Beard & Mustache Growth in Men
Beard and mustache growth first occurs in most males during the process of physical maturity into adulthood known as puberty and continues for the rest of adult life. Beards and mustaches can be cultivated and groomed into a number of different styles. Some institutions, cultures and religions have rules governing beard and mustache growth among their members. Does this Spark an idea?
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In Adolescents
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Beard and mustache growth is a secondary sex characteristic. This means it is a key differentiator between male and female adults. In male adolescents, facial hair development commonly begins above the corners of the upper lip and spreads across the mustache area. The upper cheeks and the area below the lower lip develops hair next, with the lower face and chin sprouting hair last. Although this is the usual order, individual development varies.
Growth Rate
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Beard and mustache growth in males is controlled by the stimulation of follicles in the face, out of which individual hairs grow, by a hormone. Because hormone levels vary during from season to season, growth speed changes throughout the year, with the fastest rate during the summer months. Beard and mustache growth speed varies widely between individuals. For instance, for clean-shaven appearance, some men need to shave twice a day and others twice a week.
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Maintenance and Grooming
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A man shaving to remove beard and mustache growth Beard and mustache growth can be temporarily removed by shaving. Facial hair that is allowed to grow can be trimmed and maintained using electric beard clippers and scissors. Long beards and mustaches can be combed or brushed, like any other hair, for a neat appearance. Further grooming options include the use of hair or specific beard wax to shape the beard, platting strands of beard hair together, dying the hair color and braiding the hair. Permanent facial hair removal can be accomplished through special procedures, for instance hair removal using a laser.
Institutional Requirements
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Beard-wearing is required for male followers by a number of religions, for example Sikhism and Islam. Conversely, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly encourages its male followers to be clean-shaven. Some national armed forces forbid beard and mustache growth for practical reasons, while others allow a neatly trimmed full beard or a mustache alone. Certain historical or elite units, such as combat engineers, traditionally wear a full beard and mustache.
Culture
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A man with a goatee beard, a style often worn by fans of heavy rock music Contests such as the World Beard and Mustache Championships and organizations like the World Beard and Mustache Association and London’s Handlebar Club celebrate and promote beard and mustache wearing internationally. Many social or cultural groups feature a high proportion of members with beards and mustaches. Examples include fans of heavy rock music, members of motorcycle clubs and men in certain groups of gay/bisexuals.
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References
- Photo Credit The old bearded man image by aleksey kashin from Fotolia.com shaving image by leafy from Fotolia.com happy people image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
