Let’s be honest, regardless of whether you love or hate beards, you can think of at least one person who has a beard that just demands your respect.
They’re an in and out trend that tends to stay gone longer than here. But when they’re here, they’re glorious… sometimes.
With that being said, only some can really grow that perfect beard. Especially at Union.
To those who have already mastered beard care, you can skip this part. Everyone else read carefully. A beard is hair, a beard can get dirty, a beard is thick and a beard requires maintenance. When maintaining it, make it look like you! By that I mean, give it that look and shape which matches your personality.
Now, if you are not sure about the type of bearded man you are, let me give a few examples.
The Barefoot Joe: This is obviously a take on the classic barista/hipster beard. With this you can be very creative. Point out that goatee, twirl the mustache, or give it that roughly rounded bushy look. This “granola” style is perfect for anyone that loves people, bonfires, coffee and flannels.
The “I’m in Greek Life”: No long beards allowed here. You want to keep this beard tight and clean all the way around. It also won’t need beard oil or balm, so it requires minimal maintenance. If you’re going for a look that only a true bro can pull off, this is the beard for you.
The Spurgeon: You theology majors know what I’m talking about. Named after the Baptist preacher, Charles Spurgeon, this beard only screams sophistication. With the same length all the way around the beard, but still with a clean trim, you’ll look ready to answer any theological question thrown at you.
The ’80s Dad Stache: I would be beyond thrilled to see the return of some classy mustaches (as long as they’re good). What does a good mustache say about you though? For starters, a well grown and groomed mustache says you have some class. Emphasis on well grown and groomed. For instance, Tom Selleck. If you need a reference for a mustache, look no further than Tom Selleck.
I had the privilege of interviewing a couple of the most iconic beards on campus to better understand how beards reflect personalities.
First was Riley Boggs, a junior Christian studies major. Second was Caleb Green, a sophomore philosophy and theology major. Both are known on Union’s campus as “the guy with the beard.”
Why did you decide to grow your beard out?
“It was coming more in style,” said Green. “I’ve had my beard since middle school, but I just didn’t want to shave. And I’ll tell you what one thing was: it made people treat me like I was older, so I didn’t get treated like a twelve-year-old.”
“I don’t like shaving and I also enjoy having a beard,” Boggs said. “It’s a win-win situation.”
“Would you say that beards match personalities?” I asked. Both agreed that they do, but Green gave a great answer when he said:
“They do, they really do, like the coffee shop hipsters. It’s really interesting to see the great theologians’ and philosophers’ beards, and then the people who are too lazy to shave.”
Green also told me that he hopes his beard represents his personality, and if you’ve seen it, then you would agree when I say that it does.
Do you take inspiration from any celebrity?
“Not particularly, but I have a respect for the well-bearded,” Boggs said.
“If I had to pick one celebrity, I would say Charles Spurgeon had a great beard,” Green said. “I’m going to be a good theologian, and good theologians have good beards.”
If you could put a value on your beard, what would you say it’s worth?
“$50 for the beard, $50 for the mustache,” Boggs said.
“That’s really interesting,” Green said. “I don’t know if there is an exact price, but what I would take is a big set of books, like if someone was willing to give me the Septuagint, Calvin’s institutes, or a King James from 1611, or some nerdy artifact that only theology or philosophy students would want.”
The beard is a look that says a great deal about you, but don’t think I’m saying that you need a beard to show your personality. If you want to go baby seal, then go for it. It’s your choice.
Photo by Campbell Padgett
