(Triibeard is spelled with a double-i and pronounced TREE-beard. The reason why is explained later in this thread. It has nothing to do with "tri" or three of anything.)
In my senior year in college, my sideburns finally connected with my mustache, and I was done with daily shaving! I've been bearded for all 36+ years since... Except for one sorrowful episode in April 2012 when I had to be fitted for a respirator at the mine where I now work. My wife and family had never seen my face furless -- my daughters screamed and fled from my shorn visage; my loving and supportive wife said, "oh... Oh, MY," and I was unanimously told I had to grow it back immediately, which I did right after the fitting. I hope to never, ever have to do that again (and never to need that respirator either).
The sideburns started going white (not grey!) in my mid-30s, and now at 57 there's not much pepper left on the chin to blend with the salt anymore. Years ago, I did dye it for two theatrical productions, but after only two days the brilliant white roots beamed forth, and I had to keep dyeing it every other day just to keep up the ruse. I enjoyed the look, but I didn't want to be married to Just For Men, and so I chose to bear every white strand unashamedly, even as their number continually increases. Besides, if despising the fussiness of daily shaving was one of my motives for bearding, replacing it with another messy morning ritual at the bathroom sink was not going to last for me.
So, for almost four decades, I've kept a full but trimmed, half-to-three-quarter-inch beard. Twice I sported a wide circle beard for a few months until I got tired of the cheek and sideburn shaving. Inspired by the awesomeness of unfettered manliness on this board, for two months I have been letting it grow longer than ever before, although keeping it neatly shaped is important to me.
Like many on this board, I'm enjoying the new length and fullness. With it comes the realization that some additional time and attention is required to keep it healthy and handsome. Taking a cue from you more experienced board participants, I apply some jojoba oil each morning after the shower. It just doesn't seem to last me through the day. Might order a beeswax-based beard conditioner soon to add a bit of shape control, and any recommendations for specific products and how to use them effectively would be welcomed.
Let me add my support to you courageous young men who want to be bearded. Stick with it, let time work for you, and don't be discouraged or disappointed if the genes you've been dealt don't kick in as soon as you might like. You have a lifetime to develop and refine the outer ornamentation of your manhood. Focus first on who you are on the inside. Remember that a jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is admired and respected his whole life.
Thanks to each contributor and moderator for your openness and willingness to encourage others in this privileged pursuit of manly awesomeness.
In my senior year in college, my sideburns finally connected with my mustache, and I was done with daily shaving! I've been bearded for all 36+ years since... Except for one sorrowful episode in April 2012 when I had to be fitted for a respirator at the mine where I now work. My wife and family had never seen my face furless -- my daughters screamed and fled from my shorn visage; my loving and supportive wife said, "oh... Oh, MY," and I was unanimously told I had to grow it back immediately, which I did right after the fitting. I hope to never, ever have to do that again (and never to need that respirator either).
The sideburns started going white (not grey!) in my mid-30s, and now at 57 there's not much pepper left on the chin to blend with the salt anymore. Years ago, I did dye it for two theatrical productions, but after only two days the brilliant white roots beamed forth, and I had to keep dyeing it every other day just to keep up the ruse. I enjoyed the look, but I didn't want to be married to Just For Men, and so I chose to bear every white strand unashamedly, even as their number continually increases. Besides, if despising the fussiness of daily shaving was one of my motives for bearding, replacing it with another messy morning ritual at the bathroom sink was not going to last for me.
So, for almost four decades, I've kept a full but trimmed, half-to-three-quarter-inch beard. Twice I sported a wide circle beard for a few months until I got tired of the cheek and sideburn shaving. Inspired by the awesomeness of unfettered manliness on this board, for two months I have been letting it grow longer than ever before, although keeping it neatly shaped is important to me.
Like many on this board, I'm enjoying the new length and fullness. With it comes the realization that some additional time and attention is required to keep it healthy and handsome. Taking a cue from you more experienced board participants, I apply some jojoba oil each morning after the shower. It just doesn't seem to last me through the day. Might order a beeswax-based beard conditioner soon to add a bit of shape control, and any recommendations for specific products and how to use them effectively would be welcomed.
Let me add my support to you courageous young men who want to be bearded. Stick with it, let time work for you, and don't be discouraged or disappointed if the genes you've been dealt don't kick in as soon as you might like. You have a lifetime to develop and refine the outer ornamentation of your manhood. Focus first on who you are on the inside. Remember that a jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is admired and respected his whole life.
Thanks to each contributor and moderator for your openness and willingness to encourage others in this privileged pursuit of manly awesomeness.
