Jacob B.

Bearded since: 2006. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
Why did I grow my beard? I had wanted to for quite some time, seeing my father with a full beard my entire childhood, but I had very sparse and slow growing facial hair. One summer I finally felt like I had enough coverage, at least on my lip and chin, to start growing out.

As a secondary sexual characteristic, beards represent manhood. Having facial hair certainly helped to lessen the previously numerous times I would be confused with a woman for my long hair (and short stature of 5'4").

How do I feel about my beard? I feel my beard is truly a part of me. I've been told that my beard seems tailored for my face and personality in a way people don't normally see. I think it has to do with the fact that for the most part I don't do anything to maintain the "style" I carry other than shaving off the floating mutton chops on my cheeks and twisting the ends of my "fu" to keep individual hairs out of my mouth while eating and twisting the end of my "mandarin" goatee to keep the longer hairs from getting pulled out.

How do I feel about my beard? I love it!