Doug

Bearded since: 1995. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I grew my beard originally because I wanted to look older and stylish. I've always wanted a beard, but growing a full beard didn't look so good. I started with the mustache and goatee and had that for about 7 years. Then, over a vacation, I let the rest grow in. I had a very short beard and mostly just a chin strap. Gradually since then I've been letting the whole beard grow in.

It makes me feel masculine and confident. Most men I know don't let their beards grow. They shave them off after a few weeks or keep them really short. I'd like mine to be thicker, but I have sparse growing hairs and there's not much I can do about that. My wife likes the gray that I'm getting, so that's definitely a plus!