After being freed from the shackles of a tyrannical girlfriend (erm,
kind of) the way is now clear for me to consider the kind of questions
that all men have to think about at some point in their lives.
Should I grow a beard? After a few days of unkempt living without
shaving the first steps to growing a beard have been taken. Should I
walk on, down this path to Santa like facial hair, or should I stop right
now, whip out the razor and put an end to this foolhardiness?
This one is going out to RHP's bearded community. Any replies from
females (with or without beards) would be appreciated.
Mark
To beard, or not to beard?
eeerm.. If you're not planing on getting another girl soon then go for
it, just to see. Not saying that you'll look bad (though you may), but
it'll take a while to get it the right length & find out how to wear it.
Winter is a good time to try it out too... keeps your chin warm(er) & no
chance of tan lines.
I grew one for 6 months for a laugh...it was itchy at times but also fun
to play with (ooh err), and it's got to be done at least once - you'll be
amazed how different you look/feel. Girls get to play with makeup..
this is about the only chance we get to change our facial appearence
(except the occasional bit of lippy & rouge at the weekend ;o) )
You're dead right to ask the girls, but when I surveyed some I knew it
was a 50/50 split between like & dislikes. But girls, don't you think
he's cute enough already?
If you want my vote, go for it - just make sure you post a picture.
- Joined
- 20 Feb 02
- Moves
- 58336
Mark,
When I was your age me and 3 of my mates at uni decided to grow
beards, a kind of rights of passage thing. The following conclusions
were drawn when we failed to turn into david belemy over night :-
* They itch like hell - I am sure you get used to this but...
* They can grow a different colour to your normal hair
* Some people can not grow a proper beard all over - it goes all patchy
* You need to tidy it up - we just left hours and looked like homeless
people
* Girls just say "when are you going to shave"
On the plus side, you have to do it once in your life so you might as
well do it when you are young and don't have to worry about work.
But on a side note, if you do grow one, when you (I should say if
really) shave it off don't do what I did...shave bit by bit off, big lamb
chops, chin beard, moustash...then your mate shouts the off license
is closing you run down stairs, crab some cans, look in the mirror and
realise you have forgot to shave the moustash off as you say hello to
that cute girl you see around all the time but never seem to find the
opportunity to start a good conversation...as she laughs a you!!!
Andrew
Hummmmm!!!!! I grew a moustache for a bout two years. Had to get
trimmer and keep that little sucker looking good. That was no
problem. Got up late for work one day and accidentlr shave 1/4 of it
off. I could of shave another 1/4 on the other side. Hitler had
moustache I would of been left with. Shaved it all off. OH! You asked
for a vote. Go for it. Then if you dont like it, the question will be
resolved once and for all.
John
Moustache and Tattoo less and definitely no body piercing.
This is what I have noticed from the periods in which I didn't shave:
Positive:
-You have something to scratch contemplatively.
-Keeps face warm.
- Can cover up pimples.
- You feel a little bit more like a Viking warrior.
Negative
-- Can be itchy.
-- Things can get caught in it (e.g. food). Also, it can get caught in
things (e.g. phone handsets).
--You need to trim it (unless you want to go for the 'unkempt derelict
wino' model, which has always been my choice). I imagine that
keeping your facial hair tidy is almost as much work as shaving (I
wouldn't know because I've never done it).
--You may discover that it is wispy, or far too pale, or covers only
selected regions of your chin and neck. This can be a blow to one's
sense of manhood. One way to resolve this problem is to grow a
goatee. However, the drawback to this is that you will look like a fool
with a goatee. Everyone looks like a fool with a goatee. The goatee
is the chin equivalent of the mullet. The only people who do not
appreciate this fact are people who have goatees.
So, that's about how I see it. Perhaps Photoshop might be of
assistance here-- if you could provide us a picture of you with
a "virtual beard" we might be able to make a more informed decision.
Mark, I am here to help. I have had a beard for almost 20 years.
Today I keep it very short (kind of like Versace) and buzz it once a
week. You will get over the itch stage. Your biggest problem is that
you are fair skin and blonde (and I would add the women in my office
find you attractive). OK, here's what I want to say. This is about
women, right? Forget the beard, it doesn't make any difference,
though my wife has threatened divorce if I shave it off. If this is
about women, you need to spend less time playing on this site and
get your ass over to a gym and work out. I'm not saying your weak or
not healthy, but the gym, spa, etc is where you want to meet women.
That where you can see them with less clothes on and you know that
they are interested in their appearance. Now when you get all old and
gray like Gilbert and me you can grow a beard like us and look
sophisticated. Until then, go work out and make people like me
jealous. Take care, my little buddy, and by all means use a condom.
Kirk
Yes, I try to be, but it is all out of pain and discouragement. I see
myself aging- hair falling out where I need hair and hair growing where
it has no damn business growing. See, at Mark's age, he thinks a
beard is serious matter. At my age my prostate will be a serious
matter. Enjoy your youth. Kirk
After having dicussed matters at length with the girls from the club I
play tennis at, and also telephoning my (extreeeemely attractive)
running partner...
ME: "Hello Jacqueline, do you think I should grow a beard?"
[PAUSE]
HER: "No" [PAUSE] "but should you do so I will no longer go running
with you"
[PAUSE]
ME: "Hmmm, I getcha, thanks, Bye"
...and, of course, taking into consideration the varying opinions of all
those considerate enough to reply to my dilemma, I have decided not
to grow a beard.
wWarrior and his goatee got me thinking maybe, just maybe I will.
Jake's (jgaccaro) post with the line "You feel a little bit more like a
Viking warrior" really really got me going, so, interest aroused I
decided to re-read latex's post again. I think there are serious
lessons to be learnt from the parable of the Off Licence closing.
Whether growing a beard, maintaining a beard, or removing a beard,
care must be taken, extreme care. Otherwise a fate as nightmarish as
that which befell Mr. latex bishop could happen to you.
When Kirk wades in and says that if I grow a beard I'll become like
him and Gilbert, well, it's all over then innit ;o) I'll wait 20 to 30 years
I reckon and think again.
Mind you...Rhymester's worked wonders with my image over on his
site...
Mark
The Beardless Squirrel Lover
PS Now then Kirk, about introducing me to those women in your
office....
About five years ago I had an English girlfriend. I went to England with
her to meet her friends and at the time I was growing a beard. She
kept telling everyone "he doesn't usually look like this!"...not exactly
a flattering way to be introduced. It was great for playing the part of
the wild colonial boy though.
Ben