Beards Through History

Let us all agree that taming your beard requires just as much attention, love, and care as your pet. It is not only supposed to look neat but is also supposed to be trimmed from time to time and be oiled consistently for it to be tamed.  

The history of beard has been a rollercoaster for men. There were times when having a full-grown beard meant that men were required to either pay beard tax or shave it off. During the 17th century, a tax was imposed on all men who wished to grow their beards. Men who paid the tax were given a beard token to carry all the time.

In the 1700 century, the fashion of the beard was falling out. Bearded men were considered more dominating, rowdy, and uncultured than smooth & clean shaved men, being considered polite and poised gentlemen. But, men in prehistoric times grew beards for three main reasons;

Warmth

Beard acts as an inherent shield to the mouth, lips, and neck area of the human body

Respect

Beard was also compared to the majestic mane and hence a sign of respect. Men who were considered unworthy of keeping their beards due to their actions were forced to shave it publicly as a punishment.

Protection

Back in the days, men could grow thick and full beards that protected them from any harm to their face and neck

Ye Olde Beards

Amongst the Greeks, beards represented masculinity. A common practice was to touch the beard of the person being spoken to. Men in Greece curled and dressed their beards and treated them with the utmost respect. Around 340 BC, Alexander the Great commanded his entire army to shave their beards off to prevent enemy soldiers from grabbing their beards and killing them during combat. The only other time a Greek would shave his beard would be to mourn the death of a loved one.

Beards have various significances and are regarded differently in different parts of the world. In most parts of Europe and ancient India, beards were considered sacred. They indicated dignity and wisdom amongst men with beards. Men in India would pledge their beard to pay a debt, and touching one’s beard was offensive.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE) believed that the human body was a gift given by the parents. No alternations were to be made. Hence, he prevented them from cutting their hair, fingernails, and beards.

Today

As the calendars roll, beards today are a statement of style and fashion. Few people grow their beards due to religious requirements, whereas it is a personal choice for others. There’s also been an evolution of beard in the workplace during the pandemic as more people are working from home, freelancing, and contracting. The dress codes have been relaxed, and employers have become more lenient with the way their employees dress.

Trimming and maintaining your beard has always been a must-do. Thanks to the men’s grooming companies who have been our friends since the day we men decided to grow our beards. There’s a solution for every concern you have. Dry and itchy beard? Beard oil to the rescue. Uneven or patchy beard? Trim it up. Can’t grow a beard? There’s a solution for that too. Fun Fact: Some companies take hair from one part of your body and transplant it to your face. So with sound research, anyone can grow a beard.