Why does a shaving profile project a negative outlook on an individual?

2020-07-02T10:26:18-04:00

Years ago i had my skin burned from highly polluted water and now i just cannot shave to save my life lol. My thing is why do i get treated differently because i have a permanent shaving profile? Im never in trouble and never chewed up but why am i looked at as if i am ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-07-02T10:30:00-04:00

Because the Army is to have a clean shaven appearance at all times. And those that can't shave due to profile are seen by some as a bad thing (because many of them have an outdated "old school" thought process) and viewed by others with envy. As long as you keep it within the regs and profile standards....I personally don't care.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 10:39 AM

2020-07-02T10:39:16-04:00

the same reason guys with profiles are looked at like dirtbags just because they can't run 2 miles in 13 minutes?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 10:59 AM

2020-07-02T10:59:34-04:00

Because the shaving profile is exploited and not properly followed by 90% of those who get them.
The amount of times I've seen shaving profiles that instead of being a patch here or there and is instead cut close with a blade, lined up like one is getting ready for a night out just ruins it for those who actually need a shaving profile.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 2 at 2020 12:01 PM

2020-07-02T12:01:37-04:00

Think before writing SPC. Regs Call for clean shaven period, Shaving profile is an exception to regs. You now stand out like a sore thumb, and entire CoC has to answer why. Then comes the grilling from everyone- Profile still valid?, Is it within proscribed standards, when was it last checked, etc. It is not your problem, but it presents an unnecessary amount of time and trouble for your Chain of Command.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jul 2 at 2020 1:00 PM

2020-07-02T13:00:26-04:00

I've seen a couple reasons.
1: antiquated ideals
2: those with shaving profiles sometimes trim them up perfectly and look like they're about to go model some new trimmer.

I myself had one for underneath my chin/neck area. When I shaved I got terrible ingrown hair bumps. I shaved anyway so I could stop getting shit in formation. Eventually the hair stopped growing ingrown. I'm not sure why. Honestly wished I didn't care what people thought and didn't go through the hassle of those bumps. They're annoying. I got lucky that they went away. We had guys with bumps so bad they'd bleed. They were still given shit.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 2 at 2020 1:45 PM

2020-07-02T13:45:48-04:00

First thing. It isn't personal. Anything that is outside of the normal routine is looked at with suspicion. Shaving profiles or as Marines refer to it as a shaving chit have always been something Senior leaders look at with a healthy amount of skepticism because how they tend to be abused and how the applicable orders are rarely interpreted as intended or applied correctly. Just stay within the guidance and don't hesitate to report anyone if their inquiries go beyond into harassment territory. Just be sure you are within compliance because I have seen non-shavers report harassment only to put their own but in a sling because they were rocking a groomed goatee and were clearly in violation of the no shave policies.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 2 at 2020 3:47 PM

2020-07-02T15:47:55-04:00

For some, any profile is seen as either a sign of weakness or a ticket to sham--and to be fair some people get profiles for less than legitimate motivations sometimes. So there's always that.

With a profile like a shaving profile, that has the added "visual" layer; people see someone hasn't shaved--it stands out--and it gives the appearance of not being professional or disciplined. The key word is "appearance". Every soldier had shaving drilled into them from Day 1 of Basic training. Being that there are few exceptions to the rule (you're not secretly some high speed, Delta Force are ya?), folks see someone not clean shaven, and bad assumptions can be made.

I've know a couple guys with shaving profiles, and they can probably all sing the same tune as you. Good guys who just happen to have that unfortunate profile, and they had it for legitimate reasons. Good luck.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jul 2 at 2020 5:07 PM

2020-07-02T17:07:24-04:00

Because people that actually need them, are lumped into the same category as people who "game" the system to get them. Sucks, but that is the way it is...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 5:28 PM

2020-07-02T17:28:02-04:00

In 16 years I've only ever met one guy with a shaving profile that wasn't a complete shit bag. It's definitely a stereotype, but one that has been well earned by those with the profile. Maybe I'll see you around Bragg and you can be #2.

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jul 2 at 2020 6:05 PM

2020-07-02T18:05:38-04:00

Because the ones that look at you crazy don’t understand razor bumps don’t understand curly hair or terrible Ingrown hairs, brotha you have to be a water walker if you can’t shave it’s BS.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 2 at 2020 6:40 PM

2020-07-02T18:40:23-04:00

Because MOST of those on a shaving profile, don't need it, and abuse it. Oh you need it bad enough to go to the Doctor to get it and once on it, when they feel that need/want/desire... they shave up nice and neat for the club etc.,

Add to this that most who are on one do not follow the directions of the profile properly. It it not a NO SHAVING shaving profile. It means that you do not have to shave close and smooth, but you do have to keep your facial hair within a minimum.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jul 2 at 2020 7:01 PM

2020-07-02T19:01:48-04:00

.
Jussaying#264.
More seriously - ego.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 7:59 PM

2020-07-02T19:59:25-04:00

I would speak with a dermatologist. I have had shaving bumps until I got a different aftershave balm and now I can shave daily and not have near the problems I had. Now yes I can sometimes get a little raw on the neck area but not to the point I’m bleeding like I used to. I’d rather have a little raw neck than the hassle of a shaving profile always causing me grief.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 1:30 AM

2020-07-03T01:30:58-04:00

TBH 50 percent is abused and 50 percent is other members just hating because they have shave.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 2:57 AM

2020-07-03T02:57:58-04:00

1) Because you are not uniform

2) You are a target for your leaders bosses

3) People take advantage of it

4) Old school mentalities.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 9:27 AM

2020-07-03T09:27:22-04:00

I just had cervical disc replacements and the scar trapped a tendon in my neck... I can' shave without cutting my incision scar and may need a shaving profile. I understand your frustration brother... Despite what Gene Simmons said, there is such a thing as bad publicity.

Bear with it, know the reg and don't misuse it. But it's a target... have you considered going to SFAS?!

Now we both know how the guys who can't run feel like....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2020 2:28 PM

2020-07-03T14:28:56-04:00

No disrespect, but it seems a lot of the comments on here are spoken out of Envy, its always the same thing being said "people abuse the profile" when i get treated differently even when im within my length.