Australia’s fighting men could soon win another blow for freedom – the right to grow a beard.

The Australian Defence Force’s next review of its uniform rules will consider the UK Royal Air Force’s decision this month to allow its airmen to sport beards for the first time in its 101-year history.

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The hair-raising move is designed to make the British air force more inclusive and boost recruitment, acknowledging the ban was making it tougher to retain highly skilled servicemen.

The British Army’s beard ban made headlines last year when Prince Harry was granted special permission by the Queen to wear a beard at his wedding.

The Defence Department says its next review of its grooming regulations will consider the practices of close military partners, including Britain.

'Changing norms'

"The ADF dress and grooming policies are regularly reviewed to ensure an appropriate balance of operational and safety requirements, and workforce needs," a Defence spokesman says.

“When reviewing policy, Defence takes into account changing societal norms, cultural beliefs and practices as well as the current policies of our closest military partners."

The Australian Defence Association's Neil James says the beard ban is less of a problem in Australia than Britain, where military chiefs have struggled to attract recruits.

Prince William wore no beard when he served in the Royal Air Force. Credit: Faye Storer / MOD

James says the beard ban made sense in jungle warfare, where having a beard can increase the risk of disease, and for pilots who wear oxygen masks.

On the other hand, a beard can be helpful in places like Afghanistan where the locals treat bearded men with greater respect, James says.

"You hear the odd case anecdotally that someone’s left (the military) to grow a beard, but it doesn’t happen very often," James says.

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Australian Navy members can grow beards with permission - a throwback to the days when facial hair could protect a sailor's face from the flash of cannon fire.

The Australian Army currently permits only moustaches that are “neat and trimmed”, although commanders have ultimate discretion on the battlefield.

“Air Force (personnel) are allowed ‘heritage’ or ‘handlebar’ moustaches,” Defence says.

ADF chief Angus Campbell, right, and his predecessor, Mark Binskin, left, are both clean-shaven in this 2018 file photo. Credit: Sean Davey / AAP

There are already exceptions for service members with medical conditions that prevent shaving and beards grown for religious reasons.

The British air force’s new policy takes effect on September 1.

“Only full-set beards that are kept short and neatly trimmed will be permitted,” the UK Ministry of Defence says.