In a recent thread, What does BBS look like under a microscope? (before & after pics) - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/what-does-bbs-look-like-under-a-microscope-before-after-pics.609925/#post-11333125, we see beard hairs close up before and after a shave. Some if they comments are interesting. That thread got me thinking and I pose the following.
Why do we shave. Human post pubescent men grow facial hair. Some guys have more, some less, but the general statement that men have facial hair is accurate. Shaving is a social construct. Why do we accept this construct rather than going natural? Even most bearded guys shave around the edges.
I shave because I have a financial interest (sometimes perceived, sometimes overt - company dress code) in so doing. In college, I had a beard. For most of my career, I shaved (except the ‘stache which I have had since 1976) because that was the expectation of the boss or the client. As I have aged and expectations have changed, I can pull off a goatee of white hairs and still look professional. During Covid, with the work from home protocol, I found myself shaving on meeting days - online or F2F. When I retire, I may grow a beard, but will still shave my neck below the beard and keep the beard trimmed.
Why do we shave. Human post pubescent men grow facial hair. Some guys have more, some less, but the general statement that men have facial hair is accurate. Shaving is a social construct. Why do we accept this construct rather than going natural? Even most bearded guys shave around the edges.
I shave because I have a financial interest (sometimes perceived, sometimes overt - company dress code) in so doing. In college, I had a beard. For most of my career, I shaved (except the ‘stache which I have had since 1976) because that was the expectation of the boss or the client. As I have aged and expectations have changed, I can pull off a goatee of white hairs and still look professional. During Covid, with the work from home protocol, I found myself shaving on meeting days - online or F2F. When I retire, I may grow a beard, but will still shave my neck below the beard and keep the beard trimmed.