Johan

Bearded since: 2010. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
Why did I grow my beard? Beards are discouraged in this age, even ridiculed at times. I've never given any thought as to what the mainstream mass of people thinks of me both in terms of appearance and personality, so why would I care about their view on facial hair?

The main reason for letting the beard grow was simply because it felt natural and comfortable with some hair on the cheeks. Up until last year, I was sporting a medum-ish long goatee and have since let the beard (and the "regular" hair as well) grow without any hindrance aside from the occasional trim on unevenly long strands. The beard is now a part of me, as myself. I cannot imagine myself "naked" in the face, nor do I remember myself without it. It is a representation of my values and a practical asset to the freezing winters here in Sweden.

How do I feel about my beard? Aside from that the mustache isn't completely evolved yet, pretty good. At times I can feel that the morning-combing and its loss of hair can give me a few alerting remarks such as, "Oh no! It's starting to thin out!" but I've learned to disregard it.