Should I Shave or Should I Grow? Pros & Cons of Beards

Should I shave my beard or grow it? It’s a question that many men ask, and it’s a choice that requires much thought. Facial hair can have a huge impact on your appearance, and it often defines how people view you. These features take a long time to grow but only mere minutes to shave, so it’s best to weigh out their advantages and disadvantages.

The Pros

1 – A Beard Make You Look More Attractive

A well-groomed beard makes a man look sophisticated, wise, and masculine. It accentuates your best features, and it naturally commands respect and attention. Moreover, it can reflect your personality and sense of style.

There are so many ways to style your facial hair—whether you model it after a celebrity’s beard or have your barber trim it into a new and unique shape, it’s an excellent accessory to your look and can help you earn lots of compliments.

2 – Facial Hair Can Hide Your Flaws

Aside from elevating your look, a beard can also help you hide parts of yourself that are less desirable. It can obscure your scars, pimples, blemishes, and other flaws on your skin. You don’t have to constantly show them to the world if you can mask them with an attractive feature instead.

3 – A Beard Protects You From UV Rays and the Cold

Facial hair isn’t only helpful when it comes to aesthetics—it’s also a practical feature that can shield you from the elements, such as sun exposure and cold temperatures. 

For instance, it can block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from penetrating and damaging your skin. It can help you save up on sunscreen because you don’t have to worry about the spots that your beard covers! A beard is also a nifty feature to have in the winter because it insulates your skin and protects it from uncomfortable, freezing temperatures. 

The Cons

1 – It Requires Significant Maintenance

Although having a beard can be quite attractive, having an unkempt one can earn you lots of funny looks. It may look grisly and signal poor hygiene, which will only make you look bad. Getting a beard trim and grooming your facial hair well can help you make it look tame and neat, so maintenance is a must. If you find this too demanding, it may be best to shave it off.

2 – Many Jobs Can Discriminate Based on Your Facial Hair

Although this is steadily becoming less of a problem nowadays, many jobs still discriminate based on facial hair. This is particularly relevant in more conservative industries, such as banking, healthcare, law, and consulting, as most employers will be less likely to hire applicants who are not clean-shaven.

3 – Having a Beard May Not Be Comfortable for Everyone

Your facial hair can be practical in the winter or against the sun’s harmful rays, but it’s not a comfortable experience for everyone. Many people sweat profusely under their beards or develop itch, irritation, or skin conditions because of them. Eating may also be a problem, as the hair may catch your food and make you look messy after a meal. It’s best to consider these factors before you start growing out your beard.

Get the Best Beard Trim in NYC

Choosing between shaving and growing your facial hair is a challenging decision because there are so many aspects to consider. Weighing out the pros and cons can help you decide if sporting a beard works with your lifestyle and preferences. Either way, it’s best to keep yourself looking sharp with good grooming and a fresh cut!

If you’re looking for the best beard trim in NYC, Elegant Barbers is the place to go. From shaping to shaving, we offer quality barbering services to help you look your best. Contact us and book your appointment today!