Think Marlon Brando, Inspector Clouseau, Ulysses S. Grant, Clark Gable, Sean Connery, Tom Selleck, and John Lennon (on occasion). What did they have in common?
Some people seem to be interested as well right now. A rash of new mustaches have matured over the past year or two and have now in some places evolved into beards that are sometimes reminiscent of the Civil War-era style. Some have started experimenting with different beard styles, rather than trading tips on hair styling products. You’ve probably seen the goatee become less popular and soul points emerge. You may be looking at the beard without the mustache. Although we haven’t seen it much since the 1980s, the mustache itself is also making a comeback.
It may be the tendency to look deeper for reasons where facial hair is becoming more widespread. The deep reasons may not be in the center. These beards may not suggest dissatisfaction with “the system,” nor may they outwardly manifest melancholy. Some feel that in this day and age style is more likely to be to blame. People choose style for visual impact, not stating a point of view per se.
However, could it be that certain men are bucking the tide of what they have seen as metrosexual conformity and starting to sport facial hair styles that range from unkempt, bushy, to neat? Perhaps some are opposed to the lately culturally acceptable look of the waxed, waxed, brushed and shaved man? Who can know for sure? It may be the case that some men want to feel manly and tough again.
Many models in the shows, sometimes more than half, sport varying degrees of more extreme facial hair. The city streets sport a skinny population flaunting an assorted batch of unruly facial hair. These are lowering the bar from the absolute grooming rules we’ve seen in recent years. Designers and men’s magazine professionals alike are embracing the new, but old, masculine ideal of the lumberjack look. We are also starting to see some celebrities show off their facial braids. It will be interesting to see how far the beard trend goes.
Many of those newly favored with their facial hair achievements hope, feel, and swear that they carry a new erotic charge with them. Some feel a greater sense of trust and security. Some feel more relaxed, some feel great, some feel like they walk differently.
And what do the girls think of the furry trend? Most surveys suggest that only about 2 to 3 percent of women find full beards sexy. And that those women who love facial hair really do. The general impression is that women either love mustaches or are disgusted by them.
A man named Della Vale made a documentary “The Glorious Mustache Challenge” in which 30 men were persuaded to grow their mustaches for a month. These men were asked about the reactions of those around them and what difference it made in their lives. Most of the men became very fond of their new mustaches. Some would now feel naked without them.
On the other hand, some commented feeling less confident, more insecure, less like themselves, tired of talking about their mustache with others.
One can be accused of trying to find a new identity. Or maybe remind your mom of a man she once knew well or an adult movie star from the past. You may be accused of scratching the children when they hug you. Only a few may like it on you. Can you control it? Perhaps the facial hair trend will prove to be a harder sell for the average Joe.
If you are considering wearing your own variety of facial hair (mustache, etc.), you should consider the following:
color of your facial hair
size of your nose
Thickness of your facial hair
Chin shape and jaw lines
facial hair texture
length of your mouth
Fullness and size of the upper lip area
Your barber or stylist should be a great resource to help you. Facial hair has also sometimes been a way for people to hide scars or what they feel are structural facial defects. Some have disguised a smooth jawline, round and square faces, or pointy chins with beards. Be prepared because maintaining facial hair takes time and care. Shape, maintain, shampoo, condition, trim and scissor, and even care for bare areas with smudge attachments and/or waterproof colored brow pencils. What kind of styling products do you use again?