Bravado Living

There comes a time in every man’s life when he makes a most important decision – whether to grow a Goatee or Go Bare.  So how will you make this decision?  What kind of things should you consider?  Before you go from bare to hair, consider the following tips.  

Examine your motivation. Have you been satisfied with your look until recently? If so, why have you decided to grow a goatee now? Does the new woman in your life drop hints, or, on occasion, make mention of how her ex had one? Did you recently lose a considerable amount of weight?  Are you going through what the rest of the world refers to as a midlife crisis, and want to feel young and virile again?  There are plenty of reasons, or non-reasons, to grow a goatee.  Be honest with yourself and examine your motivation.  Be certain that you are changing your look for you.  When you look into the mirror, you should like what you see – chin and all.  

Consider the time. Have you recently begun to grow your goatee?  In the beginning, your goatee may look somewhat awkward, or downright silly. Consider the time it will take to complete the look you want to achieve. Check your calendar. If your immediate plans, or obligations, include family or wedding photos, or an important speaking engagement, you may want to delay plans for your new chin friend, until a more suitable time. Look – into the mirror – before you leap, and allow your new goatee to grow in peace, not in pieces.

Consider the upkeep.  How much time will you spend grooming each day?  In order for your goatee to look its best, proper grooming is essential.  If you have minimal time for grooming, wearing a goatee style that requires a high level of maintenance may not be ideal. If your schedule is busy, but your heart is set on wearing a goatee, try opting for a simple style versus something more complex. 

Consider your occupation.  Even in the twenty-first century – the bottom line is – a goatee might not be acceptable to wear in certain occupations. Some employers ask that employees refrain from wearing certain styles of facial hair, or displaying certain types of  piercings, while in their employ, and/or on their premises. If your career path trumps your choice of beard expression, abandon this mission. For most, this will not be a problem, but do use your discretion.

 Understand the shape of your face.  Your goatee should enhance, or compliment your existing facial features. A large face with a narrowly trimmed goatee will appear out of proportion.  On the other hand, a small face with a long or extremely thick goatee will appear overpowered.  Keep in mind that a goatee is not a full beard, and, by definition, only refers to the tuft of hair grown from the chin.  This does grant you some leeway; however, understanding the shape of your face will help you make the best decision.  Round, square, and oval-shaped faces are all complimented by a goatee.  For those with a long face, an actual beard that is fuller on the sides, and short underneath the chin, will serve to create the illusion of being more balanced. 

Consider the style. Throughout history, men have donned various styles of facial hair, including the goatee.  Popularized in the 17th century, by the Flemish painter, Sir Anthony Van Dyck, there are many styles from which to choose.  Wear it alone, with a mustache, or accented by a soul patch (a tuft of hair grown directly below the bottom lip).  Experiment with any number of variations, always keeping your goatee trimmed, neat, and clean.

Don’t ditch the itch.  If you have recently begun to grow your goatee, you may find yourself irritated from the itching.  Be patient, and don’t be so quick to ditch the itch.  Although stubble can be quite annoying, the itching should be non-existent when your goatee has grown to the desired length.  To soothe an itchy chin, try using a dab of talcum powder.

Abandon the peach fuzz.  Be honest with yourself and face the facts: a few lone wiry hairs doth not a goatee make.  Growing a goatee may not be right for you, if it takes more than several weeks to achieve reasonable thickness, or denseness, in the chin hair.  Understand that genetics, and your overall health, determine the quantity, quality, and length of hair on any part of the body.  If the growth pattern of your goatee remains sparse, scraggly, or if you find your chin resembling fruit, it might be time to abandon the peach fuzz. 

Is it fair?  Hair color should not be the determining factor.  Contrary to popular belief, fair-haired goatees can be just as attractive as darker ones.  If you are fair-haired, allow your goatee, or beard, to grow-in before making your final decision.  Oftentimes, beard hair will be several shades darker, but even if this is not the case, a fair-haired goatee might be the right look for you. Lastly, if you are a mature gent, don’t be discouraged by gray hair.  Besides, who says a silver fox has to live on top of your head?  Many women find facial hair extremely attractive, and the more salt-n-pepper – the better.

Consider your partner.  Your partner may not be turned on by a vision of you with chin decorations, of the keratin kind.  Talk to your partner and find out what she thinks.  You may be surprised by her image of a sexier you.  Also, remember that during the awkward stubble phase, delivering a kiss with a tickle, or scratch, may not be on her list of approved romantic gestures. 

Whether you decide to Goatee or Go Bare, be adventurous and enjoy finding the right look for you.

-K. Walsh