We’re in the middle of a Beard Revolution!

In recent years (at least since the 70s) men have been all but forced to remain completely shaven in the workplace. Beards have been looked down upon for creating the impression of “dishonesty and untrustworthiness”.

What a load of CROCK!

The very men that helped lay the foundation of this beautiful country were known to grow facial hair!

Fortunately more and more men are stepping up to the plate, growing some balls and growing their facial hair out. The result of this is that many workplaces are beginning to change their ways for the better! With the rise of start-ups, freelancing, and ever more casual work environments, many industries are lifting these “beard policies” and allowing their employees to be true to them selves and express their individual personalities.

We expect this trend to continue and we are here to help that push to where some day the idea of restricting the growth of a man's facial hair will sound archaic and ridiculous (it already does to some of us).

For those of you who currently have the ability to rock that beard in your workplace. High five to your superiors…and you better be taking full advantage!

But what about the more conservative fields? You bankers, lawyers and beyond. How can you break through this glass ceiling of facial hair restrictions? Unfortunately, some employees may be too narrow minded and stuck in the past.

However, here are a few good tips to help get the conversations started and help you show them how ridiculous a no beard policy truly is.

PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES

You and I both agree that having a beard does not make you a criminal. You are not a member of duck dynasty nor do you have poo in your beard. But it is important for you to realize and understand all the stereotypes that have been associated with beards and know why your boss might not want them in your workplace.

By understanding the reasons he or she might give you for a no beard policy before you have the conversation, you can know the proper answers to counter the false stereotypes that are floating out there. For example, keeping your beard groomed and clean will instantly eliminate any possibilities of comparing you to duck dynasty.

Bottom line, if you carry yourself as an ideal employee through hard work, then eventually that will outshine any “negativity” that having a beard might bring with.

DON’T GET DEFENSIVE

Yes you love you beard. I do too. But not everybody does. So if you get engaged into a conversation with your superior, or anyone for that matter, be a man and keep your cool. Simply accept their opinion, for that is all it is, and listen to their side.

By being receptive to their viewpoint and having a respectful conversation, you are much more likely to have a chance to share your viewpoints with them. If you get upset by any negative comments about how they are unprofessional, acting out will only prove their point to be true.

Sparking this change in your workplace won’t happen overnight. It will take patience, just like the patience it took to grow that badass beard of yours so buckle down brother, it’s worth the wait.

GROOM THE DAMN THING!

Although this might come as common sense to some, it is certainly not to all. If you’re walking around with a messy ass beard, no wonder your boss doesn’t want you in the office. We are men so act like one. Keep your beard shaped. Find a proper neckline, usually where your neck meets your face, and trim all the nasty flyaway hairs that you can’t control.

I highly recommend using a high quality beard oil daily to keep it nourished, shiny and healthy. Keep your beard comb on you at all times. This is why I personally keep one at my desk, just in case I forget to throw one in my pocket as I race out the door. If you are allowed to have facial hair in your workplace but want to grow it longer, this is the surest way to get there.

Keep it groomed as you grow and it’ll be hard for your boss to tell you to hack that majestic thing down. Heck, he’ll probably compliment you on it.

BEARDED BOARDROOMS

With the rise of entrepreneurs, startups, and freelance work in the past decade, paired with the rise of popularity of beards, it’s no surprise the two have merged even at the highest level. More so than ever before, high ranking execs have grown facial hair and view them as signs of maturity, confidence, and strength.

Just ask CEOs like Oracle’s Larry Ellinson and Sergey Brim of that little company called Google. These are just the beginning. Fortunately for you, we will be seeing more and more of this as time progresses. This can be a very helpful source for you when talking to your boss about his policy.

BOTTOM LINE…

Be a man. Approach your superior with confidence, and use these tips in helping establishing a new culture in your workplace. Show up to work on time every day and kick ass.

And as always… Live Bearded My Brother!