Category Archives: growing a beard

Natural Full Beard: Your Freedom To Grow

The natural full beard should be a valid beard-growing option.

There is nothing wrong with growing a natural full beard. It should be a valid beard-growing choice for any man. However, too many men are too intimidated to grow their natural full beards. There is a lot of societal pressure against the natural full beard, both real and imagined. Plenty of men self-censor and don’t even consider allowing themselves to grow a natural full beard. But it’s worse than that. Far too many are reluctant to even grow a minimal beard, fearing that growing beyond a minimal beard would be “too much”. Some won’t even grow beyond a stubble-length beard.

Natural full beards are seldom seen these days because the bias against them is pretty strong. And because the natural full beard is so uncommon, it attracts a lot of attention. Much of that attention consists of outdated negative stereotyped comments. Just the fear of these negative stereotypes is enough to scare men into avoiding the thought of growing a natural full beard as well as limiting the amount of beard growth they allow themselves.

What is a natural full beard and why is it important for more men to grow one?

The natural full beard is simply a full beard with the cheek lines and neck lines left naturally defined. Some may not prefer this look and that is fine. But those who like the look should be free to grow their beards this way. When more men grow natural full beards, they are not seen so much as rarities and gain more public acceptance. If natural full beards are more accepted, acceptance of all other beard styles improves. All men should feel free to grow the style of beard that they desire.

Much of the time, natural full beards are reflexively and automatically dismissed as “too much”. But they are only “too much” because people are not used to seeing them. Many people immediately want to reject them. Similarly, people are quick to instantly proclaim that certain beards are “too long”. Really? How is the standard determined for a beard being too long? Is an eighth of an inch too long? How about a quarter of an inch? Two inches? Three? Of course, the definition of what an acceptable beard length should be is simply arbitrary and subjective. Beard length should be determined by the grower’s preference.

Judgments on beard cheek lines and neck lines are similarly based on arbitrary and subjective whims, reinforced by negative stereotypes. Who decides when a cheek line is too high and a neck line is too low? It’s not a question of neatness or good grooming because natural cheek and neck lines can be cleanly and neatly maintained, just like the rest of the beard.

Don’t be shy about growing your natural full beard.

As long as natural full beard growers are rarely seen, these uncommon brave growers are targets for undeserved negative comments and negative stereotypical remarks. Increasing the number of natural full beards in the world will help improve the acceptance of natural full beards as well as all other types of beards. Consider growing your natural full beard!

Tips on natural full beard design.

Natural full beards are easy to maintain. However, a strictly natural full beard may not produce entirely desired results at first and may need some slight adjustments to achieve your best look. In no time you’ll having your natural full beard looking its best with a minimum of extra effort. See the following examples.

Join the natural beard cause and contribute to beard freedom for all!

Now step up and grow your full natural beard. It’s easy. Don’t wait any longer to grow your beard all natural and show it off to its fullest advantage. Happy natural beard growing!

Happy 2024! More beard-growing, please!

Strengthen your beard game in 2024! The start of this new year represents unlimited possibilities to boost beard growing worldwide. Together, let’s take the prevalence of beards to new levels.

Let’s get a lot more beard-growing going on: yours and that of others. Keep reading for recommendations on how we can help grow the number of beards to new highs along with the worldwide acceptance and appreciation of beards.

Grow more BEARD

Think about ways to expand your beard-growing game. Then do it and stay with it. Don’t be held back by timidity. Be strong and self-assured. Then grow! Growing more of your own beard shows others that they, too, should have the freedom to grow their beards as they see fit. This is important! It also strengthens the acceptance and appreciation of a wider variety of beard sizes and length — also important!

Here are some suggestions for your facial hair expansion possibilities. If you have a:

  • stubble beard
    Let it grow out more! Give your beard some volume.
  • mustache only
    Add on a goatee or full beard.
  • goatee with or without mustache
    Expand to a full beard. Be sure to add on the mustache if you don’t already have one.
  • full beard with the cheek line cut low
    Raise that cheek line! Let your full beard occupy more facial real estate.
  • short or moderate-length full beard
    Grow it out longer. Add some length. Raise the volume. Make your beard robust. Don’t be shy. Be brave and grow!
  • long beard
    Congratulations on giving it your all! If you can still grow more, however, please do.
  • seasonal beard
    Make that a permanent, year-round beard.

Have fun and experiment with growing more beard than you already have grown.

Grow more BEARDS

You can help grow more beards than just your own. Without even knowing it your beard may have already inspired others to grow their beards. With your active encouragement, who knows how many others you could convince to grow their beards? Then, they could go on to encourage others to grow as well.

Be a beard advocate. In conversation with potential beard growers, talk about how much you enjoy having a beard and what a great experience it is to have a beard. Encourage them to give their beards a grow. Don’t give up on them, either. If they don’t get on board and grow, bring it up in a friendly manner now and again. Eventually they may decide to grow.

If you’re unable to grow a beard yourself and are a beard fan, you can be a valuable beard advocate, too. You can tell potential beard growers that you think a beard would suit them and encourage them to grow.

Who should you encourage to grow their beards? For starters, include fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, and other relatives. Also encourage friends, acquaintances, and even men you meet on the street or in stores, restaurants, etc. In other words, encourage any potential beard grower you see whenever the circumstances are appropriate. Don’t be shy!

If you know someone who previously was bearded but abandoned the beard for some reason, ask him about it. Encourage him to give it another grow and to consider keeping it this time.

When someone you’ve encouraged follows through and grows his beard, be sure to give some praise and additional encouragement. And encourage him to become a beard advocate, too.

Spread the JOY of BEARDS

Join us in spreading the joy of beards! The beard is a great gift that can bring great joy. The beard can bring joy not only to the beard grower, but also to others. Just the sight of a great beard can capture one’s attention and bring them joy as they admire the unique beauty and unlimited variety of beards.

Growing the beard that pleases you helps to spread that joy. Again, don’t be shy. Be self-assured and grow the beard that you want the way that you want it. Don’t limit your beard based on fear of the disapproval of others. Grow your beard and enjoy.

Encouraging others to grow their beards can move them to experience the joy of being bearded. And just the sight of their beard can bring visual joy to all observers.

Have a great beard year 2024!

Happy New Beard Year 2024! All About BEARDS celebrates its twenty-eighth anniversary this month. Help us celebrate by upping your beard-growing game and by inspiring and encouraging others to grow their beards. And don’t forget our handy-dandy, tried-and-true guide on how to grow a beard!

I wish you all the best for 2024. Happy beard growing always!

November is over: Keep your beard-growing going!

Attention, all new beard growers! If you’ve been growing your new beard throughout No-Shave November, don’t even THINK about shaving as we leave November behind! There’s no reason to shave now. Keep cultivating your new beard.

Stay on track! Keep rolling. Keep your beard-growing going. You’ve made a great start on your new beard. Don’t throw it all away. Enhance it. Let it keep growing and filling out more and more. Observe how your beard develops and alters your appearance as it gains more length and bulk.

Top reasons for not shaving your new No-Shave November beard growth

  • You’ve already achieved a month’s worth of beard-growing progress.
    If you were to shave now, you’d lose all of this. You would be all the way back at the starting point if you were to realize that shaving your new beard was a mistake.
  • People are already getting used to viewing you as a bearded man.
    Show them that you truly are a bearded man, that you intend to stay that way. Let your beard stay and flourish.
  • November’s growth is a great start. But let your beard keep growing to show you its full potential.
    Give your beard a fighting chance! Let it keep growing out enough to see how your beard looks with some robust growth. You can’t be sure how it will turn out without giving it more time. The results may pleasantly surprise you!
  • Don’t allow moments of doubt and insecurity to send you rushing for the razor.
    Stay strong and confident. Don’t be shy and insecure about your new beard. Don’t let others talk you into getting rid of it. It’s your beard. It’s your asset. Make the most of it.
  • Having a new beard is a great experience and a great feeling.
    Don’t cut it short! Enjoy.

Give your new beard plenty of time

Limiting your beard’s existence to no more than the month of November does not give you enough time to get to know what the full beard experience is like. Try setting a goal of keeping your beard for a number of months. Maybe set your goal for three months at a minimum. Even better set it for at least six months.

Whatever your goal may be, commit to it. Once you’ve done that, it’s easier to resist any doubts that could lead to premature beard removal. Just remember your goal and don’t shave.

Keep your beard-growing going! Discover the joy of growing your beard.

Don’t Be a Shaver! It’s Grow-Your-Beard November 2023!

Can you grow a beard? Don’t shave!

Grow-Your-Beard November 2023. Beard image 2: Vicente.
If you have the ability to grow a beard, don’t waste it! Stop shaving and let it grow! Now’s the time. It’s Grow-Your-Beard November, aka No-Shave November. Beard: Vicente. Click on image to view larger.

Are you physically capable of growing a beard? Are you shaving it rather than growing it? Why shave it off when you can let it grow? You owe it to yourself to experience the beard-growing journey. See how it changes your appearance and the way you see yourself. And show the world what you can grow. Don’t wait any longer. Go for it. Give it a go and let your beard grow. Now is a great time to start. It’s Grow-Your-Beard November!

No-Shave November

Grow-Your-Beard November is more commonly known as No-Shave November. Here at All About BEARDS, I’m referring to it today as Grow-Your-Beard November to put more emphasis on encouraging first-time beard growers to step up and truly grow their beards. It’s more than just not shaving.

While I’m putting more focus on convincing would-be beard growers to really grow, I still want to spread the word about the importance of No-Shave November. Men are encouraged to stop shaving for the month of November to raise awareness and support for addressing men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer and suicide prevention. For all the details, see our guide to No-Shave November.

Grow-Your-Beard November 2023. Beard image 3: Vicente.
Vicente has grown a great beard. Now see what you can grow.
Click on image to view larger.

Start your beard-growing adventure today!

Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. And for sure, don’t shave! Start growing that beard while raising awareness and supporting men’s health issues. There’s no better time to start growing a first beard, or growing a new one if you’ve grown a beard before and shaved it off for whatever reason.

How do you get started on growing a new beard? Just visit our tried-and-true guide on how to grow a beard.

Have an enjoyable and enlightening beard-growing experience!

How has your beard-growing been going?

Did you start growing a new beard for No-Shave November? Today’s the last day of November. Now what are you going to do? Will you be all set to shave off your new beard growth at the stroke of midnight at the end of November 30th? There are men who do that. Don’t be one of them!

How has your beard-growing been going? Beard: John.
Don’t pick up that razor just because No-Shave November comes to an end. Keep your beard-growing going!

Whether it’s at the end of No-Shave November or any other time of year when you’ve freshly produced three or four weeks of new beard growth, it’s a great time to contemplate what you’ve achieved.

Look back on what your new beard-growing experience has been like. Recall the times when you may have doubted your beard-growing commitment and almost ran for the razor, but didn’t. Consider the change in your appearance and how you feel about it. Think about how differently you see yourself now. And think about how differently others now see you. Think about the comments, compliments, and criticisms your new beard provoked and how you dealt with them. Think about the whole experience and how you’ve changed.

You’ve been through a lot in a short time, you and your beard. Why even think of stopping now? Keep your beard-growing going and the best is yet to come. Make a commitment to stay with your beard.

At three or four weeks, some will have beards that already look well established. Others will need more time for their beards to fill in better. Whatever the case, keeping the growing going will help you realize the full potential of your beard.

How has your beard-growing been going? Beard: John, image 3.
You can’t beat the feeling of having a great beard! Keep your beard growing! You’ll be glad that you did.

Now is the time to press onward and continue your new beard growth. If you give up now after three or four weeks of growing, all your beard progress will be wiped out. It will take you another three or four weeks just to get back to where you are now if you were to decide to start a new beard again. Take advantage of what you’ve already achieved to grow your beard to new levels. Don’t deny yourself this opportunity.

Keep your beard-growing going!

Your Guide to No-Shave November

As November begins, it’s that time of year to remind men to participate in No-Shave November. This movement brings the importance of men’s health to the forefront as men are encouraged to grow out their facial hair in support of men struggling with cancer.

No-Shave November serves as a platform for men to drop their razors and let their hair grow. The movement aims to trigger conversations and raise cancer awareness. Does it sound like a movement you can get behind? Join No-Shave November to officially be a part of it and raise money for men’s health charities. However, you can participate in a number of ways! Read on for your definitive guide on all things you need to make the most of this hairy month!

Let Your Beard and Hair Go and Grow

Let it go and grow. Seriously. Close your bathroom drawer, leave it that way for the month, even toss out those razor blades! (Why go back to shaving after November?!) No-Shave November is meant to be a month in which you fully embrace hair growth for a cause. Nearly 65% of cancer patients lose hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Your longer hair and budding facial hair is a sign that you stand with those men struggling with cancer-related hair loss. However, never fear, it’s okay to trim your hair or tame your new beard if you have to for your job. Maybe see how far you can push the envelope.

Beard: Chris
Let your beard and hair grow for No-Shave November. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

You may be wondering how you can participate if you’re a man who struggles with natural hair loss, thinning, or balding. No need to fear! Applying a topical hair loss treatment can help you grow back head hair over time and give you a stronger head of hair. While the hair on your head grows back, don’t forget to also focus on growing your beard by following our guide on how to do it right! Even in the early stages of growth, using a beard oil will help maintain hygiene, soothe your skin, and give your beard a lush look along with a fresh scent.

Start a Conversation

A major part of No-Shave November is being an advocate for the cause. Be sure to know your stuff and read up on statistics surrounding men’s cancer. Being able to participate by growing out your hair is a great start. But when people ask you why and you’re able to share some valuable stats, your role becomes that much bigger.

Your guide to No-Shave November. Beard: Chris
Start a No-Shave November conversation. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

You may wonder why there aren’t ongoing conversations already on the topic of men’s health. A major reason for this is that men traditionally talk less about their health than women. By growing out your hair, you naturally make people curious as to what you’re doing. A primary goal of No-Shave November is not only to raise money for treatment, but also to get people talking on the topic.

Donate

Finally, one of the biggest impacts you can make is to donate. Get a team of men together to participate in the month-long journey. Donate at least the amount of money you would normally spend in November on shaving products or trips to the barbershop. The funds you raise go directly to cancer research and to help educate men as they navigate their personal battles. No-Shave November benefits a number of foundations that specialize in men’s cancer issues.

Guide to No-Shave November, beard image 4: Chris
Donate! Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

As the month comes to a close, you may consider shaving your new beard or longer hairdo. Well, don’t consider shaving the beard! But whether you decide to cut back on your new quantity of hair or let it continue to grow, you’ve made an impact either way! Despite November coming to an end, everything you’ve worked to promote and advocate for does not. Men’s health and cancer-related health issues are a year-round cause you should continue supporting. Keep up on health statistics, lend an ear to friends who want to talk and visit a healthcare professional for screenings.

Now start growing. It’s No-Shave November!

Get your beard-growing going: No-Shave November 2021

Make 2021’s No-Shave November a No-Shave November to remember.

2020 and 2021 have been rough, or worse, for nearly everyone. They haven’t been full of the best times and happiest memories. Maybe we’d like to just forget about these two years altogether.

When times are bad we just have to do our best and make the most of it.

So why not use the opportunity of No-Shave November to get your beard-growing going and grow your beard? This especially applies to you guys who have never grown your beards before. Wait no more. Make your move and start growing.

Take a stand and get your beard-growing going: No-shave November 2021.
Take a stand and get your beard-growing going. Make No-shave November 2021 the one to remember. Now’s your time to be the man you were meant to be: a bearded man! Click on image to view larger.

Even if the rest of 2021 so far hasn’t been the greatest, you can finish it off with a beard-growing adventure starting right now in November and continuing through December and beyond.

At the very least, you can still experience the joy of growing a new beard in 2021. And that will definitely be something to remember…and to keep and cherish for years to come! Come on now, let’s grow!

Beards on ice: Stanley Cup 2021

Ice hockey’s tradition of growing playoff beards is in full force right now as this year’s battle for the Stanley Cup nears the end. It’s a great, pro-beard tradition that always sparks a lot of interest in and enthusiasm for beard growing. Over the years, professional hockey has been a showcase of some fierce and legendary beards.

Whether the playoff beards help their teams achieve victory remains a subject of debate. What effect do the beards have on the players? A scientific answer to that question ought to be fascinating. After watching game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup finals, a friend commented via email, “…’the fierce beard look’ is in full force.  I have a feeling it matters and the players feel more fierce and intimidating on the ice.”

For the players, the camaraderie that comes from growing their beards can give the team a boost. However, it can be a little rough on players who are beard-growth challenged. They deserve a lot of credit and respect for putting up with some ribbing. And I don’t condone ribbing them at all.

For hockey fans, the playoff beard tradition is a can’t-miss part of the fun. It’s a great opportunity for fans to grow their own playoff beards to show support for their favorite teams. This phenomenon has been successfully used to raise money for charities on multiple occasions.

Bud Light, an official sponsor of the National Hockey League, put out this cool video tribute to playoff beards as part of the company’s “playoff beerds” promotion. Video: Bud Light.

This year Bud Light, an official sponsor of the NHL, has come out in support of playoff beards with a promotion to cut beer prices in US cities that are home to NHL teams. In a clever play on the spelling, the promotion is for “playoff beerds“. The longer a team’s playoff beards grow by advancing in the playoffs, the more money is “shaved” off the price of Bud Light in that team’s hometown. Fans in the US city of the ultimate winner of the Stanley Cup in 2021 will be eligible for a free twelve-pack. That means Tampa, Florida if the Tampa Bay Lightning prevail. However, if the Montreal Canadiens pull off a win, our Canadian friends will have to pay for their own beer.

Regardless of who comes home with the Stanley Cup, playoff beards are definitely a win for the bearded cause.

UPDATE: With a victory in Game 5, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row. Congrats to the Lightning and their fans!

His Biggest Beard Yet: William

How big will he grow? Attorney William’s beard story is one of perseverance and dedication. He resisted onslaught after onslaught of criticism against his beard. Yet he never gave up his beard to please his critics. For years now, William has been a proud and unapologetic beard grower. You will have a hard time finding a stronger supporter of the bearded cause.

Over the years, William has kept his beard modest in size. A look back through his previous photos here on All About BEARDS, reveals that as time passed, William has slowly increased the size of his beard.

Recently, the pandemic and its restrictions provided William with the opportunity to let his beard grow out bigger than ever before. We asked William to tell us all about his newest beard adventure. Read on to learn all about William’s biggest beard yet. Click or tap on any of the photos in William’s interview to view a larger version.

William's beard in 2019 and in April 2021
Left: William’s beard in 2019. Right: William’s beard in April 2021. The size difference is significant.

In 2020, with the onset of the pandemic and the many accompanying restrictions, what did that mean for your regular beard care and maintenance routine?

It didn’t change a lot in the beginning. I’d just had my regular barbershop visit when the “partial lockdown” started on March 16, 2020 in The Netherlands. I had a full beard, but much longer than from the year before. It grew longer and longer until June when the lockdown was “lifted”. In the meantime, I didn’t trim it a lot myself but chose to let it grow naturally. By June my beard had become a bit longer but not as long as it is now.

Under these new circumstances, how did you choose between maintaining your beard as usual versus growing your beard bigger?

I always wanted to grow it out, but never did. Because of work circumstances, I would keep the beard neat and well taken care of. For example, I have to deal with going to the tribunal for my work. So I wanted my beard always to be well taken care of. Meanwhile,  the longing and desire to grow it out longer had been my wish for a few years already. For quite some time, I felt a little checkmate in my choice and my feelings versus my state of showing myself to the “outside”. But I always chose the neatest yet strongest beard variant. And that was not the bigger length I have today.

William's beard in January 2021.
Here is William’s beard in January 2021.

Was it easier for you to let your beard grow bigger than to keep it the same as usual?

It was easier in the second half of the year. In The Netherlands the longest period of the lockdown (e.g. cafés, restaurants) started mid October 2020. In December 2020 it expanded by including the barbers and normal shopping. The start of the expanded lockdown was on December, 16th, the day of my new appointment for my beard maintenance at my barbershop. My prior visit had been six weeks earlier on November 4th. I thought again to give a try to grow it out a bit because it shouldn’t take long before I could have a new appointment when the barbers would be allowed to open. However, the government remained in their opinion to leave the barbers and hairdressers closed. So the opening in January never came. Then the opening never came in February. Finally the government announced that the barbers could open. I went to the barber on March 3rd, 2021 . Four full months had passed since my last visit. During that time, I cautiously took care of the most “wild” things of my beard. But when I looked in the mirror, the thickness and length pleased me. So I didn’t change a lot of that.

Eventually, did the decision to let your beard keep growing bigger result more from your preference for a bigger beard instead of the pandemic circumstances?

At first it was the combination…the fact of a fait accompli. I couldn’t go to the barber. So I had to wait for the next time. But later on, the delayed ending of the lockdown encouraged my curiosity and desire to let it further grow out. So the combination was still there but it was changing into my own desire to let it grow. The pics with the snow are from that time. My bigger beard felt awesome in those cold periods!

William's big snow beard is keeping him warm!
William’s big snow beard is keeping him warm!

Prior to the pandemic did you ever envision your beard reaching its current size?

It was a hidden desire. But I never did. I did not dare to do it because of my working situation, like I mentioned above.

Do you think you would have ever grown your beard this big without the pandemic happening?

It would have been maybe after my working period. That would be fifteen or twenty years later in life, but not now.

William's beard is appreciably bigger by April 2021.
By April 2021, William’s beard had become much larger.

What was the physical and visual experience like for you to have your beard gradually become bigger and bigger? Does the experience of having a bigger beard differ much from that of having a shorter and smaller beard?

Oh yes, the feeling of having a beard and being bearded is much more intense. The wind going through your beard, the look in the mirror, I feel myself as really more male. Of course, I felt this way it with my smaller beard, to a lesser extent. And I was happy with it then. A smaller beard is also a beard style that I still like. But this new big one is really awesome. And I have to mention, I have the beard genes to grow it out, and I am very grateful to have them. So I never doubted my “situation”. In fact ,I became more and more curious to grow out my beard even more. 

William's bigger beard. Be sure to see the volume of beard from an alternate angle in the mirror.
William’s bigger beard is seen close up from the front. The mirror view shows the volume of his beard from another angle.

Have you encountered resistance from others to you new beard size? If so, how have you responded?

So far there has been only one rare reaction. There has been nothing like what I encountered eight or nine years ago after I first decided to grow my beard. In fact, I noticed that people are now used to my choice to be bearded and growing it out more doesn’t make any difference to them. That’s very remarkable!

How do you like having your beard at this new size?

A lot! I want it to keep it this way and still a bit longer… Although I don’t want to be a Father Christmas. Hahaha…

You can appreciate the increasing size of William's beard in this photo.
You can appreciate the increasing size of William’s beard in this photo.

Do you plan to keep your beard at its new size, grow it even bigger, or go back to a shorter and smaller beard?

For the time being and that will be certainly this year, I plan to keep my beard in its new size. That means also in the summer period. My experience with hot summer weather is that being bearded gives me more the protection of coolness than of heat. And the length of the beard makes more people notice my choice, including men without a beard. One beardless man even indicated, “It seems as if you have a carpet under your chin. And actually I’m quite jealous of you. It really suits you.” A nice response, isn’t it?

William's beard here is definitely bigger.
William’s beard here is definitely bigger.

You recently visited your barber for some specialized care for your bigger beard. What did the barber do? How often do you see the barber to work on your beard?

I visit my barber once about every six weeks. Mostly he has taken care of my beard in its shorter forms. But now he is caring for my beard in its new, bigger form. I requested that he leave my beard longer. After viewing pictures of other men with big beards, my barber takes a lot of care to work on my beard with the size I now have. Another barber who was in the shop and not working observed his colleague’s work on my beard and said, “Man, you could go to some sort of magazine. It is growing into an iconic style with the thickness and the length. It really is awesome…” My barber then acknowledged the other barber’s words and confirmed my beard is now very stylish. At that moment I realized that my decision to give it a try and to grow it out was a very good one. I felt proud for my choice!

William's bigger beard: lookin' stylish.
William’s beard is looking bigger and stylish.

Has your big beard experience changed your opinion on bigger and longer beards?

No, I always thought of men with longer beards men as having courage and dedication to choose to have those beards. A big beard is a beautiful possibility to show your human way of being male. I always find men with beards are great examples; they are men who have a powerful, and above all, distinguished face and appearance. The inaccessible radiance of masculinity reaches its peak with a fantastic full, thick beard, when you have the opportunity to grow one. Then you are blessed, I think! And I am. I see that I really am.

William's bigger beard is seen here shortly after his barber performed some skillful work on it.
William’s bigger beard is seen here shortly after his barber performed some skillful work on it.

Do you think that more men should feel confident and grow their beards bigger?

Yes, but I also realize that circumstances may make it difficult for many to have the freedom to grow the beard of their choice. Partners may not like it. Relatives may not always be positive. There may be difficulty to grow it out when you have to face the different stages of less neat outgrowth. But where you have to go through it and above all is when men in your environment envy the bigger beard and do not want to allow yours because they cannot grow one themselves.

When I look again at my choice of being bearded,  and staying with this choice after a short ten years now, the negative comments no longer affect me and have disappeared more and more. Most people these days react with approval and admiration. So, I am happy with my choice and my style!  Overall, an excellent choice for then and for NOW!


Also see:

William’s beard feature: William’s winning beard

William's winning beard, feature photo 002
William’s winning beard

And see:

William: Today’s Beard

William, today's beard, 2017/03/14, featured photos
William, today’s beard, 2017/03/14

Gentlemen, start your beards: It’s Not Too Late for No-Shave November 2020

What if you are still shaving this late into No-Shave November? All right then: Gentlemen, start your beards.

It’s not too late! You can still start growing. Sure, any time is a good time to start growing your beard. But No-Shave November is a great time to start a new beard. If you are a hesitant potential beard grower, No-Shave November gives you some cover along with justification and support for growing a new beard.

Even this late into No-Shave November you can still explain that you’re growing your beard to support the cause of men’s health, especially the fight against prostate cancer and suicide. To learn more about No-Shave November’s focus on men’s health issues, see No-Shave November: More Than An Opportunity To Grow Your Beard.

First-time beard growers during No-Shave November benefit from the strength in numbers provided by all the other new beard growers. New beard growers see that they are not alone in their beard-growing adventure. You feel less isolated when you see others growing new beards at the same time. You feel the strength that comes from growing as part of a group. This boosts new beard growers’ confidence and helps you stay the course.

John, full beard
Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Grow your beard.

All you new beard growers can become permanent beard growers. And you should! You will add to the ranks of established beard growers, increasing our strength in numbers. The more bearded men there are, the more common beards are. As beards become more common, people become more accustomed to seeing beards and being around them. With the increasing familiarity of beards, beards naturally become more accepted. As acceptance of beards grows, more men feel empowered to grow their beards. Remember, strength in numbers. Join us.

You don’t need No-Shave November as an excuse for starting to grow your beard. You should start growing your beard whenever you like. However, if you could use a boost of courage to get growing, No-Shave November is one of the best times to start a new beard. Go to our expert guide to growing your beard and start growing today! Then, be sure to keep growing through December and into the next year. Consider becoming a permanent beard grower. That would be GREAT.