesaving gear, and this practical justification resonates with commanders who worry about readiness.

By clarifying expectations and centralizing approval for exceptions, the Air Force aims to reduce local variation and ensure every unit projects the same professional image.

For servicemembers who value order and predictability, the new guidance will be welcome because it makes expectations explicit and enforceable.

Implementation will require leaders at every level to communicate the standard respectfully and consistently, and to process waivers under the outlined criteria.

In the end this is about preserving the warrior ethos and the trust the public places in its military, and the updated rules are a straightforward step toward that goal.

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