Beard vs no beard: The timeless grooming debate

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you may be pondering the question: beard vs no beard, which is better? This age-old grooming dilemma is all dependent on your personal style and preference. Whether you’re growing your first beard or considering shaving it off, the decision between being clean-shaven or having a beard, which is better, can depend on various factors, and we're here to help!

In this guide, we explore beard pros and cons and the benefits of a clean shave, helping you determine which style will give you the most confidence. 

Beard pros and cons

 

Let’s begin with the advantages of a beard. Beards have long been associated with masculinity, wisdom, and confidence. In recent years, many popular beard styles have made a comeback, from the classic full beard to the refined Van Dyke beard.

Some of the benefits of having a beard include:

 

• Enhanced jawline and facial structure: A well-shaped beard can define your face, giving the illusion of a more angular jaw.
• Natural skin protection: There is some research to suggest that beards can act as a small barrier against UV rays.¹ This is thought to only be to a small degree and will depend on the thickness of your beard.
• Warmth during colder months: Facial hair can provide added insulation, particularly during winter.
• Camouflaging blemishes or scarring: For those with uneven skin tone or scarring, beards offer an easy cover-up.
• Aesthetics: Lots of men wear beards simply because they enjoy how it makes them look and feel. 

If you’re wondering, should I grow a beard? These benefits of having a beard might just convince you to give it a try.

However, when weighing up beard vs no beard, there are some common challenges to consider:

 

• Dryness and irritation: Without proper care, beards can trap dirt and oils, leading to flaky or itchy skin.
• Patchiness: Not all men grow full beards evenly, which can affect the overall look.
• Growth rate: Depending on your hair growth rate, certain beard styles can be difficult to achieve without patience. 
• Daily upkeep: Regularly trimming, shaping, and oiling are non-negotiables for a healthy beard.

This is why some men decide the answer to ‘should I get rid of my beard?’ is a resounding yes. Understanding these hurdles helps put the beard pros and cons into perspective.

The benefits of a clean shave

 

While beards have their appeal, going clean-shaven remains a timeless, sharp choice. When thinking about clean-shaven vs beard, a smooth face may be preferable for various reasons. Here are the top benefits of a clean shave:

 

• More hygienic for some: Without facial hair, it's easier to keep your skin clear and reduce breakouts.
• Youthful appearance: A clean shave can soften features and reduce the appearance of age.
• Professional image: Some workplaces or industries still favour a neat, clean-shaven look.

So, if you're still wondering beard or no beard, this sleek, polished option may tip the scales. 

However, maintaining a clean-shaven look will also require regular upkeep. Depending on the rate of your hair growth, you won't be able to avoid a maintenance routine completely with this style. 

Looking after your style with a beard or no beard

Regardless of which look you choose, one thing is for sure: maintenance matters. A well-groomed appearance requires the right tools, techniques, and a bit of consistency. Here’s what you need to keep your style sharp:

If you have a beard...

 

• Invest in a quality beard trimmer: The Philips All-in-One Trimmer 9000 Series is the perfect tool to help you maintain your preferred beard length and shape, all while protecting your skin. You can learn exactly how to trim your beard perfectly for any style in our essential guide.
• Use beard oil: Beard oil can hydrate both your beard and the skin beneath, giving it a soft, sleek look.
• Use beard shampoo and conditioner: Regularly clean your beard using a beard shampoo and conditioner to cleanse, moisturise, and soften the hair and skin underneath.
• Beard brush or comb: Depending on the length of your beard, a beard brush or comb can help distribute beard oils evenly, detangle, and keep it looking neat.

If you’re clean-shaven...

 

• Invest in a quality shaver: Choose a tool that suits your skin type and shaving frequency.
• Exfoliator: Use a facial exfoliator a couple of times a week to prevent ingrown hairs and keep skin clear.
• Shaving cream or gel: Use a shaving cream or gel to lubricate and protect the skin for a closer, more comfortable shave.
• Aftershave lotion: This can soothe and hydrate the skin post-shave.

The best part? You’re free to explore both styles — beard vs no beard — without committing fully until you’re ready.

Clean-shaven or beard, which is better?

 

In the end, there’s no single winner in the beard vs no beard debate. Each style offers its own advantages. A beard might enhance certain features, while a clean-shaven look can make you feel smooth and youthful.

Consider your lifestyle, your grooming tolerance, and your skin and hair type and ask yourself: should I grow a beard, or should I get rid of my beard? Only you can decide what works best for your look and comfort. Luckily, with an understanding of the beard pros and cons, you're well-equipped to find your best face forward, whatever you choose.

Sources:

¹ Dosimetric investigation of the solar erythemal UV radiation protection provided by beards and moustaches, Oxford Academic