The Meaning of Men’s Beards
When you look at the men who shaped history, you’ll notice that many of them had something in common: amazing beards. Leonardo da Vinci sported a long, flowing beard. Charles Darwin had a big, messy mop on his face. Abraham Lincoln wore a trim beard that gave him an air of authority. These men had amazing beards, and none of them even used texture liniment.
Today’s leaders don’t wear beards as often as those of the past did. According to Antonio Centeno, author of Ultimate Beard Guide and founder of RealMenRealStyle.com, beards were once commonplace in the military before World War I. During WWI, fighters started wearing gas masks. That required regular shaving so the mask could create a tight seal against the skin.
It’s a shame that more world leaders don’t rock beautiful beards. They’re missing out on a form of expression that men have used for thousands of years.
Beards Can Convey Strength, Power, and Individualism
In 2014, blogger Nicki Daniels complained that hipsters were ruining her beard fetish. She writes that “to me, [beards] meant strength, power, MANLINESS. Someone who could protect me.” According to Daniels, though, hipsters have turned beards into “the padded bra of masculinity… There’s a whole generation running around looking like lumberjacks, and most of you can’t change a fucking tire.”
Daniels raises an excellent point. The beards of history depict powerful, individualistic men who thought freely and lived as they pleased. Do you think that Leonardo da Vinci cared what people other than his benefactors thought? He didn’t have to. He was a badass. His beard was a symbol of that bad assery.
(For a more modern reference, consider Nick Offerman. He does what he wants while rocking a beautiful, manly beard. And you can practically guarantee that his manly genetics get a little help from texture liniment and other products.)
Manly Beards Don’t Happen by Accident
Growing a beard that expresses manly independence doesn’t happen by accident. Grizzly Adams might have been a bad ass in the woods, but there weren’t a lot of women lining up for him when he strolled through town. Left to its own devices, your beard will lose control and make you look like a crazed person.
If your beard has already reached a point of wild rebellion, it’s time to start over. Get a full treatment shave for a new beginning. If your beard is starting to lose control, you can tame it with a beard trim.
Now You’re a Man, a Man Man Man
Once you get your beard game in line, you need to take control so you can express your personality instead of letting your beard do the talking for you. You’re going to grow the beard that’s right for you.
First, you need to learn how to grow a manly beard. No matter what kind of beard you plan to grow, you need texture liniment to encourage hair growth. You also need a strong dose of testosterone, so hit the gym frequently, take vitamin D supplements, and don’t drink too much alcohol.
Second, you’re going to need help from someone who really knows beards. Schedule a visit with a beard maintenance pro so you can learn more about your beard’s unique needs. Everything from your hair type to your facial hair patterns should affect how you care for your beard.
Third, go out into the world and be a man. Have some confidence. Learn how to change a tire, replace an alternator and cook a decent meal.
After a few weeks, you’ll notice that your beard expresses your inner nature. Your true self. As Trey Parker sang in the theme song for Orgazmo, “Now you’re a man! A man man man!”