A BEARDED police officer is continuing his crusade against top cop Ken Lay's strict grooming standards after a tribunal ruled police command could force officers to go to work clean shaven.

Leading Senior Constable Michael Kuyken is going to the Supreme Court, seeking leave to appeal against VCAT's recent finding that the regulations were discriminatory but lawful.

Member Julie Grainger found the ban on ponytails and buns for men, and facial hair - except for neatly trimmed sideburns and moustaches - was permitted.

At the tribunal hearing Leading Sen-Constable Kuyken, who represented himself and 15 other officers, claimed he was made to feel less professional because of his facial hair and victimised as a result of his grooming rules dispute.

He told the tribunal he shaved off his goatee but felt like his compliant moustache looked like an outdated "porn moustache" from the 1970s.

The applicants argued they felt more attractive and confident with facial hair and suffered anxiety over the new standards.

Ms Grainger found the threat of disciplinary action amounted to discrimination, but that this was allowed due to powers given to the Chief Commissioner under the Police Regulation Act, which was amended in June 2012.

Dismissing the claims, Ms Grainger said applicants could still apply for an exemption for legitimate medical, cultural or religious reasons.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Mark Derham heard the complex matter involved the interaction between Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and equal opportunity legislation.

Chief Commissioner Lay's legal representative will argue that there are insufficient legal grounds to justify the granting of leave to appeal against the VCAT ruling, the court heard.

The application will return to court next month.

emily.portelli@news.com.au