You may have heard of the ‘70s craze for ‘mullets’, the shaggy hairdos popularised by David Cassidy and The Beatles. Well, it seems that the ‘tache a la mode’ is back with a bang and this autumn/winter we’re set for another ‘wood’ wave.
While women are leading the way with their hair, it’s the men who are turning heads with their beards. Thanks to a host of bearded celebrities who sported this fashionable ‘stache. From Travis Scott to Benedict Cumberbatch, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Charlie Hunnam, the ‘wood’ look is definitely here to stay.
The Evolution Of The Beard
The barber’s craft has been around for centuries. While traditional barber shops have changed little, the way we get our hair and beard trimmed has altered significantly. Gone are the days of going to the barber and getting an immediate haircut. Thanks to advancements in nanotechnology, hair transplants and other precision techniques, we can now get our hair done “on the spot”. In fact, the fastest growing segment of the barber business is “precision hair carving”. This involves taking a little bit of hair from one area and transplanting it onto the balding scalp. Today, barbers can even give us full body trims for men who want to achieve that “ripped” look from The Game of Thrones.
The Many Benefits Of A Beard
Let’s be honest, beards are pretty cool. They can add a layer of charm to your face that many women can’t. Beards have been associated with many historical and mythical figures. While we wouldn’t advise you to grow one just for the fun of it, there are many benefits to a full and flourishing beard. Here are just a few…
Makes You Look At Women In A Different Light
This may be a bit of a “duh” point but if you’ve ever seen someone with a full and flourishing beard, you’ll know exactly what we mean. If you’re meeting a woman for the first time, you’ll find that she’ll be charmed by your facial hair. And let’s face facts, women are the ones who make the first move. So, you may find that even when you’re not trying, you’ll be attracting interest from the opposite sex.
Offers A Variety Of Emotions
It’s been said that Beards offer a variety of emotions. From anger to sorrow, from celebration to intimidation. This is no surprise, as beards have been used to portray all sorts of characters in numerous works of art.
Allows You To Age Gracefully
For those of you who are blessed with a full and beautifully aged beard, you can look forward to many more decades of warmth and good humour. If you keep your beard healthy and free of toxins, it will continue to offer its owner a glowing complexion and a delightful rasping voice. In other words, it will make him look and sound great.
Makes You Stand Out In A Crowd
Did you know that beards can make you look bigger and more powerful? If you’re in a meeting with other men, they’ll certainly be talking to you. And when they look at you, they’ll likely think you’re some sort of a leader, a boss, or a father figure. So, the next time you feel like the guy in the boardroom has the attention focused solely on him, blame your full and flourishing beard. It’s a great way to get noticed.
Makes You Feel Like A Total Badass
Believe it or not, beards are pretty intimidating. When you grow one, you’ll feel like you’ve taken on a new persona. In Italian culture, they call this “uomo d’artigiano”, which means “man of the arts”. This is probably due to the fact that many Renaissance artists and other prominent figures wore a full and flourishing beard. So, the next time you feel like you need to vent or need someone to listen, your scruffy chinned friend with the soul of an artist may be the perfect shoulder to cry on.
Why Grow A Beard At All?
While we all love our smartphones and the conveniences they offer, they can also be a source of constant stress. If you’re finding that your phone is taking up more and more of your time, you might consider doing without it completely. The same goes for social media. You don’t need to have a Twitter account to enjoy the benefits of being on it. And who needs Instagram when you have a perfectly good pair of eyes? If you’re looking for a way to unwind and de-stress, why not try beard yoga or just grow the damn thing for the hell of it? Just make sure you don’t overdo it and end up looking like a dashingly dashing detective from the 1920s. Then, you’ll be wondering why you ever bothered with a tie and a full suit. It’s all about knowing how to use the appropriate accessories as you grow your beard. As Sherlock Holmes said: “A full beard is a full beard.”