# To Beard or Not To Beard **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2007, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369 "2007-06-01T16:39:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dunawake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85f322/32.png) [@Dunawake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunawake)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/21 "2007-06-01T20:11:09Z")
[QUOTE=KneadToKnow] Guy with a beard voting for you to keep yours. If nothing else, if you ever have to commit a crime, it gives you a quick way to alter your appearance. [/QUOTE] That’s definitely not a reason that would have occurred to me. This is why I come to the SDMB, forward thinking! ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2007, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/22 "2007-06-01T20:31:03Z")
Oh, trust me, dude. I’m forward. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/23 "2007-06-02T03:57:35Z")
Though I’ve known cute guys with beards, most 20-30something guys look better without them. It’s hard to tell if you would without a sans beard photo, unfortunately. Well, there’s photoshop… ---
**Author:** ![DaddyTimesTwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@DaddyTimesTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaddyTimesTwo)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/24 "2007-06-02T04:05:12Z")
I’ve had a goatee for almost 12 years or more, with only a few weeks of clean-shavenness (job interviews, trimming error, my grandma’s funeral - she hated beards) during that timespan, and I can say that I really, really hate shaving. I’d keep it. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/25 "2007-06-02T04:06:16Z")
That’s not a beard, that’s a sort of a goatee. Grow the chin a little longer (while keeping it trimmed) and see how it looks. Or let the jaw hair grow out and see how that looks. Or - as your mustache looks a bit too full for the chin hair - shave all but the mustache and see how that looks. So my prejudices are clear: I’ve worn a full beard since 1977. ---
**Author:** ![Khampelf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Khampelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khampelf)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/26 "2007-06-02T04:47:11Z")
[QUOTE=Dunawake] That’s definitely not a reason that would have occurred to me. This is why I come to the SDMB, forward thinking! [/QUOTE] Another vote to keep the beard, from a bearded guy, who’s had the ‘quick appearance change’ thing occur to him. Plus, I can cut off long hair and start wearing glasses. I’m often Tempted to show up to work as clean shaven, smooth headed, spectacled stranger/freak, and pretend bewilderment at any consternation I might cause. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/27 "2007-06-02T06:22:06Z")
Back when I was about your age, I used to grow a mustache and/or beard and shaved whenever the whim hit me. After I had shaved one time, my secretary at work told me I looked gay and to never do that again. Then I got married, and at some point I grew a goatee. I was going to shave it off about a year after I grew it, but Mrs Geek got mad and insisted that I keep it. I look damn scruffy some days, but Mrs Geek still won’t let me shave it. So, the grand total is I have never gotten any complaints at all about growing a beard/mustache/goatee, but I’ve had two complaints about getting rid of them. Based on that, I’d have to say keep yours. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/28 "2007-06-02T06:41:45Z")
I don’t think I ever got complaints about my beard, and now that I shaved it, everyone is like “dude, grow it back!” but damn it it’s summer! Beards are hot and itchy in the summer and it had to go! So basically I’m saying keep it cause I think beards are awesome, but to each his own. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/29 "2007-06-02T15:24:07Z")
Long time beard wearer (but currently clean shaven) checking in. I’ve been ZZ Top, Lech Walesa and everything in between at least once. IMHO that style is the least good looking one available. It triggers the “I don’t like beards” reaction in folks who don’t like beards, and triggers the “why such a half-assed effort?” reaction in the folks who do like beards. If you are going to keep it, double the length & make it full-face. That’ll best complement the hair style & hair length you’ve got. ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/30 "2007-06-02T15:27:04Z")
Beards? They’re _so_ wrong… ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/31 "2007-06-02T15:46:48Z")
[QUOTE=Acid Lamp] Facial hair adds age and character to a face and can be used to disguise less desireable features such as a soft jaw or weak chin. [/QUOTE] I wear one for the weak chin. (Me [bearded](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200816/8) and [goateed](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200442/7) and [clean shaven](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198269/4) [in that one I’m intentionally scowling and with long sideburns as I was playing _Javert_, but you can get the general idea of the weak chin]; just for shites and giggles, here’s me with a [goatee with age makeup](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378197959/2), as [Teddy Roosevelt](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198060/3), and with [friendly sideburns](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198610/5) and [friendly sideburns & old age makeup](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200104/6) [I’m always cast as older than I am in plays]). The general consensus is that I look younger clean shaven but better fully bearded (save for by my relatives, who unanimously detest beards for some reason). The most important thing is that if you have a beard you know how to trim it. Strangely, for those familiar with gay slang, I started wearing a beard the same year I came out. ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/32 "2007-06-02T16:36:03Z")
Keep the beard. I think it makes you look quite fetching. ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/33 "2007-06-02T16:44:49Z")
[QUOTE=Sampiro] The general consensus is that I look younger clean shaven but better fully bearded (save for by my relatives, who unanimously detest beards for some reason).[/SIZE] [/QUOTE] I think the goateed you is quite handsome, but then again, I’m not fond of full-faced beards. ETA: Forgot to add my opinion for the OP. I say keep the beard. Looks good on you. ---
**Author:** ![rayh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@rayh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rayh)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/34 "2007-06-02T16:44:55Z")
Keep the beard, it suits you. Women loved to be tickled by facial hair. As a beard wearer, which is becoming increasingly two-toned as I get older, I may be biased. ---
**Author:** ![StuffLikeThatThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc8723/32.png) [@StuffLikeThatThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StuffLikeThatThere)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/35 "2007-06-02T17:00:30Z")
I like it. I was never a facial hair fan until I met my husband. Every once in a while, just to mess with me, he threatens to shave off his beard. It’s just about the only way he can get me to beg. I love his beard. **Sampiro** , that’s not what I thought you looked like. I’m not disappointed or anything, you understand. Just a little confuzzled. I’ll wander off now and readjust my mental image. (BTW, I like your beard as well. If you care.) ---
**Author:** ![Cyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a88e4f/32.png) [@Cyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyn)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/36 "2007-06-02T17:58:11Z")
Female, 44 and I like the beard. I also like **Sampiro** ’s beard although not so much the goatee or sideburns. I’m a sucker for Teddy Roosevelt, but this is about **Dunawake** and I vote for the beard—are men supposed to be smooth? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/37 "2007-06-02T18:16:02Z")
[QUOTE=Sampiro] I wear one for the weak chin. (Me [bearded](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200816/8) and [goateed](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200442/7) and [clean shaven](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198269/4) [in that one I’m intentionally scowling and with long sideburns as I was playing _Javert_, but you can get the general idea of the weak chin]; just for shites and giggles, here’s me with a [goatee with age makeup](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378197959/2), as [Teddy Roosevelt](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198060/3), and with [friendly sideburns](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378198610/5) and [friendly sideburns & old age makeup](http://new.photos.yahoo.com/joncdarby/album/576460762327950922/photo/294928803378200104/6) [I’m always cast as older than I am in plays]). The general consensus is that I look younger clean shaven but better fully bearded (save for by my relatives, who unanimously detest beards for some reason). The most important thing is that if you have a beard you know how to trim it. Strangely, for those familiar with gay slang, I started wearing a beard the same year I came out. [/QUOTE] I’m not normally a fan of the full beard, but it looks really good on you. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/38 "2007-06-02T20:04:41Z")
I like the look of a beard. Yours looks good, and so does Sampiro’s. But do you do a lot of kissing? Beards and moustaches can wreak havoc on your partner’s skin. ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/39 "2007-06-02T22:37:57Z")
It’s quite a nice beard, but you’d probably look good without too. My husband grows his beard every fall/winter, and I like the variety! ---
**Author:** ![Nic2004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@Nic2004](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nic2004)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2007, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369/40 "2007-06-03T00:27:35Z")
I have a bit of a beard also and I say wear it or don’t because it’s what YOU want. Screw the rest of them. If you like it, keep it. Or, look like a chick. But do it because it feels like who _you_ are. The “screw them” reference is intended for his IRL associates, not those being queried here. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-beard-or-not-to-beard/406369.md?page=3)