Shaving query? Ask the experts
Ever considered the rules and regulations of beard etiquette… How long can you grow it? How often do you wash it? Will everyone like it? Having experienced a number of facial hair faux pas in his day, our etiquette expert is on hand to share a few of his indispensable beard and tache dos and don'ts...
Can't find what you're looking for below? Drop him a line and he'll get back to you personally.
- Q.1 What's a respectable length for my facial hair?
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This totally depends on your commitments for the day / week / month in question, so here are some facial hair growth guidelines:
- Day 1 : Five o'clock shadow - hardly noticeable, acceptable for any occasion
- Day 2 - 4 : Stubble - suggests that you've not made an effort - unacceptable for job interview, 1st date or Client meetings
- Day 5 - 8 : Designer Stubble – No longer negligence and you can wear it with style and conviction – well received on 1st dates
- Day 8+ : Hair will now need trimming every couple of days to maintain the designer stubble effect
- Day 8 - 14 : Bristle – Most awkward stage of growing a beard – advisable to action during 2 week holiday period - not acceptable for work
- Day 14+ : Will continue to grow at five inches a year - acceptable for most work and social occasions when over the age of 50!
- Q.2 How do I keep my facial hair in good condition - should I wash it?
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Yes! You should treat it no differently to the hair on your head – if anything, it's even more important to keep this hair free from bacteria. I'd also recommend conditioning it - especially if it gets a little coarse and dry – and if you have a full beard, or a handlebar moustache, then make sure you comb it too. Long, tangled tresses are not a good look.
- Q.3 How can I be sure not to embarrass myself by getting food stuck in my facial hair?
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Practise makes perfect in this department, and for the first few weeks I'd suggest a trip to the toilets after each meal to assess the food-in-beard situation. As time goes by, you'll be more confident in your de-crumbing capabilities, and be able to discretely wipe them out with your napkin whilst at the dinner table.
Drinks like milkshakes and frothy coffees are a nightmare when you have facial hair of any description, so avoid at all costs on a first date. I speak from experience!
- Q.4 My facial hair has flecks of grey in it – is it OK to dye it?
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Lots of men do this – often to hide specks of grey, or auburn (!) that bizarrely don't make an appearance on their heads. There's nothing wrong with it at all, and you can either get products that have been specially formulated for facial hair, or you can ask a professional to do it for you. I'd suggest sticking to your natural colour though, and not doing a 'Billy Connelly' by dying it pink – that's NOT a good look!
- Q.5 Is facial hair acceptable at work / on a date ?
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At Work - Your work may well have rules and regulations about your facial hair, just as they do with your clothes, but it's worth asking what the guidelines are. You never know, they may be keen for you to dabble in a bit of facial hair action to express your creativity! If it's still a no-go, don't forget you can experiment on weekends and when you're on holiday.
On a date: there are no restrictions here as it's a great opportunity for you to express your true personality – just like you do with the clothes you chose to wear.
Get some ideas for your look by visiting our style gallery.
