Beards: More Than a Trend, a Fashion Statement

It's no surprise to anyone, enlisted, a veteran of the armed forces, or civilian, that beards are everywhere. From TV to movies, and plastered all over every social media platform. What is the major cause behind the sudden influx of bearded men everywhere? We're going to break down the rise of facial hair:

1.) Operator Mode

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Unshaved, uncensored, and unbelievably awesome. (pinterest.com)[/caption]Every service member envies the loose grooming standards that we see going to and from the “secret squirrel” areas on every major base. When you see pictures of the guy with the cut off sleeves and all the new equipment, it's no reason to want be EVERYTHING they are. For those of us that looked at our SF counterparts, it could be a reason for beards after we get out of the military. After looking at them for so many years, it leads right into number 2...

2.) The Veteran Right of Passage

So along with receiving your coveted DD-214, comes instructions for growing a proper beard... OK, not really, but with the immediate end of someone demanding a fresh shave every day, it's bound to happen. The human psyche automatically reverts to the opposite when given a choice. After 4, 6, 8, 10 or 20 years after being told to do something, when that freedom finally is given, we take that opportunity.

3.) The well-groomed man

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Panties dropping in 3, 2, 1... (menshairstylestoday.com)[/caption]Nothing looks better than a nice, full, freshly trimmed beard. It helps add a bit of mystery to your face. Women are drawn to that fact. A good beard makes unshaven men jealous. Bearded men acknowledge each other when they see each other. Even a rough looking beard can help make a man look more mature.

4.) The Hipsters

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...sigh. (tumblr.com)[/caption]Yes, hipsters have taken this trend and turned it into a full-on epidemic. As “basic” as a pair of Ugg boots are on a college co-ed, they have turned the beard into a fashion statement. Keep your GQ, Cosmo and Vogue fashion opinions to yourself, as I could care less what they have to say about it. It's all my choice, and mine alone.