Soldiers with skin conditions will no longer be granted permanent medical waivers that allow them to avoid shaving under an updated U.S. Army policy that critics said could disproportionately affect Black troops.

The change will phase out permanent waivers for soldiers who had been allowed to grow beards because they had been diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps or ingrown hairs. The condition affects up to 60 percent of Black men as well as other people with curly hair, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

The Army will still grant temporary medical waivers and permanent waivers for religious reasons that allow soldiers to grow beards.

Soldiers with permanent medical waivers will work with their doctors and commanders to develop better grooming techniques and treatment plans that will allow them to shave without developing skin problems, the Army said.

Soldiers who cannot comply with grooming standards that require them to be clean-shaven “within a reasonable time” may be kicked out of the Army, the service said in a statement this week. The updated Army policy is similar to one the U.S. Marines announced in March.

“This update reinforces our culture that fosters discipline — and discipline equals readiness,” Michael R. Weimer, the sergeant major of the Army, said in the statement. “Through a phased implementation, we are working with providers through commanders to effectively address grooming standards to ensure we maintain a professional force.”