Trump's Pentagon Chief Aims for Uniformity: Ban on Grooming Choices Disproportionately Affects Black Service Members

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has fostered a fixation on grooming regulations within the U.S. Armed Forces, ostensibly for military readiness. Recent reports indicate that these new standards disproportionately affect women and minorities, imposing restrictions such as banning eyelash extensions and most nail polish hues while permitting government-funded laser hair removal. Hegseth argues these measures support Army readiness and restore the "warrior ethos," although critics question their relevance to military efficacy. He cited the deterioration of standards under previous administrations during a Congressional address, connecting it to a broader concern of accountability.The Marine Corps has also tightened shaving policy, potentially barring service members suffering from pseudofolliculitis barbae—a condition predominantly affecting Black men—from receiving medical waivers. Critics deride Hegseth’s motives, accusing him of attempting to “de-black” the military, asserting the changes are frivolous and damaging.