After years of debate, the British Army has lifted a more than 100-year-old ban on wearing beards, News.ro reports with reference to POLITICO.

The changes come after the military conducted a months-long review of its appearance policy, which previously only allowed mustaches. King Charles III, British politicians and the United Kingdom’s allies were consulted on the decision, said Sgt. Maj. Paul Carney in a video sent to the military and released to the media.

“There was an overwhelming majority that thought the military should change its policy and allow soldiers to wear beards,” Carney said. “We listened and took action.”

Officers and soldiers will be allowed to grow beards, but must maintain a professional appearance and follow specific guidelines for how their beards can look, Carney said. The order came into effect on Friday to allow those on Easter break to start growing facial hair straight away.

Those who do not shave should expect their appearance to be inspected to ensure that the beard meets military standards. Sometimes, however, it will be necessary to abandon the beard if the operational situation requires it.

British Defense Minister Grant Shepps is among the supporters of the new measure. He told the Times last year that the army’s beard ban was “ridiculous” and urged the institution to “modernise”.

With the change, Britain joins the armies of Denmark, Germany and Belgium, which already allow their soldiers to grow beards, the BBC reports.