After scouring the internet and conducting informal research amongst my male friends I have found that men are divided into two groups; the ones who can keep growing a beard and don’t see the importance of having one. And then the ones that didn’t have a beard or who could only grow a small amount of facial hair felt that having a beard is extremely important to be taken seriously.

That said, have you ever stared in the mirror, razor poised, contemplating the fate of your facial hair? It’s a decision fraught with consequence, a choice that can transform your appearance and, some might say, your very identity.

From the neatly trimmed goatee to the untamed wilderness of a full beard, facial hair has the power to shape our perceptions and send powerful messages about who we are. But is it all that important? Does a beard truly make the man?

The consensus between the two groups seemed to be that whether you have a beard or not, nobody wants to look like baby-faced Tom Holland.

Growing a Beard is Quite Costly

The market size for men’s beard maintenance products was valued at $24.1 Billion in 2018 and it’s growing. As far back as I can remember, men’s grooming products were limited to shaving cream and razors, and that one shampoo doubled as body wash. Now beard maintenance products range from beard shampoo and oil to trimmers, combs, and scissors. Those men who have been blessed to be able to grow full beards take care of them as much as we women take care of our hair. No visit to the barber is complete without that all-important beard shape-up and beard contouring. The rise of social media and dare I say it, the manosphere has encouraged men to take their grooming seriously.

It’s all about genetics … or not

Let’s get into the biology of it all. Just like growing hair on your head, growing a beard has a lot to do with your genetics. If your father and grandparents have thick beards chances are you’ll be able to grow one as well…right? Not exactly. A friend of mine told me that because he had alopecia from a young age, his beard was affected as well. Regular use of beard growth products had minimal effect; however, he has made peace with the fact that his beard “isn’t where he wants it to be” but the rise in popularity of the “bald and beard” look has worked in his favor.

DHT matters

Low testosterone can also play a role in the growth or non-growth of facial hair. Research has shown that the rate your beard grows is determined by how much dihydrotestosterone (DHT) you produce. Various experts (and wannabe experts i.e. Youtubers) recommend taking supplements (prescribed by a professional of course), going to the gym, having a balanced diet, and a unique suggestion was using a derma roller to stimulate growth. Or, if you’re that way inclined, start saving those coins for that flight to Turkey.

Is a beard all about masculinity really?

Most of the gentlemen who were so kind enough to give me their opinions about growing a beard or not said that having a beard makes a man look masculine. Someone even mentioned that it was a rite of passage.

Part of the motivation to grow a beard is of course being the opposite sex. Studies show that women prefer a man with a beard because he is considered a good protector and a better partner to start a family with. Now we all know what this is in theory *wink*.

Out of all the guys I asked, only one person said that he preferred to be clean-shaven because he preferred the clean and sharp look. Another gentleman said that growing a beard was out of the question because he was in the military for 13 years and had to shave every day.

Beard or no beard, it all boils down to personal preference and ultimately acceptance of our appearance. What are your thoughts on men growing a beard? Yay, or Nay? Sound off in the comments.