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Along Life’s Way
Five O’clock
Shadow?
By Lois E. Wilson
A few years ago, a five o’clock-shadow beard was not desirable. It was
named for the facial hair growth men acquired during a day at work
after a clean shave in the morning. Lately it seems if you want to look
“classic, hip, and rebellious” men must grow one. Many film stars, pop
stars, athletes and even politicians are adopting the style. It is
replacing the soul patch of the 40’s and 50’s made popular by Dizzy
Gillespie and other jazzmen.
Ancient evidence indicates men shaved or removed hairs by using
clamshells. In 3000 BC, there were copper razors in India and Egypt.
Nobles shaved their bodies and heads as hairlessness was valued. 2900
to 500 BC. Mesopotamian men wore beards as a sign of masculinity. The
battle of hair or bare had begun.
Men’s facial hair choices on chins or elsewhere have added variety to
our vocabulary. Besides the words listed above, there are sideburns,
burnsides, muttonchops, handlebars, Vandykes, goatees, and full beards
with braids or dreadlocks to name a few.
Our country’s presidents Washington through Buchanan were beardless.
With the exceptions of Andrew Johnson and McKinley, the presidents from
Lincoln through William Howard Taft had beards and/or mustaches. Since
Taft, all presidents have been free of facial hair.
When my youngest son was in his early teens, he tried growing a
mustache. Then one day his older brother asked him, “Is that a mustache
or dirt on your lip?” In a few days, he shaved it off.
Now the older son has a beard. I haven’t found the right approach or
chiding to accomplish the same results. I thought some of my ancestors
might have had beards. But family photographs from the late 1800’s and
early 1900’s show only clean-shaven men.
The decision on facial hair, if not based on a religion’s requirements,
is usually a personal preference. Does one have the time to shave
regularly? If married, does one’s wife have a say in the matter? Are
these men trying to prove that they can grow hair someplace—if not on
the top of their heads, on their faces?
I find it interesting that there are multiple websites which feature
videos, instructions, and equipment for achieving the best five
o’clock-shadow beard possible. To quote an advertisement, “It is the
signature style for many.” It takes time to maintain as some designs
are complex.
For men who choose this style and make it their own, I hope their wives
aren’t allergic to whiskers. We don’t want women to suffer from what
might be called “stubble rash.” Vote with your razors—HAIR or BARE?
I’ll watch for the results!
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