Beard Nation

Why Should I Use Beard Oil?

Q: Hey, Frank. What’s the deal with this beard oil stuff you’re always going on and on about?

A: Great question, Abraham. Beard oil, in a nutshell, is everything your beard has been asking you for, but you probably didn’t realize it — until now. In fact, at every step of growing and maintaining a beard, a few drops of beard oil will make your beard more healthy, more moisturized, and more magnificent.
I’ll break it down for you.

Stubble Stage
Let’s start with the beginning stage of a beard: the stubble stage. This is by far the most difficult stage. And most guys, despite truly wanting a gorgeous beard, won’t make it through it. The reason being: their face is itchy all the time. So they may fight the good fight for a week or two, but then they’ll ultimately give in and shave it all off. In other words, they fail.
But let’s say they’d had a little bit of beard oil during the stubble stage. (I’d recommend Rain Forest, Andrea, Old Fashioned, or Driftwood for a newly burgeoning beard.) Then everything would have been different. Beard oil not only keeps the skin moisturized and itch-free, but also promotes a healthy beard and discourages ingrown hairs.
And as an added bonus, beard oil smells amazing, which will make you happier and cause other people to like you better. (Note: You might notice women leaning in closer than usual. Don’t act surprised. This is normal.)

Full-On Stage
Fast-forward a few months and now you’re sporting a respectably thick beard. While you may have finally outgrown the itchy stubble stage, beard oil is more essential now than ever before.
Beard oil will do three things for your beard:
Keep it healthy and moisturized, not to mention significantly softer. (It will keep the skin beneath your beard healthy and moisturized too, which is a difficult task as your beard becomes more and more impenetrable.)
Keep it smelling amazing, not only for you but for those around you.
Best of all, it will keep it looking amazing, tamed, and under control—which is what every respectable beardsman desires.
You want to look awesome, right? Well, beard oil tames your beard by preventing the scraggliness and unshapeliness that is the natural enemy of every respectable beardsman in the world.
For the thicker, full-on beard, I recommend using a heavier beard oil, like Deep Woods, Winter No.1, or '34 Vintage.

6. BEARD OIL FOR ACNE
beard oil for acne

The main reason acne occurs is because the hair follicle gets clogged, causing blocked pores and inflammation. Beard oil goes deep in the hair follicle and helps clear blockages responsible for causing acne eruptions.

You might think that since beard oil has an oily base it might perhaps trigger your acne and make it worse. In reality, beard oil will only cleanse, moisturize and sustain the skin beneath your beard, as it does not interfere with sebum production and does not clog up pores - reasons why acne occurs in the first place.

In fact, the carrier oil and essential oils in beard oil have excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory healing properties which further help to clear out infections and control redness and inflammation. This helps to alleviate acne symptoms and reduce breakouts.

If you have acne, experts recommend to apply beard oil in the morning right after a shower or face cleansing routine rather than at night before sleeping. Make sure you try a little initially to test for any allergic reactions. More importantly, you must not cut any corners with the quality of beard oil you buy. Steer clear of beard oils that contain silicone or alcohol or any other synthetic ingredients that can trigger acne, and only go for 100% natural, additive-free beard oil.

7. BEARD OIL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
beard oil for sensitive skin

Do you have ultra-sensitive skin that breaks out in a rash? Unless you have an allergy, you might get a beard rash caused by coarse, jagged hair, razor bumps or dry, sensitive skin.

A 2011 research study documented that almost half of the American population declares "having "sensitive" or "very sensitive" skin."

If you sport a beard and use beard grooming products you'll always be concerned about how your facial skin might react to certain products. There are some key steps to follow if you have sensitive skin. First, don't use hot water on your beard. Hot water can irritate and dry out the skin. Second, stay away from harsh shampoos (especially those with sulphates that are known for stripping natural oils), and only use gentle shampoo, that too only twice a week.

Third, don't be fooled by over-the-counter conditioners that claim to soften hair. Conditioners are notorious for being high in silicones and only give the illusion that your hair or beard is soft, when in actuality, they're causing build up on the hair shaft which leads to your hair becoming weak and brittle after a while.

Fourth, use beard oil! Using an all-natural beard oil will seal in moisture and protect the hair shaft. Coating the hair shaft with enriching oil will prevent breakage and eliminate dryness - the number one culprit for itchy, sensitive skin. Beard oil is perhaps the best and most nourishing product you can add to your beard care arsenal if you have sensitive skin.

8. BEARD OIL FOR CONFIDENCE
beard oil for confidence

A beard can definitely take you from looking just 'meh' to manly and interesting and boosting your confidence. With a beard you'll be more inspired to try out new clothing, find your style and exuberate more confidence. That increased confidence can result in attaining that most coveted promotion or getting that job you always dreamed of.

One key point to keep in mind is that in the workplace, beards that are not groomed properly, can actually fetch the opposite reaction - laziness, and not taking care of yourself. This can adversely affect how people perceive you and can actually hurt your confidence.

Having a proper grooming routine is important to help you look and feel confident, and that's where beard oil can help. A dry, straw-like beard does not only look plain and scraggly but makes you feel lethargic and uninterested. It's not the best face to put forward professionally or in a job interview.

A few drops of beard oil used daily will make your beard more manageable, make you look handsomely groomed (giving the impression that you take care of yourself), and make you smell great - doing wonders for your confidence!

9. BEARD OIL FOR ATTRACTING WOMEN
beard oil for attracting women

That's right! Women love a face mane, and some nice manly fuzz can go a long way with the ladies. For those who think, beards are just a short-lived phase, think again.

According to a 2013 study, conducted by researchers in the University of New South Wales, Australia, beards could be a decisive factor in determining your romantic future. The study surveyed 351 women and 177 heteros*xual men and asked them to rate ten photos of men based on several parameters such as, health, good looks, manliness, prospective parenting skills and more. Men with a heavy 10-day stubble were found to be the most attractive and those with full beards got the most points for potentially having the best parenting abilities among both the women and men surveyed.

So, the plain fact is that women like beards and if you have one you're on the right track to finding a life partner - but what the study does not mention is how the proper beard care products can affect your chances. There's a difference between a beard serving as a chick magnet and one that puts you in hobo territory. And even though women find beards rugged and masculine, if you lean in for a kiss and your beard feels like steel wool, you've possibly already ruined your chances.

Don't let bad grooming get in the way of finding the girl of your dreams - get yourself a bottle of beard oil. Beard oil is mandatory to soften rough hair, reduce beard dandruff, eliminate flakes, and give your beard that soft, plush feel. Plus it will make your beard smell warm, wonderful and inviting - especially when you get up close and personal.

10. BEARD OIL FOR SAVING TIME AND MONEY
beard oil saves time and money

Tired of budgeting and shopping for new blades every month?

According to an article published in the 1972 Spartanburg Herald, Dr. Herbert Mescon, former chairman and professor of the Department of Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine stated that in his approximately 55 years of shaving, "the average man will spend roughly 3,350 hours, or 139 days" shaving. That's almost one-third of an entire year that could have gone towards learning a new hobby, working out, reading and more! Not to mention how much money could have been saved over the years buying razor blades, that could possibly turn out to be quite expensive, depending on the brand of blades bought.

A beard on the other hand, requires minimal maintenance, and does not need monthly replacement kits. Initially you might need to invest in a beard trimmer and need to shave your neck and cheeks occasionally, but that's nothing compared to the cost in time and money demanded by regular, everyday shaving.

Having a high quality beard oil in your grooming kit will literally last you a few months or more depending on your beard length, as a little goes a long way, and will ensure your man mane is well nourished and presentable.

WHAT DOES BEARD OIL DO?
In simple words, beard oil helps with beard maintenance. Dabbing some beard oil on to your beard will make it feel less scraggly and less dry. As soon as you slather on some oil you'll be able to run your hand through your beard and release tangles and feel your rough straw-like man mane becoming soft and manageable.

But, is beard oil really necessary?

Well, if you've got great genetics and have always had a thick growth without any dryness or dandruff then you might just be able to get away without beard oil.

But how many of us are that lucky?

You see, it's not just about having healthy facial hair growth, it's also about having healthy skin beneath. By using beard oil, your facial skin will be protected from environmental factors like air pollution and variable weather and your hair follicles will thank you for the nourishment.

With regular use you'll be able to eliminate split ends, beard dandruff and itchiness, and appear more polished and presentable.These are some of the reasons why most men find beard oil to be their ultimate savior.

LET'S TAKE A DETAILED LOOK AT THE TOP 10 AMAZING BENEFITS OF BEARD OIL:
1. BEARD OIL FOR DRY SKIN AND ITCHING
beard oil for itching

So you've started to grow a beard and it's been about a month. If you feel the need to constantly run your hands through your beard and scratch, scratch and scratch, you're experiencing the all too common beard itch. For some men this is the 'do or die' time for their beard; some bearded warriors push through but for some the itching gets to the point where you feel like literally pulling your (beard) hair out.

This is the when beard oil can come to your rescue and liberate you from all that infuriating itching. Trust us, the itching will end and beard oil will help to tame it down - but let's quickly explain why the itching happens in the first place.

Beard hair follicles are nested in sebaceous glands - glands which produce an oil (sebum) which covers the follicle. As you start to grow your beard, and it starts to get longer, the amount of sebum produced is not enough to coat the follicle and keep the skin above it moisturized. This causes dryness and itching.

Beard oil enters as a savior to nourish and coat the hair follicles, moisturizing the skin beneath the beard, and providing much needed relief to calm that itch.

2. BEARD OIL FOR DANDRUFF
beard oil for dandruff

Beard dandruff, more popularly known as beardruff, happens when the itching gets to the point where the dry skin flakes off and starts to fall on your shirt. It's white flecks of dandruff - but it's on your beard.

The best way to tackle beardruff is to not allow it to happen in the first place. Using beard oil just when you're starting to grow your beard will eliminate and keep early itching at bay, and since the skin beneath your beard will be moisturized, there will be no dry skin left to flake off.

But just like dandruff can strike anytime in your hair, the same can happen in your beard. Even if you are a seasoned beardsman, you can still get dry skin in the winter time, while facing the elements, using harsh skincare products or even with certain medical conditions.

One key point to keep in mind is that your beard hair is very different from the hair on your head. The hair follicles are entirely different, so never ever use products meant for your scalp on your facial skin! Facial skin is very sensitive and harsh hair products rob natural oils that cause dryness and beardruff.

Keeping your beard moisturized with a high quality beard oil will keep the skin below it happy and ensure you steer clear from beardruff.

3. BEARD OIL FOR PATCHY BEARDS
beard oil for patchy beards

Are you trying to grow your beard but notice that there are some bald spots where no hair seems to grow? The last thing any man wants is a patchy beard. Unfortunately, some of this has genetics to blame but there are also quite a few other contributing factors to a patchy beard such as dry skin, beard dandruff (beardruff), acne and other skin conditions.

The primary reason bald spots occur is because if the skin above where the beard grows is not healthy and is inflicted with a skin condition, hair follicles beneath have a hard time growing and thriving.

Therapeutic-grade beard oil is made with ingredients that are known to have healing, medicinal properties. The oil can moisturize facial skin and pe*****te deep to alleviate symptoms that prevent hair follicles from flourishing, such as itchiness, dryness, dandruff and more. By going to the root of the problem, beard oil promotes healing within the hair follicles which ultimately leads to a healthier, less patchier growth and a fuller beard.

4. BEARD OIL FOR STYLING
beard oil for style

Tired of scruffy hair sticking out of your beard? Adding beard oil to your everyday routine will tame your beard, and make it soft, supple and manageable.

But, when compared to over the counter hair styling products beard oil does so much more than that.

Harsh chemicals in off-the-shelf beard styling products can do a lot more harm than good. They might help you style your beard, but they don't come anywhere close to helping it grow and feel nourished.

In fact some of these chemical additives can actually irritate the skin beneath the beard, and strip the hair follicles of their sebum coating, leading to itchiness, dryness and lots of frustration.

If you see hair or beard styling products with ingredients you can't pronounce - run the other way. These strange sounding names are usually parabens, phthalates (DMP, DBP or DEP), formaldehydes or formaldehyde releasing chemicals (Benzylhemiformal, Diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, Quaternium-15 among others) which are notorious toxins.

According to the American Cancer Society, professional-grade hair smoothing treatments containing keratin can "contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals," that can in turn increase the levels of formaldehyde in the air and "could be a potential hazard."

If you'd rather not lather your face with toxins, switch to beard oil. Beard oil is a much better alternative to styling gels and sprays and a much healthier way to easily groom and style your beard, and also make it smell great.

At UpNature our proprietary beard essential oil blend comes cold-pressed, raw and unfiltered, contains no additives, and is specially formulated to make you look, smell and feel your best!

5. BEARD OIL FOR FRAGRANCE
beard oil for fragrance

There's nothing more refreshing than stepping out of the house in the morning with the woody and musky smell of a clean, well groomed beard. Trust us, you'll think so too, once you try beard oil.

Having your man-mane smell amazing is one factor you might perhaps overlook when it comes to using beard oil - as compared to the many other benefits beard oil offers.

But as you're engulfed in manly scents and ready to tackle the world, remember that the fragrance in beard oil comes from powerful essential oils which is the reason why your beard smells great and has a fresh, clean feel.

Unlike harsh colognes and alcohol-infused perfumes that can irritate and overpower, the essential oils in beard oil are actually working for your beard, rather than against it.

If you see the word 'fragrance' on a beard oil brand, steer clear and look for something that contains a natural carrier oil, such as argan oil, and 100% all natural essential oils, that not only impart aroma, but have healing, medicinal properties. UpNature's premier beard oil contains cedarwood oil which is a natural antiseptic and mood lifter.
See the remaining five benefits in my next

Beard is the new black

Top 10 Amazing Benefits of Beard Oil (And Everything Else You Need to Know)

Did you know that around 55% of men all over the world sport facial hair? It's been estimated that over one-third of American men have a beard. In fact over the last few years, beards have seen a dramatic rise in popularity - with different styles like the Van D**e, Garibaldi and the Balbo style (sported by acclaimed actor Robert Downey, Jr.) seen commonly as you walk down the street.

why beard oilMore than being just a fashion statement, growing a beard actually has quite a few benefits. According to the University of Southern Queensland's research on beard health, beards can help to block 95% of the sun's damaging UV rays. This means that a beard can considerably lower your risk of skin cancer.

Suffer from allergies? Growing a beard can catch dust and pollen and act as a filter to keep pesky allergens out of your nose and respiratory system. Beards also help to keep the skin moisturized by providing an extra layer of protection against the elements.

If you're tired of skin disorders such as acne, put your razor away! Shaving can cause nicks that attract bacteria, and everyday shaving can actually spread bacteria all over your face, irritating the skin and leading to throbbing in-grown hairs, rashes and possibly even infections.

Although growing a beard has tons of benefits (not to mention, a well-groomed beard attracts the ladies - don't take our word for it, see what the NY Times has to say), just about every man who ever tried to grow a beard knows that growing a beard comes with its own set of challenges.

If you've ever experienced beard itch, beard dandruff or beardruff (yes there is a word for it!), whether you're on the stubble phase or proudly sport a full beard, there's just one amazing product you need to alleviate discomfort, support and maintain beard growth - and that product is beard oil.

In the following article we'll discuss what beard oil is, what makes it stand out from other grooming products, the amazing benefits of beard oil, how and when to apply it and more!

What is beard oil?
What does beard oil do?
Top 10 Amazing Benefits of beard oil
The Best Time to Apply Beard Oil
How to Apply Beard Oil
What to Look for When Buying Beard Oi



WHAT IS BEARD OIL?
what is beard oil

If you could only invest in one product to nourish, hydrate and maintain your beard - it would be beard oil. A little beard oil is enough to tame flyaway hair or calm beardruff. And with added essential oils, beard oil serves as a natural cologne - with its woody, manly aroma.

An invigorating blend of both natural carrier oils and intoxicating essential oils, let's take a closer look at what makes a premier beard oil.

Carrier Oils

These are all-natural oils extracted mainly from the nuts and seeds of plants and are primarily used for diluting essential oils. However their benefits go far beyond just being 'carriers' for potent essential oils. Each carrier oil has its own set of unique medicinal properties and some are better than others when delivering moisturizing and healing benefits to the skin and hair. Some of the more popular carrier oils for hair and skin include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and moringa oil. Although these work incredibly well for hair - imagine having the pungent smell of coconut oil in your beard!

Argan oil is an excellent choice to hydrate and nourish your beard, as it promotes hair growth and repairs hair damage. Extracted from the fruit of the argan tree, native to Morocco, argan oil is rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, Vitamin A and E and healing antioxidants. In fact, cosmetic companies use argan oil in their top-notch anti-aging formulations and acne products. When it comes to beard care, argan oil makes an amazing non-greasy, natural leave-in conditioner, that adds shine and helps to reduce frizz. Argan oil pe*****tes deep to promote beard growth and repair follicles, and its neutral odor blends well with essential oils, making your beard smell great!

Essential Oils

When it comes to choosing the right scent for beard oil, your safest bet is to go with a scent that is powerful, clean and masculine. Growing a beard will already make you look manly, but to smell manly there are few things manlier than the smell of freshly cut wood. Cedarwood essential oil will not only make you smell like you just stepped out of the woods but has some incredible properties such as being an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and mood elevator.

Combined with the healing properties of argan oil, this beard oil blend will not only make you feel rugged and ready to tackle the day but will help fight beard itch, prevent infections, and nourish and repair the prized fuzz on your face.

Beard oil is ultimately the difference between having a beard that looks like you've forgotten to shave for a few months - and having a soft, untangled, well-maintained beard that you, and those around you, have come to adore.

Will continue with the other key points in my next

Ask evolution: Why do men have beards?

Sure, most mammals are way more hairy. But what’s the deal with beards?
We mammals are all very hairy, there’s no denying that. But compared to our close primate
cousins, chimpanzees and gorillas, humans are practically bald. What noticeable hair we do
have is mainly reserved for our scalp and, once we go through puberty, our groins and our
armpits.
Our minimally hirsute nature is puzzling, but there’s a pricklier question hiding just below our
eyes: why do men, but not women, typically have so much hair on their faces?

THE HORMONAL PICTURE
Everyone has facial hair, male or female. But the facial follicles of (biological) men usually
produce thicker, darker hairs that can sometimes end up as substantial beards if not trimmed
back regularly.
Turns out this happens in men because facial hair follicles respond aggressively to
testosterone, the s*x hormone abundant in men.
Because of this hormonal difference, the beard, or facial hair more broadly, is a classic
secondary s*xual characteristic — a trait that differs between the s*xes, but does not directly
contribute to reproduction like, for example, the ge****ls do.
There are many examples of such characteristics in humans: on average, men have beards
and thicker body hair, while women have breasts and wider hips.

SEXY BEARD
Beards are not even unique to humans. “Facial hair exaggeration is not uncommon in
mammals — lions famously have manes — and a lot of the primates have facial hair
embellishments, like a greying of the facial hair,” says Professor Rob Brooks, an evolutionary
biologist at the University of New South Wales, evolution and s*x.
“There are two main processes that shape the evolution of s*x-dependent traits” like beards,
says Brooks. “One is if it gives you an advantage in competition with other members of the
same s*x, and the other is that it makes you attractive to members of the opposite s*x.”
Beards may slot into both categories, and so probably aren’t a random accident of evolution —
there is decades-worth of research into the role they can play in governing human behaviour
between men and women, and between men and other men.
So, are beards always s*xy to women who are into men? “The answer is very patchy,” says
Brooks (perhaps not realising the pun he made). “Some women really like it, some women
really don't, and some women are neither here nor there on the whole thing: it's not like there's
a universal liking for beards among women.”
Hipster chicken beards caused by a single gene mutation
While they're not yet weaving little flowers into their impressive plumage, these Huiyang
bearded chickens are providing genetic clues.

MEN'S BEARDS FOR MEN
The other side of the coin, regarding how other men feel about beards, is a lot clearer. “Beards
certainly enhance men's looks of formidability and make them seem more angry, cranky and
masculine,” says Brooks. “So it's probably a huge advantage when that kind of signaling is
really important."
In our complex modern life, with money, technology, and a stratified social system, the
biological signaling of a beard may have diminished somewhat. But curiously, men still
respond to broader social conditions by putting down the razor.
“The proportion of men who grow facial hair goes up when things are politically uncertain,”
says Brooks. “When the economy tanks, beards go up. The rise of beards in western societies
that were largely clean-shaven in recent years likely had some of its genesis in the 2008 global
financial crisis.”
And for men who can’t grow a beard, even during a recession, research shows you shouldn’t
stress about impressing women, says Brooks. “If there are heaps of beards around, being
clean-shaven is more attractive, and if there are heaps of clean-shaven men around, beards are
more attractive. It's not like a particular style is ever going to be the best.”
So if you struggle to produce stubble, just take it on the chin. It doesn’t make you any less of a
man.
Beard bacteria could lead to new antibiotics
Only a few new antibiotics have been developed and brought to market in the past few
decades, but one surprising source of hope has recently emerged - beards.

5 Ways How Your Beard Affects People Around You

How a beard affects people around you It’s often been said that we are the consequences of
our actions. Spending too much time in the sun without proper protection can bring with it one
kind of consequence. So does crossing an urban freeway during rush hour. It’s simple cause
and effect.
The same sort of thing happens when you grow a beard. It affects your appearance, no doubt.
It changes your daily grooming habits. These are obvious. But there also more subtle ways
having a beard affects other people in your day-to-day life. Perhaps you even sense it,
consciously or subconsciously, or perhaps it doesn’t register. Science, however, can back this
up: in various studies and research, beards have been shown to have magical powers that can
have a definite affect on people.
OK, so ‘magical powers’ may be stretching it a bit, but there’s something about a beard. You
know it, even if it’s not as obvious as the hand in front of your face. So, let’s take a closer look
at the ways that great-looking, manly beard you’ve grown is impacting those around you.

1. Beards and Social Perception
Our friends in science have put in the time when it comes to all things beards from the
perception/psychological side of things. They tell us that when a man has distinctive facial
hair – even just stubble – people associate certain traits with you. Traits like aggression and
dominance, and maturity. The aggression part of the equation comes from the notion that
beards are a sign of active testosterone in the body, and the brain thus recognizes it as having
the potential for more aggression.
The maturity aspect makes obvious sense in one way: the ability to grow a beard is a sign of
physical maturity in men. One study showed that the longer the beard hair, the more masculine
the man is rated.

2. Beards and Sexual Appeal
Ah, yes. Beards and s*xual appeal. You’ve probably heard about it, read about it, or even
listened to a bearded friend discussed his sudden upward trend in meeting women. And that
leads to the million-dollar question – will a beard help you have better success with women?
While there may be no definitive answer – different women have different perspectives on
beards, and many other factors can come into play – studies indicated certain general trends
when it comes to beards and s*x appeal.
*Women like stubble. But they favor heavy stubble over lighter stubble when it comes to overall
attractiveness.
*Women find men with facial hair to be more masculine than those who don’t. Again, it circles
back to the point of beards and signs of maturity. And men who are perceived as being more
masculine are also perceived as being better providers.
*Besides being perceived as being better providers, women also perceive us bearded gents as
having better parenting skills, as well.

3. Beards and Trustworthiness
Previous studies seemed to indicate that men with beards were deemed to be less trustworthy
than men who were clean-shaven. That’s apparently shifted, however, as at least one study
shows. Participants in the study preferred bearded men when it comes to issues of trust,
particularly when it comes to first impressions. And we all know how important first
impressions can be.

4. Beards and Respect
A man with a beard often commands respect. A beard makes you look wiser, older, more
learned (and certainly more experienced) than your clean-shaven brethren. Along the same line
of thinking, people often perceive men with beards as being more aggressive, rightly or
wrongly. It is, after all, what they think and not a matter of whether you walk into a party and
drag your potential love interest out the door by her hair, caveman-style (which we strongly,
strongly advise against). But beards certainly signal that testosterone is active in your body.

5. Beards and Jobs/Job Interviews
There are mixed results when it comes to beards and how they’re perceived in jobs and
interviews. Clean-shaven men seem to have an advantage when it comes to entry-level
positions while a well-groomed beard may help you when it comes to land more executive-type
positions. That’s because beards can help you be perceived as mature, knowledgeable and
dominant – and, hey, people respect people like that. Stubble? Makes you look unkempt, like
you couldn’t bother yourself with grooming before you showed up for the job interview. Don’t
do it.
How people perceive and act around you is obviously affected by a lot of things. Being
intelligent, kind and strong will typically produce one kind of result, being a jerk will produce
another. But there’s no arguing that beards do have an effect when it comes to how people
perceive us, and even how we’re perceived by the opposite s*x. Wear that beard with pride,
friends, and be conscious of the messages it may be sending others.