Josh Clark
Pros and Cons of Having a Beard Versus Being Clean-Shaven
Are you stuck in the middle of a hairy crossroads? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes, to fit in with the current trend, or because “real men have beards”, men everywhere are struggling with whether they should join Team Beard or go clean-shaven.
Let’s explore both sides of this oftentimes controversial issue and arm you with the facts so that you can make an informed decision about your facial hair (or lack thereof).
Pros of having a beard
There are many pros and cons of having a beard versus being clean-shaven. Let’s start with the pros!
Bye-bye to daily shaving
If you’d rather wake up an hour earlier just to be able to enjoy an extra cup of coffee, then a beard is a perfect choice for you. With beards, you’ll no longer have to endure the daily task of prepping and shaving your face each morning.
Confidence Boost
Having a beard isn’t for everyone, but if done right it can give your confidence levels a real boost. Not only will you look more attractive, masculine, and mature to those around you – let’s face it, beards make people look good – but you’ll also feel incredible with the newfound power that comes with facial hair.
While it won’t solve all of your problems (no one expects it to!), having a beard can definitely help keep those pesky self-doubts at bay – you’ll walk into any room feeling like an alpha.
Makes you look older
Sometimes, having a baby-smooth face can make you look younger than you actually are. With a beard, though, you can add years to your age and look more mature.
Keeps your face warm in the winter
Beards are excellent for protecting your skin from cold temperatures and winds. In the winter, having a nice thick beard can help keep you warm and minimize your need to bundle up with scarves and hats.
Cons of having a beard
Now that we’ve looked at the pros, let’s ponder the cons of having a beard.
Extra maintenance
When it comes to having a beard, ‘maintenance’ should be added to the dictionary with a definition of its own. Brushing, combing, and oiling it may give you an irresistible look, but making sure your facial fur is taken care of can be quite demanding.
Not only do you have to follow a grooming routine multiple times each week to maintain the length and shape of your mane; but you also have to remember about trimming away those stray hairs that just don’t stick around. A lack of maintenance can result in an unkempt look – not exactly what you’d like if you want to achieve that dashing appeal a good beard offers.
While trimming beards is usually easier than having no facial hair at all, it certainly adds one more ritualistic task to our everyday lives.
A good beard doesn’t happen overnight
Achieving the perfect beard doesn’t happen overnight, even if you have that kind of facial hair genetics. If a great-looking mane is what you’re after, then you have to be patient – it can take months of hard work and dedication before your beard is where you want it to be.
Have to clean regularly
Growing a beard doesn’t mean that you can skip the whole face-washing process. On the contrary – it’s even more important to clean your facial hair regularly, as this will help you keep it clean and healthy. You’ll need to use special beard shampoo and conditioner products in order to maintain its cleanliness. Failing to do so can lead to itching, dandruff, and bacteria buildup.
Pros of Being Clean-Shaven
Quick grooming time
If you’re the kind of person who’s always running late, then being clean-shaven might be a better choice for you. Shaving takes much less time than maintaining a beard and you won’t have to worry about the extra effort that comes with facial hair.
Easy to adapt
If you’re the type of person who likes to change their look often, then being clean-shaven is ideal. You won’t have to wait for months to grow a new beard or trim it down – you can make changes to your appearance in just a few minutes.
Appears more professional
Being clean-shaven may be beneficial in a professional setting. In some cases, facial hair can be seen as unkempt or unprofessional, so having a neat and tidy look may be preferable in certain work environments.
No stray hairs
When you’re clean-shaven, there’s no chance of any runaway hairs that can’t be tamed. It may take a bit longer to get the perfect shave, but once you do, you won’t have to worry about any unwanted strays.
Cons of being clean-shaven
Daily shaving can be irritating
If you’re not used to shaving every day, then it can be an absolute nightmare. It’s easy to cut yourself and cause irritation if you don’t take your time, and this can lead to redness and rashes on your skin.
Can cause acne
Shaving every day can also lead to problems with acne and ingrown hair. It’s important to use a good-quality razor, as this will help reduce the chances of irritation and infection.
No protection from cold weather
Having a beard can be beneficial in the winter, as it helps to protect your skin from the cold. If you’re clean-shaven, then you won’t have this advantage and will have to bundle up with scarves and hats to stay warm.
Your face may feel dry and tight after shaving
Shaving can make your face feel dry and tight. This is because the razor blade removes the top layer of skin along with your facial hair, which can lead to a feeling of tightness and dryness afterward. To combat this, you can use a moisturizer or aftershave balm to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
No fun styling options
When you have a beard, there are so many styling options to choose from. Unfortunately, if you’re clean-shaven you won’t be able to take advantage of these options and your look can become quite boring and repetitive.
Baby face
If you don’t have any facial hair at all, then you may find yourself looking a bit younger than your years. This can be a great thing if you want to look younger, but not so great if you’re trying to appear more mature.
Growing a beard and being clean-shaven both have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision of whether to grow a beard or stay clean-shaven will depend on personal preference, lifestyle, and occasion.
Whichever route you decide to take, make sure that you take proper care of your facial hair and skin by washing regularly, using the right product, and staying hydrated. This will help you keep your facial hair healthy, looking good, and feeling great.
