Why Do Most Young Men Have Facial Hair These Days?

[Dantheman98]

Most young men and even quite a few middle aged men these days have facial hair whether it be long or short. Most young women around my age say they love facial hair on men. Growing up as a kid, I don’t remember many men having facial hair, most were clean shaven. My dad and both my grandads have always shaved every day, as do I. My mum and both my grandmothers both say they can’t stand beards on men. Why are they so popular now and why do young women love them so much? Thanks

[andy-hughes]

The generation of men who fought in World War Two were all obliged to be clean-shaven, apart from the navy, and it was associated with self-discipline, bearded men were seen as feckless and unreliable.

For modern young men, no such associations exist, and fads and fashions rule.

[davebro]

In some roles beards were (are?) banned because they can make wearing a gas mask ineffective.

[jennyjoan]

proper name is "hipster beards"

[barry1010]

My father had a moustache whilst serving in the RAF during WWII

[davebro]

^^^^ I think it was more or less compulsory for pilots Barry! :)

[aelmpvw]

had a goatee/moustache for over forty years, pure laziness :-)

[Electrochem]

I have had a beard for over forty years. It's rather grey now and I'm thinking of shaving it off. I can remember my grandfather shaving with a cut throat razor, which is by far the closest shave you will get. You didn't have beard trimmers and barbers who would trim beards ages ago and they weren't really fashionable.

Davebro is correct about some occupations not being allowed to have facial hair, as this can interfere with the correct functioning of full face respirators and gas masks. Before I retired, I worked in science and we were looking at using some very nasty reagents, which required the wearing of a full face respirator with the appropriate cannisters. Fortunately, the project was shelved and I didn't have to get rid of my beard and have a fit test.

[nailit]

My son doesnt shave.
His facial hair looks a mess. Its not even a 'tidy' beard mess.
Not like his clean shaven father who hates body hair....
Each to their own!!

One thing that I cant stand though,
Is armpit hair on women.
It cuts both ways.

[lankeela]

While I don't mind a little bit of designer stubble on a good looking man I cannot stand the fashion for big beards - there seems to be loads on adverts at present (or maybe the same actor in them all). Whoever told men they look good with beards was having a laugh. And those where they have a ring round their mouth just remind me of lady parts.

[david small]

I grew a beard. I was likened to, uncle Albert..during the war..only fools and horses. Also, Captain Birdseye, finally Santa Claus.
I like fish fingers.

[Atheist]

I think that beards have become a bit more fashionable because of the Islamic/middle eastern influence. Seeing lots of bearded tough-looking guys appeals to some men (and women). I don't think there's anything sinister about this; I'm not saying that terrorism is popular, but people do get influenced by the images they see.

[jourdain2]

It's fashion - and I think you are right, Atheist about Eastern influences. Pop singers too, had 'designer stubble' (not tried it but can't think of anything worse to snuggle up to).
For what it's worth, I'll go for clean-shaven any day. The previous Mr. J2 was clean-shaven for years; decided to grow a beard for a few years and then shaved it off without any warning. The 3-yr-old screamed blue murder - never seen him without it.
Current Mr. J2 grew a beard in early life when in the Merchant Navy - but got rid of it well before leaving it, thank goodness.

[bednobs]

its so the ladies in their lives canat last fing presents to give them!
beard oil!

[Atheist]

According to Frank Zappa, rancid Budweiser was the beard moisturiser of choice back in the days.

[Atheist]

bednobs, is it shaky fingers or predictive text at work in your post above?

[carolegif]

My husband had long hair and a beard in the 70’s. In the early 80’s he decided to cut his hair and shave off his beard. My young son came home from school, went into the kitchen for a snack, and came running out again saying there was a strange man in the kitchen! He had never seen his Dad without his beard!

[Hopkirk]

When I was young, stubble was what tramps had.
Now it's fashionable.

[Hopkirk]

I couldn't do it - too itchy.

[MissTerious]

I'm an oldish woman who loves facial hair as long as it's neat and tidy but not attracted at all to clean shaven men of any age.

[MissTerious]

I've never seen my husband without a beard.