Facial Hair: Makeup For Men?

Facial hair is commonly referred to as makeup for men. This notion comes with a negative stigma that implies that facial hair serves as a “cover-up” for features that men don’t want. In a way, facial hair can be a type of makeup, not to cover up, but rather for self-expression. 

The Many Faces of Facial Hair

Throughout time, facial hair has been looked at as a symbol of masculinity and wisdom.

This doesn’t mean that people without facial hair are suddenly less masculine. Quite the opposite. In the 1700s being clean shaven started to be viewed as gentlemanly and distinguished. 

The choice to wear facial hair is up to the individual in most cases, but there are some instances where it isn’t. Some people grow naturally thick beards, while others have beards that fill in more thinly. Whatever the case may be, facial hair provides endless possibilities for self-expression. 

Facial hair has historically been used to convey class, occupation, as a religious obligation or as a social statement. Fashions and styles also change with each passing year. For example, the bushy mustaches of the 80s or the thin chinstrap beards of the 2000s. 

Like make-up, the variety of facial hair is boundless. They can be as eccentric as the long bushy beards and fancy curled mustaches, or as simple as some light stubble. Whatever the choice, it is important that facial hair makes you feel confident in whatever you wear. 

One of the driving factors behind wearing facial hair is that it does, in fact, make people feel more confident. It has the ability to make one’s face look fuller, it can accentuate facial features and often makes a person look older than they are. 

While facial hair does have the ability to cover up certain facial features, it is often time worn to feel more “manly.” However, some individuals may opt for a cleaner look when compared to grizzlier beards. The clean-shaven look is often viewed as classy and neat. 

To Shave or Not to Shave

Some people struggle with growing enough facial hair to have a proper beard. Others can’t seem to get rid of it. The ability to grow a beard has a lot to do with genetics and is largely out of a person’s control. 

Facial hair can grow patchy, leaving the face feeling empty or thin in some spots. For example, some people can only grow a proper amount of facial hair on their chin, or the sides of their face.

This can be frustrating if you want to grow a full beard, but it is completely normal for many people. Goatees, soul patches and mustaches are often grown because of patchiness. 

Other individuals have to shave daily if they want to keep the clean shaven or stubble look. The constant grooming is tedious and bothersome and sometimes a beard gets too hot or itchy. The persistent maintenance of facial hair is a common complaint of having the ability to grow big and beautiful beards. It can be a blessing and a curse. 

Finding a compromise between comfort and efficiency is decided by how a person wants to express themselves. Like make-up, facial hair is more than a cover up and is oftentimes deeper than just hair on someone’s face. 

Rock the clean shave, stubble, a big bushy beard or anything in between, but remember that you should feel comfortable and confident in your own facial hair. 

What are your thoughts on facial hair? Let us know @VALLEYmag on X and all other social media platforms.

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