Have No Fear The Beard Is Here

The Pros and Cons of a Bearded Look

It may seem like beards are all the rage nowadays, but it hasn’t been this way for ages. Many years ago, beards were a sign of higher social status and wealth, and sporting one was a right reserved for few. However, times have changed and having a beard has become very fashionable in recent years. The question remains then, are there any pros and cons to having a beard?

In terms of the pros associated with beards, they are definitely becoming very popular amongst men. According to a survey conducted by grooming product site Question Resolved, 81% of men reported that they have experienced greater confidence when sporting a beard. Additionally, beards can also give off an aura of authority and maturity. This is supported by a study done by the University of Southern Queensland, which found that men with beards are seen as more assertive and less sensitive compared to their clean-shaven counterparts.

Besides the advantages associated with beards, there are some drawbacks. It is known that facial hair can provide a certain amount of protection from the sun, but there are potential downsides as well. It can be harder to keep a beard clean and conditioning it is often time consuming. Improper care of one’s beard can lead to skin problems like acne and dandruff. Furthermore, improper grooming of the beard can make it appear unkempt and wild; effective trimming and upkeep is essential.

Finally, an oft less talked about consequence of having a beard is that it can be hard to tell one’s age. This has two implications. The first is that it is harder to accurately guess an individual’s age, and the second is that it could lead to a potent legal issue. For example, if a bearded person is stopped by the police and asked for their identity, the officer may not be able to properly guess the suspect’s age.

Attitude Towards Beards

The attitude towards beards is often varied, depending on the country in which one is residing. In western countries, having a beard is now more culturally acceptable than it used to be in the past. Although most people have no preference, some may have a negative opinion towards beards. For example, a survey by Askmen showed that 46% of women reportedly said they would not date a man with a beard.

Additionally, the attitude towards beards can also change with the times. This is shown by a study conducted by the research journal Nature that indicated that beards have gone through various cycles. Beards were fairly popular in the 60s and 70s, but by the early 2000s, clean-shaven looks were in fashion once again. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that beards started to gain traction again and become fashionable.

It is also worth noting that some professions are regarded as more suitable for bearded men. In lockdown, male teachers and celebrities were asked to shave their beards to fully comply with their respective dress codes. As such, it can be argued that there are biases against those who choose to maintain a beard in certain social contexts. A Forbes survey also revealed that most people think one looks more professional with a clean cut.

Health Benefits of Beards

It may surprise many, but researchers have found that beards can offer some health benefits. For example, beards can act as a natural sunscreen and prevent the need for chemical-based creams. According to a study by the Harvard Medical School, the more facial hair one has, the better he can shield against UV radiation. Furthermore, the study showed that beards can block up to 95% of UV rays and protect the skin from sun damage.

Moreover, beards also help fight against certain viruses by trapping them to prevent from entering the facial orifices. Specifically, the Journal of Hospital Infection found that men with facial hair were three times less likely to be infected by the common cold, making it a potentially beneficial preventive measure. Moreover, another study found that those with facial hair had an improved immune system.

Maintenance and Care of Beards

Having a healthy and well-groomed beard requires some degree of upkeep. First and foremost, keeping the beard clean is of utmost importance. For example, using a mild cleaner every other day is recommended, as is using a conditioner and oil every few days to keep it soft and shiny. It is also important to remember to brush and comb the beard regularly to minimize knots and splitting.

Additionally, trimming is also very important in order to maintain the desired look. This should be done using clippers, scissors, or a sharp razor, and preferably done with the help of a professional. It is important to note that one should not overdo the trimming, as natural grooming is more desirable. As such, trimming the beard too close to the skin can make it look patchy and unbalanced.

Beard Myths

Sadly, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about beards that are still making the rounds. For example, some still think that beards are unhygienic or carry more germs than clean-shaven faces. Research actually debunks this myth, showing that a man’s face with or without facial hair was similarly covered in the same number of bacteria. Another misconception about beards is that they can make the skin underneath them darker. However, this is not true as the skin only gets darker when sun damage occurs, regardless of whether one has facial hair or not.

Furthermore, beards are discouraged as they are thought to make an individual look older. Though it is true that untrimmed beards can make one look older, having a neatly trimmed beard actually helps in making one look younger. Research has even found that men with beards appear successful and more dominant than those without. Thus, there is no need for concern as beards can be groomed in a way that complements one’s features.

Effects of Everyday Products on Beards

Although the presence of a beard can be beneficial, the products used to maintain it can potentially have a damaging effect. For example, using hot shower water to rinse the beard can leave it with a dry and brittle texture. This can be countered by using warm instead of hot water, as this will help keep the beard’s natural oils intact. Furthermore, using regular shampoo and conditioner instead of special products designed for beards is not recommended, as these formulas are more likely to strip the beard of its natural oils.

Similarly, there is also the issue of styling products. Many beard balms, waxes, and pomades contain alcohol, which can dry the beard out. Thus, it is important to use products specifically designed for beards whenever possible, as the ingredients are generally much less harsh and are designed to keep the hair hydrated and nourished. Thus, men with beards should be mindful of what products they use to maintain their facial hair.

Hair Growth Products and Beards

Although it is not always possible to have a strong and full beard, there are hair growth products that can help with this. Generally, these products contain vitamins and minerals, as well as other ingredients such as biotin and saw palmetto. These are specifically designed to boost hair growth and help reduce breakage. Unfortunately, it should be noted that these products will not be effective in areas where hair simply cannot grow, such as the cheeks and forehead.

Moreover, some products can also have potential side effects. For example, taking too much biotin can lead to skin problems such as acne. Similarly, consuming saw palmetto can lead to headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort. Thus, it is important to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements. If a man is interested in growing a beard but cannot do so, there is no need to worry as there are solutions to this issue.

Beards and Popular Culture

Having a beard has become so popular that it has made its way into popular culture. For instance, in television and movies, the presence of a beard is often seen to symbolize wisdom and strength. To illustrate this, look no farther than figures such as Gandalf from “The Lord Of The Rings” or Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” series. In addition, a beard has also become a term of endearment, with a man being referred to as “brother beard” or a “brother with a beard”.

Moreover, many television shows have highlighted the beard as a symbol of masculinity and power. This has been seen in various hit shows such as “Game Of Thrones” and “Sons Of Anarchy”, where the lead male characters are almost always bearded. Finally, more recently, beards have also been seen in music, with producers such as Diplo and Zeds Dead sporting them as part of their signature look.

Advice to Men on Growing a Beard

Generally speaking, when it comes to growing a beard, the best thing to do is to always remember that patience is key. The beard growth process can take some time, especially depending on one’s hormone levels and genetics. Furthermore, it is important to not get discouraged by the slower growth, as all beards will eventually reach the desired length. As previously mentioned, proper trimming and care is also essential in order to keep the beard healthy and looking stylish.

Additionally, when trying to grow a beard, taking good care of one’s health is also important. This means eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. Doing so can help ensure the beard grows in healthy and looks its best. That said, anyone looking to grow a beard should also be aware of how it fits in with the dress codes and regulations of his or her workplace.

Conclusion

All in all, having a beard is ultimately a personal choice. While some may like the look, others may prefer to go clean-shaven. So, if one chooses to go down the bearded route, it is important to understand the pros and cons associated with it as well as the maintenance and care required to look its best. Despite the myths, with adequate care and knowledge, there is no reason why a man cannot sport a healthy and presentable beard.

Theresa Norton is an award-winning author and blog writer who specializes in the art and science of manly beards. Her articles cover topics such as styling, shaping, maintaining, and even growing beards. With her extensive knowledge on facial hair, Theresa has helped countless guys to look their best and feel confident in their daily lives. She loves researching the history of beards, exploring new trends, sharing insightful tips, and writing about her own experiences.

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