This past December I was freshly out of work and decided to make an attempt at a "laid off" beard. My inner Scandinavian coupled with the cold weather and the desire to attempt growing a beard became overwhelming. It was a fun
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| 27 Day Growth |
I wish I had possessed the foresight to have taken a weekly photograph as it came in. Alas, dear readers, all I have are pictures of removal.
I am no expert on growing a beard, but during research came across a few tips for those of you who wish to embark on a bearded journey.
This site is a great resource.
- First, and most important, you must commit. It takes from 20 to 30 days for substantial growth. The desire to shave will be overwhelming from time to time.
- It will itch. There is nothing you can do about it.
- Do not do any trimming or shaping until you have completed Step 1. It will disrupt your natural growth.
After 27 days I had to remove the beard for a job interview. Removing it was harder than growing it. I blame my Northern European lineage cocktail of Swedish, German, Irish and Scottish blood. Razor blade stock prices probably jumped that afternoon.
Growing a beard was an enjoyable (yet itchy) experience. It is a shame that Madison Avenue needed to sell razor blades for Gillette around a century ago, in the process removing facial hair from mainstream cultural acceptance. I will make another, longer attempt in the future. Below are the stages of removal. Share your beard story in the comments below.
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| Babyface Malmo |
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| Goatee |
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| Mustache |
