grooming
Corporate Beards: How Facial Hair Can Boost Your Professional Image
Not too long ago, corporate beards were a hot topic. But today, facial hair is often a non-issue.
The workplace has come to accept that, ultimately, an individual’s skills, performance, and professionalism are indicators of a good employee. A neatly trimmed, well-maintained, and carefully groomed beard and mustache reflect an image of polished professionalism, which, fortunately, fits in most corporate environments today.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of corporate beard styles, address modern preferences, and consider how facial hair pairs with a suit and sophisticated accessories—including the conundrum of beards and bow ties. (If you know, you know!)
A shift occurred in the 1970s when facial hair (especially beards) became more common due to widespread social acceptance of individuality and the counterculture movement. Some professionals began growing beards as a sign of personal style and to rebel against the clean-cut culture.
However, in the 1980s, the clean-shaven look became popular again, thanks to the rise of corporate power dressing and the influence of business icons such as Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street. During this period, beards and mustaches became less common in corporate environments.
In the 1990s, with the emergence of tech startups and the casualization of office dress, the workplace began to accept a more relaxed way of dressing. This was the era of Steve Jobs' executive beard style when goatees and neatly trimmed beards became increasingly acceptable - a trend that continued into the 2000s and continues today through the "hipster" movement.
Now, whether or not a beard is OK in your specific field of work might be another story. Similar to the question, “Is it OK to wear a bow tie in a professional setting?”, it all depends on the intersection of perception with industry, company culture, and geography.
Some studies suggest that professionals with beards may be perceived as more mature, confident, creative, and experienced. In this case, bearded professionals may even earn higher incomes in certain fields. Industries that often fall into this category include technology, entertainment and media, fashion and design, academia and research, and arts and literature.
Corporate beard styles are common in the technology and fashion industries
In contrast, in more traditional or conservative industries – such as finance and banking, law, corporate business, military and law enforcement, and healthcare – a shaved head is sometimes still preferred. In these industries, the choice to grow a beard may be associated with a lack of discipline or determination or a general aura of not fitting in.
Despite the general acceptance of beards in business today, the debate of “shaved or not shaved” before an interview continues.
Interestingly, beards aren’t as controversial. In fact, researchers who studied “Is a beard professional?” found that men with beards were more likely to be hired than men who shaved! What’s more, men with beards reportedly make 8% more than men with beards and 4% more than men without beards!
If you’re unsure about shaving before an interview, our best advice is to think carefully about the industry and do some research online to get a better idea of the culture of a particular company.
Check out company-related websites or LinkedIn profile photos – even better, research photos of your prospective department. What assumptions can you make? Not seeing facial hair should give you pause: Is a beard unprofessional by the company's standards?
If you notice that your facial hair is generally shorter, you might want to trim your beard or treat yourself to a visit to the barbershop. Seeing a variety of facial hair styles? You can choose the facial hairstyle that works best for you.
If the internet doesn't turn up any results, be guided by the facts. In more conservative industries, such as those listed above, minimizing facial hair or opting for a clean appearance may help you make a more positive impression.
Synthetic fibers (such as polyester blends) and loosely woven fabrics are prone to snagging stubble, especially if they have a fine or textured surface.
Finer wool fabrics can snag the rough edges of stubble, causing pilling or damage. Knitted fabrics (such as cashmere) are also prone to snagging because they have a softer, looser weave.
So how can bearded men best wear their bow ties? Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
The workplace has come to accept that, ultimately, an individual’s skills, performance, and professionalism are indicators of a good employee. A neatly trimmed, well-maintained, and carefully groomed beard and mustache reflect an image of polished professionalism, which, fortunately, fits in most corporate environments today.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of corporate beard styles, address modern preferences, and consider how facial hair pairs with a suit and sophisticated accessories—including the conundrum of beards and bow ties. (If you know, you know!)
History of Beards
In the early 20th century, clean-shaven faces were the norm in corporate America; beards were rare and usually associated with older, accomplished figures or eccentrics. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, influenced by cultural icons and the postwar emphasis on conformity. Corporate uniforms typically consisted of a suit and tie, with no facial hair (think Mad Men).A shift occurred in the 1970s when facial hair (especially beards) became more common due to widespread social acceptance of individuality and the counterculture movement. Some professionals began growing beards as a sign of personal style and to rebel against the clean-cut culture.
However, in the 1980s, the clean-shaven look became popular again, thanks to the rise of corporate power dressing and the influence of business icons such as Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street. During this period, beards and mustaches became less common in corporate environments.
In the 1990s, with the emergence of tech startups and the casualization of office dress, the workplace began to accept a more relaxed way of dressing. This was the era of Steve Jobs' executive beard style when goatees and neatly trimmed beards became increasingly acceptable - a trend that continued into the 2000s and continues today through the "hipster" movement.
Is Beards OK for Today’s Professionals?
Is it unprofessional to have a beard in the modern workplace? No! There are plenty of well-respected professionals who sport beards, mustaches, goatees, and strategic stubble—just look at these current executives and CEOs who sport beards: Richard Branson of Virgin, Sergey Brin of Google, Shantanu Narayen of Adobe Systems, Tope Awotona of Calendly, and former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.Now, whether or not a beard is OK in your specific field of work might be another story. Similar to the question, “Is it OK to wear a bow tie in a professional setting?”, it all depends on the intersection of perception with industry, company culture, and geography.
Some studies suggest that professionals with beards may be perceived as more mature, confident, creative, and experienced. In this case, bearded professionals may even earn higher incomes in certain fields. Industries that often fall into this category include technology, entertainment and media, fashion and design, academia and research, and arts and literature.
Corporate beard styles are common in the technology and fashion industries
In contrast, in more traditional or conservative industries – such as finance and banking, law, corporate business, military and law enforcement, and healthcare – a shaved head is sometimes still preferred. In these industries, the choice to grow a beard may be associated with a lack of discipline or determination or a general aura of not fitting in.
Is it harder to land a job with a beard or mustache?
Despite the general acceptance of beards in business today, the debate of “shaved or not shaved” before an interview continues.
Interestingly, beards aren’t as controversial. In fact, researchers who studied “Is a beard professional?” found that men with beards were more likely to be hired than men who shaved! What’s more, men with beards reportedly make 8% more than men with beards and 4% more than men without beards!
If you’re unsure about shaving before an interview, our best advice is to think carefully about the industry and do some research online to get a better idea of the culture of a particular company.
Check out company-related websites or LinkedIn profile photos – even better, research photos of your prospective department. What assumptions can you make? Not seeing facial hair should give you pause: Is a beard unprofessional by the company's standards?
If you notice that your facial hair is generally shorter, you might want to trim your beard or treat yourself to a visit to the barbershop. Seeing a variety of facial hair styles? You can choose the facial hairstyle that works best for you.
If the internet doesn't turn up any results, be guided by the facts. In more conservative industries, such as those listed above, minimizing facial hair or opting for a clean appearance may help you make a more positive impression.
What Jobs Don't Allow Facial Hair?
Jobs where hygiene, safety, or uniformity are critical often have strict grooming policies.
In occupations that require the use of respirators or other tight-fitting safety equipment, such as healthcare, firefighting, hazardous materials handling, and some manufacturing industries, facial hair can affect the effectiveness of protective gear. Similarly, in the food service and food processing industries, cleanliness standards often prohibit facial hair to prevent contamination. Additionally, certain military and law enforcement roles enforce shaving standards to maintain discipline, uniformity, and effective use of protective gear.
So, can your employer require you to shave your beard? Yes. If you don't follow the facial hair policy at work, your employer can require you to shave. However, employees may have the right to keep facial hair to comply with religious and medical exemptions. In such cases, reasonable accommodations should be made to balance company policy with individual rights.
Facial Hair and Elaborate Accessories
What suits are best for bearded men? That’s a tough question! A well-groomed beard paired with a suit is a universally dashing combination. But, as well-dressed bearded men know, wearing a bow tie or necktie can present a particular danger: snagging. The feel and sound of stubble snagging your tie is unpleasant at best and can ruin your accessory at worst.Synthetic fibers (such as polyester blends) and loosely woven fabrics are prone to snagging stubble, especially if they have a fine or textured surface.
Finer wool fabrics can snag the rough edges of stubble, causing pilling or damage. Knitted fabrics (such as cashmere) are also prone to snagging because they have a softer, looser weave.
So how can bearded men best wear their bow ties? Here are some tips and tricks to consider:
- Shave before getting dressed to minimize stubble.
- Use beard oil or balm to soften stubble.
- Choose durable fabrics; printed fabrics are best, followed by tightly woven cotton or silk.
- Choose patterned fabrics rather than solid colors to minimize the appearance of snagging.
- Choose the right bow tie shape, preferably those with a low profile.
- Be gentle when tying or adjusting your tie.
- Tie knots strategically, ensuring the same side is not exposed to stubble each time you wear it.
- Rotate your collection and avoid wearing the same piece as often as possible.
