Here at Volt, we can’t lie, we love beards. As a beard-centric grooming company, we’re impartial to the bearded lifestyle. However, we also understand the importance of options and the simple fact that beards may not be for everyone. So, while we usually talk about the benefits of beards, today we’re going to talk about our top 5 reasons why growing a beard may not be for you.
The perks of beards are many, and we’d be lying if we said they didn’t have their faults, but at least we recognize them! Whether you choose to rock some facial hair or not, maybe this short article will give you a sneak peek into the life of a bearded man and why you might want to avoid it. Or, if you don’t find any of these reasons particularly resonant with your own worries or concerns, then maybe you’d want to consider growing a beard!
Reason 1: A Beard Requires More Maintenance
Between rocking a beard and a clean-shaven look, beards may not require more maintenance in terms of “time” per se (considering you have to shave everyday to be clean-shaven), however, they do require much more maintenance in order to remain looking sharp and feeling comfortable.
To be clean-shaven, all you have to do is shave. That’s practically all. But a beard not only requires you to shave certain areas, but also trim other areas where it might get too long, and also hydrate with beard oil or balm, and maybe style with styling wax. Put simply, the list of “to-dos” is longer with a beard as opposed to without one.
Now, this also occurs in a similar way if you choose to rock other forms of facial hair.. Mustaches still require lots of shaving and maintenance, but not to the same degree that beards do, so keep that in mind. It’s situational.
All in all you should not grow a beard if you can’t keep up with the maintenance or prefer a style that requires less time.
Reason 2: You Opt For The Completely Professional Look
Despite the more acceptable nature of beards in today’s society and workplaces across the globe, there is nothing more professional than that clean-shaven look. That’s not to say beards can’t be professional, but the clean-shaven look is darn close to the very definition of “professional” itself when it comes to grooming.
It didn’t always used to be this way. In fact, royalty in the victorian era were downright expected to have facial hair of some kind. Hence the “imperial handlebar” mustache and beard craze of the 19th century.
However, beards fell out of favor in the early-to-mid 1900s, and rocking a clean-shaven look was considered the height of professionalism. This was partly due to the accessibility that common people had to personal shaving utensils brought about by the industrial revolution. Now people could shave at home for a relatively low cost as opposed to heading to the barber every day.
So, although beards are coming back in terms of popularity and acceptability in the workplace, the clean-shaven look is still the king when it comes to professionalism.
Reason 3: You Can’t Grow The Beard You Want
The biggest reason why younger men in particular might want to avoid beards is that growing one is never a guarantee. Often times, younger men in particular will try growing a beard, only to be disappointed with the results, without realizing that it takes patience and time to grow one. It never happens overnight.
Age is a big factor in your beard-growing potential. In fact, the height of a man’s beard-growing years is in their mid to late 30s, not their 20s, and especially not their teens. If you can’t grow the beard you want, and you’re a relatively younger man, give it a little time, or check out some other blog posts on this site where we talk about how to grow a beard for younger men.
Either way, growing a beard is about feeling good and confident about how you look, and if your beard doesn’t help you accomplish that, then there’s really no point. At that point, feel free to go clean-shaven. Your confidence and positive self-image is what matters most!
Reason 4: You Value Simplicity
There is nothing more simple than a clean-shaven look. Even the maintenance for being clean-shaven is more simple. Just shave. That’s it.
Having a beard is great and all, but it does add a level of complication to your grooming routine and life in general. With a beard you’ll have to worry about shaving, trimming, hydrating, and styling your beard, and keeping it that way throughout the day. With a clean-shaven look you only have to worry about shaving each and every day.
If you value a simple and worry-free kind of lifestyle, then shaving is going to be your best bet, hands-down. Don’t grow a beard if simplicity in your style is a priority for you.
Reason 5: You Want To Look Like A Younger Man
Remember when you were a child, and all you wanted to do was grow up? And depending on your age/life/situation now, maybe all you want to do is go back. Well, beards tend to be a one-way street in this regard, specifically when it comes to physical appearance.
There are exceptions, but studies show that, on average, a beard will age a man’s appearance by roughly 8-10 years. If you’re 25 you’ll look closer to 35 with a beard. If you have a beard and you’re 50, if you shave, you will, on average, look younger.
All in all, if you want to look older, more mature, and more established, then grow a beard. However, if you find yourself wanting to turn back the clock a bit, shave your beard off. It’s as simple as that.
Overall, beards aren’t for everyone, that much is obvious. So, if you vibe with any of these reasons, then perhaps the clean-shaven life is right for you, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Overall, you should not grow a beard if you want simplicity, professionalism, or if you want to look younger. However, if you think you’ll feel better and more confident with a beard, and don’t mind the extra patience and maintenance requirements, then go ahead and grow one!
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