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Tom’s Top-notch Beard

A career-boosting, first-rate beard!

Think beards are bad for that “professional” look? Think again as you read on.

All About BEARDS proudly welcomes Tom to our featured beards section! Sometimes unlikely beard growers become the strongest beard supporters and beard role models. Tom is a great example. Learn how a serious injury sent Tom on an incredible beard journey.

Tom’s introduction in his own words:

I am a pediatrician living in Georgia with my wife and two children. I’ve had a beard since November of 2016 when I decided not to shave during my time off for Thanksgiving holiday break. Having shaved off previous beards during that itchy awkward phase around four weeks of growth, this beard was protected and nurtured by an ankle fracture I sustained shortly after I started growing it. This injury left me unable to stand for over a month. It’s nearly impossible to shave lying flat. So when I finally recovered from surgery and was able to stand, I looked in the mirror and saw a full beard that I did not know I was capable of growing. My wife and children thought I should maintain it. So I’ve been bearded ever since.

I discovered All About BEARDS while looking for information about trimming my neck and cheek lines. I must say I was inspired by the “featured beards” and “beard success stories” I read about and this served to reinforce my commitment to remaining bearded. When you have a beard you never look quite the same from day to day or week to week. I photographed my beard journey regularly as I tried to figure out my style and now I’m flattered to be asked to share these pics on the site I found so inspirational.

Tom with his family: They encouraged him to keep his new beard!
Tom with his family: They encouraged him to keep his new beard!

Scroll down to read Tom’s beard story.
Also, be sure to see Tom’s Beard Gallery.

Dr. Tom earlier in his beard journey
This is Dr. Tom at an earlier stage in his beard-growing journey.

What do you think about beards?

Guys just look better with a beard than they do without. We’ve all seen those before-and-after pics on the Internet or had friends and colleagues who have grown a beard. I can’t think of any who did not improve their looks. Having a beard is the natural state for an adult male. What I was not expecting after growing my beard was how it would change the way others perceived me in terms of my intelligence, leadership ability, and attractiveness.   There’s something primal about it. It sounds farfetched but bearded men know its true. 

Tom's Top-notch Beard, image 3: Tom before growing beard and after growing beard
This is Tom before growing his beard and after growing his beard.

Intelligence?  Leadership ability? Yes, after growing my beard many people told me I looked scholarly, like a professor.   And about that time I started advancing in the leadership ranks of my organization much more quickly.   I’ve accomplished much more in my five bearded years than the seventeen years prior.  Coincidence?   I think one’s looks do play a role in his success.  I mention this only because a lot of men seem to think having a beard may be detrimental somehow to their career. 

Has your opinion about beards changed over time?

Yes, in a sense that I did not think much about beards or having a beard until I grew my own.   We’ve all experienced the phenomenon of buying a new car and then noticing there are many cars just like our own on the road.  Prior to driving it you never noticed them.  My beard has been a positive change in my life and I feel privileged  to contribute to beards.org,  which is such an important resource and source of inspiration for others considering doing the same.

What do you think about your own beard?

I think my views have been shaped by the comments people share with me on a regular basis.  I’m happy to have a beard that is quite thick, dense, and full.   I like the fact that it grows quite fast because it looks a little different every morning when I look in the mirror.  Due to my rate of growth, I don’t think I could maintain the trendy ultra short stubble beard because I’d have to shave more than once every day.   I don’t seem to have any areas of light growth that I need hair to cover – it’s everywhere! 

How does having such a great beard make you feel?

It’s a great boost to one’s ego to receive a compliment from a perfect stranger.   That happens to me on a regular basis but it never happened before I grew a beard.  Beards seem to be the one thing guys allow themselves to compliment each other about.  

Dr. Tom: great beard in the great outdoors
Dr. Tom: great beard in the great outdoors. Click on image to view larger.

Did anyone in your family have a beard before you?

No, my father and uncles were clean shaven.  Since I’ve grown a beard, however, my younger brothers have also grown a beard.  

When did you grow your first beard?

I grew a beard briefly in college.   It was your typical late adolescent, early twenties beard -– a little less full and dense than what I have now, but appropriate for age.  I ended up caving in to the negative feedback one inevitably receives when first growing a beard.  

As mentioned above, I started growing the beard I have now during a week off at Thanksgiving in 2016.   Shortly after starting my beard growth I fractured my ankle and had two surgeries.   I was not able to stand upright for weeks after these surgeries.  Its pretty hard to shave lying down, so I was really forced, in a sense, to grow my beard out in full.  Once I was able to stand again I looked in the mirror and I had a nice, full, thick beard.

This is Tom's shorter beard earlier in his beard journey.
Here is Tom with his shorter beard earlier in his beard journey. Click on image to view larger.

Had you ever thought about growing a beard long before growing your first beard?

I remember thinking about it in elementary school.  One of my teachers was bearded and I wondered what it must feel like to have hair growing on your cheeks.  That’s about the extent of it. 

What led you to grow your current beard?

It started with the Thanksgiving week break from shaving that was unexpectedly extended. Thinking back on it, the ankle surgery recovery period meant that I didn’t have to work or be around friends and family much during those “transitional” awkward beard growth phases.   Once I was able to stand again I looked in the mirror and I had a nice, full, thick beard.   My wife told me she liked it and I haven’t shaved since then.  

Tom with his family swimming in a cave. Tom's family approves of his beard!
Here Tom and his family are enjoying a swim inside a cave. Tom’s wife and children approve of his beard!

How did the beard affect you?

I remember thinking “this is how I’m supposed to look” after growing my beard.   Your self perception or how you define yourself changes with time after growing your beard.  I now think of myself as a “bearded man” rather than man who “has a beard.”   What I mean is that this is now part of who I am, not just how I choose to groom myself at the moment.  

What happened to your first beard?

My first beard, which I grew in college, succumbed to my lack of will power.  My mother wanted me to shave and I did.   I think there are very few mothers who love their son’s first beard.   It must make them feel older or something.

Do you plan to keep your beard permanently now?

Yes, if my beard can survive COVID, it is here to stay.   As a healthcare worker I nearly had to shave my beard off for the N95 mask.  Luckily I was able to make alternative arrangements and was able to keep my beard.  

How do people react to your beard?

I’ve already discussed the comments I get from strangers, so I’m going to answer this question from the perspective of a pediatrician.   When I’m caring for an infant or toddler I can see it in their eyes when they haven’t seen a bearded man before.  They seem just a bit confused and fearful.    I can tell when their dad has a beard because they seem much more comfortable and interactive.  Their mothers are usually surprised when I say “Her daddy has a beard doesn’t he?” I don’t think I’ve been wrong about this yet.  

Dr. Tom: bearded pediatrician.
Dr. Tom: bearded pediatrician.

Do people ever tell you to trim or shave your beard?  If so, how do you respond?

Only my mother.   I tell her that she is the only one telling me to do this. But I understand because all mothers seem to have a similar view. 

Do you know if your beard has inspired others to grow their beards?

Not that anyone has told me. However, I have known a few co-workers and, as I’ve mentioned, my brothers who have grown a beard subsequent to mine. 

Do you encourage others to grow their beards?

I make a special effort to compliment adolescents and young men who are going through that transitional phase with a new beard.   It’s so important to conform at that age and they are very sensitive to both positive and negative feedback.  A random compliment could be all they need to have the willpower to grow out their beard. 

Why have you chosen the classic full beard?

My beard grows so fast and thick I think the full beard chose me.  I don’t really have the time or the skills to cut or to shape it any other way.  That being said, I think the classic full beard looks best once your beard is fully mature.  I see some other styles like the chinstrap as a means of transitioning into a full beard while your beard matures.

Dr. Tom: bulking up the classic full beard.
Dr. Tom: bulking up the classic full beard. Click on image to view larger.

Recently your full beard has been trending a bit bigger and longer.  How do you like this?  Will it continue?

Yes, but there are some limitations to how I can wear my beard because of my career.   Since my beard is hidden under a mask, for the most part, I’ve been able to “push the limits” in a sense and grow it longer.   I now like to keep the “goatee area” around my mustache and chin longer and fuller, the cheeks slightly more trimmed (or they get quite wavy), and the sideburns faded into my haircut. 

Do you shape and trim your beard yourself?  If so, how did you learn to do it right?

I really enjoy the pampering that comes with a hot towel wrap, warm shaving cream and a straight razor.  A barber shop that caters to bearded men really makes for a nice place to visit on a Saturday morning.    I have tried to trim my beard myself and it never comes out quite as nice and it is  definitely not as relaxing.   

How do you care for your beard?  What’s your beard-care routine?

I wash my beard one day and condition it the next day on an alternate basis.   I apply a beard oil daily and, when my beard is longer, will use a beard balm to keep the stray hairs down.  I like the lightly scented beard products, particularly those with a woodsy scent.

Tom's big beard is getting longer.
Tom’s big beard is getting longer here. Click on image to view larger.

What is your opinion of beards.org?  Did the site affect your beard journey in any way?

Beards.org is the premier website for everything related to the topic of growing and maintaining a beard, encouraging beard growth, or admiring other beards.   The site reinforced my commitment to beard growth and gave me examples of beards I could make my “beard goal.”   These gentlemen can still be found on the site today.  I never would have expected to be featured on beards.org as well.  

What do you think about being featured on beards.org?

I hope my feature and comments on beards.org will help to inspire or motivate others thinking about growing a beard to give it a try.  I came to this site during my first month of beard growth and found it so inspirational I’ve been coming back ever since.   Its really an honor to be recognized as worthy to be on the site.

Click on any image below to view a larger version and, optionally, a slide show.

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William’s winning beard

Meet William

All about beards is happy and proud to welcome William to the featured beards section.   William’s beard story is an important one because of his steadfast resistance to the onslaught of anti-beard criticism that he faced once he set out to grow his beard.  William stood firm against all the anti-beard naysayers and refused to give up on his beard.  Instead, William became fiercely dedicated to growing his beard and is a strong advocate for beards.  For this, William merits respect as he stands as a great example for all new beard growers who may waver in their confidence when subjected to criticism of their nascent beards.  William demonstrated that by staying strong and dedicated, despite all opposition, he truly has grown a winning beard.

William’s introduction:

My name is William and I have been constantly bearded since January 2013. Living and working in the Netherlands, I decided to become bearded before the big “beard hype” over here…not for beard fashion reasons, but I was willing to change and wanting something different with my face. And I was getting bored with shaving once or twice a day… that was also a big reason, to be quite honest.

I work as a lawyer.  I am married and have three children.  I play the euphonium in a local band, love to travel, and am active in a confirmation group in a Roman Catholic church and Mary fraternity that dates back to 1834 . I love reading all kinds of books and papers.  I am also active as a volunteer in the local carnival museum. My city is one of the most famous carnival towns in the Netherlands.  Here I love to celebrate these festivities as a bearded Dutch man!

Scroll down to read Williams’s beard story and be sure to see William’s beard progression gallery and William’s beard gallery below. The photos on this page and in William’s photo galleries are courtesy of William and are used with permission. All photos are subject to the site’s conditions of use.

Looking sharp: William's beard right after a visit to the barber, feature photo 002
Looking sharp: William’s beard right after a visit to the barber.

William’s winning beard story

What do you think about beards?

Beards are a choice every man should have, although each man has to deal with his possibilities to grow or not. It’s all about a man who has to have the beard genetics first.  Then it is up to him to choose for a beard or not. But frankly said… a beard makes the man. That’s what I think about it. When I see pictures of men without or with a beard, I often choose the bearded pictures, because the look of a bearded man makes a man more attractive in his human appearance: a solid, trustful, and manly look! That’s my opinion on the meaning of un-bearded or bearded men.

What do you think about your own beard?

I like a good full, total beard with a good length. It has to be taken care of…not too wild, but also not too neat, somewhere surely in the middle. I am very satisfied and happy with my beard, because — and this is what it’s all about — I find that it suits my face and makes my face complete. The colors (the combination of blond, and dark) are fine for me!

When you were a little boy, did you ever think about growing a beard in the future when you would become a man?

No, I didn’t. It wasn’t a custom in my family. There weren’t clear examples, although my father tried it shortly but stopped it because of the resistance of my mother. And one uncle on my mother’s side wore a beard in a “Van Dyke” style for years.  That’s where I could see that beard genetics were present in my family. But as a boy, I didn’t see it as a future thing for me!

What led you to grow your first beard?

It came from the curiosity from the combination of the following questions, which I answered afterwards with a big YES.

    • Can I grow a good beard?
    • Will I get used to the change?
    • Would I like to be a bearded man?
    • Will it suit me?
    • Can I withstand the possible negative reactions?

Have you remained bearded since growing your first beard?

YES, the whole time.


Gallery: William’s beard progression over the years
Click on any image below to view a larger version and, optionally, a slide show.

Also see: William’s beard gallery.

Did you encounter a lot of resistance to your beard from people around you?

Oh yes… From the start, the reactions were resistant.  And to say it diplomatically, they were not very mild. Most members of my family didn’t like my choice. Also most of my friends didn’t like the beard. Reactions in groups on birthdays to me as a person or one-to-one personally were in a sneering way, although reactions from people out of my “inner circle” were much more positive. And fortunately, a lot of people also were normal in their reactions. But to be quite honest, my wife still isn’t a fan and neither is my mother. But that’s okay for me. You can’t have all in life and my opinion about my beard in life has become: “You don’t like my beard. That’s okay. I didn’t grow it for you, but for myself.” This is because I am happy with my choice and that’s all that counts. I don’t mind what other people do.  Let them be happy with their choices. And I am happy with mine.

How did you deal with all of the resistance to your beard? How did you overcome it?

It wasn’t easy. It felt very often as a rejection of me as a person. And it could (and sometimes still now) can feel very painful.  But I was strong enough to deal with it and to overcome it. It was my decision. I wanted to be bearded and give it a chance. And finally people got used to it and opinions changed.

Why do you think that some people are so automatically against beards?

At first: beards in appearance always have an initial disadvantage because people are not used to beards on faces starting from the age of infancy. Second: beards call upon some people’s thoughts of being aggressive, thoughtless, unreliable, and dominant; the combination of those traits doesn’t contribute in a positive way to the general view of beards. And third:  beards are for some people like clowns are; they are scary in some sort of ghostly Halloween way. There are more reasons I think. But I noticed these as some of the most important.

Are you dedicated to staying bearded now? Why?

Yes, I am still dedicated. It has become my new lifestyle. I never thought this could have such an impact on me that I don’t want to change anymore!

William demonstrates how a full beard is fully compatible with a professional appearance, feature photo 003
William demonstrates how a full beard is fully compatible with a professional appearance.

Do you believe that beards are compatible with or even enhance a “professional” appearance?

I don’t have a real opinion for that. I think that for some men it really is an improvement for their appearance and for some it isn’t. It all has to do with beard genetics, the form of a face, and of course a man himself has to feel good with it.

Do you know if your beard has inspired others to grow their beards?

Yes, finally it has.  It took years, but some men in my environment chose for themselves to go for a beard.  This was after first being a bit negative towards mine.  Now it gives me a big smile from time to time. That’s for sure.

Do you encourage others to grow their beards?

No, not actively.  Only when men ask me about it and have an interest to do so. Out of my experience of at first negative reactions and later on more positive ones… I only react in a way when people ask me for it. I’m still a bit careful, I think.

Why have you chosen the classic full beard?

It is just the sort of beard that is my kind of beard. The other sorts are not that attractive to me.   I am a fan of the full bearded beardway!

Do you shape and trim your beard yourself?

Partly… Once every five or six weeks I go the barbershop. The rest of the time in between I try to do it myself.

How do you care for your beard?

I use several beard products like beard oil, mustache wax, pomade, and what I’ve come to like a lot over the last half year: beard balm.

Do you take pride in your beard?

Yes, I do. Frankly, when I look around, I feel blessed to have a beard the way that I have. It just is exactly the way I wanted, except for some details (see my beard complaints below).

What do you like best about your beard?

Its thickness, the full bearded “covering” of my face, and from time to time it is lovely to go through it, touching and feeling by hand.

Do you have any complaints about your beard?

Like its owner, my beard is very pigheaded.  There are a lot of hairs that don’t grow the way I want them to. But that’s a point I can deal with. I have a good barber and, of course, other good ways to keep my beard in line!

William's winning beard is an asset all year round, feature photo 003
William’s winning beard is an asset all year round.

What is your opinion of beards.org?

For me it was the very good support from the site that helped me to stay bearded and to keep my positive feeling about beards. It is good to share and to see all the worldwide pics from all other men who love being bearded in all kinds of sorts and ways!

What do you think about being featured on beards.org?

I feel honored and pleased. To get “beardly”noticed by a worldwide known beard site is not only a recognition of being valued as man with a beard, but also a confirmation that my beard can be noticed as a good, visible support for men who want to choose to grow a beard! Do it and make THE choice to grow your beard.  Although resistance can be there, you won’t regret it!


William’s beard gallery
Click on any image below to view a larger version and, optionally, a slide show.


Also see:

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

Per’s superior beard

All about beards is proud to welcome Per to the featured beards section. Per is a prolific beard grower and a master of the mustache. His beard is excellent and his mustache is often amazing. A seasoned, veteran beard grower, Per is quite dedicated to the beard. He grows a great beard and enjoys it, which is a great way to be. Per’s beard has been known to inspire others to grow their beards. Let’s hope that he will now inspire many more new beards everywhere.

Scroll down to read Per’s beard story and be sure to see Per’s beard photo gallery below. The photos on this page and in Per’s photo gallery are courtesy of Per and are used with permission. All photos are subject to the site’s conditions of use.

What do you think about beards?

I have been fascinated by beards since I was little. As long as I can remember, I have looked at nice beards and wanted my own beard.

What do you think about your own beard?

To be very honest, I’m quite satisfied with my beard as it is today. One can always want a little different style, structure, or shape. But all in all I’m happy with the beard I have.

When you were a boy, did you ever think about growing a beard in the future when you would become a man?

I started to look at beards from early school years. I was so anxious that I might not be able to grow my own beard. But that was for no reason. Had a mustache from age seventeen, but had to gather some courage to grow a full beard.

Did anyone in your family have a beard before you?

The ability is in the family. But the closest is my brother’s mustache. It was big and nice from late teens. He was my role model, but he was not going for the full beard.

When did you grow your first beard?

My first full beard was when I was twenty-five, after gathering courage and I’d had stubble for many years.

What led you to grow your first beard?

I wanted to have a beard since I was a kid, just had to find the right time and be sure it would be full and mature.

Per's superior beard, featured image 3
Per’s beard: short goatee with mustache and big full beard

Why do you grow your beard now?

Now the beard has become a part of my personality. If I cut it short I feel that I lose a part of me. Have tried clean shaven some years ago. Felt naked.

Would you say that you are a dedicated, permanent beard grower?

I’m definitely a permanent and very dedicated beard grower!

Are your current beard and mustache the biggest you’ve ever grown?

I have had length like this for the four last years. Earlier I had stubble or up to 3 cm. Should have started growing a long beard much earlier. It’s so much more fun!

Do you plan to keep growing your beard and mustache larger?

I always plan for longer. But from time to time I need a trim and then I start saving time again. There is a lot of maintenance with a long beard. So after a trim I spend less time in the bathroom.

Do people ever criticize your beard or tell you to trim it or shave it off?

From time to time my wife has some suggestions for trimming. But it happens less and less. She gets used to a long-bearded man.

Do you know if your beard has inspired other men to grow their beards?

Yes, at least I have gotten feedback that younger colleagues have been inspired to grow. That’s nice!

Do you encourage others to grow their beards?

I often tell people that they have a nice beard and should grow it out. Hope some will do so.
Per's superior beard, featured image 4

Why did you choose to grow the classic full beard?

I think the beard chose me. I just had to follow.

Do you shape and trim your beard yourself?

When I trimmed it myself it always resulted in too short a beard. So now I only use a professional barber shop.

What is your beard care routine?

I use beard soap in the shower, then oil and blow dryer and use a round brush afterwards. Need to straighten out some waves after shower to get the shape I like.

What do you like best about your beard?

I’m very satisfied with the color. And the thickness is good. All in all I am quite satisfied.

Do you have any complaints about your beard?

Wish I did not have to straighten the waves after a shower. But that is a minor problem and is possible to handle.

What is your opinion of beards.org?

I think beards.org is a very good inspiration for beard growers like me.

What do you think about being featured on beards.org?

I’m very pleased if I can be an inspiration for other men wanting to grow a beard, big or small. And I am pleased to show that beards are even more fun when getting older and silver bearded.

Click on any image below to view a larger version and, optionally, a slide show.