Why is facial hair unpopular in western society?

Question

Being of Indian and Middle Eastern decent it has always been so strange to me that guys here in the US go around clean shaven - if God and/or nature did not want us to have facial hair why do we have it?

And some of the white girls I have dated demanded I remove my facial hair - which is why we no longer date.

If a woman with a beard looks like a man, why assume the opposite does not hold true?

Answer 1

Actually, it just depends on what part you're refering to or what sub-culture you refer to. There are a lot of people out there with facial hair, you just have to maintain it, obviously if you have one to make it work. Like others have stated, facial hair doesn't work for everybody. I actually think some guys look better with facial hair than without and vice-versa. But, I actually dig guys with facial hair. I just think most guys probably go for the clean shaven look cause they don't want to waste time on maintaining that look. My boyfriend has facial hair albeit its short and not like full blown grown out, but I prefer him with it, I don't mind at all.

Answer 2

I am totally amazed with the attitude alot of people have in regards to dating, this whole 'dealbreaker' business.  A friend of mine said to her that her 'dealbreaker' was smoking, she could never date a smoker.  I mean, smoking does not say whether a person is good or is bad or whatever!  Same goes with facial hair.  My husband smokes, I would prefer if he didnt, because its bad for his health, and it smells, but its his life and he ignores what I say on the subject, and I love him all the same.

  In regards to facial hair, I couldnt care less, it sometimes makes kissing less fun because my hubby's face is like sandpaper if he doesnt shave, but again..his choice there.  But funnily enough, in regards to looks, I love the unshaven look.  I like the well kept goatee look aswell.  I think only some men can pull off the beard thing, but you know at the end of the day its all just silly.  I don't care what people wear, or do to their appearances, I just want them to be polite and kind to me, and I will do the same.  And hopefully have some laughs along the way.  If they smoke, or dont shave or do shave or wear a ton of perfume or ridiculous clothes.....what does it matter, its all nonsense.

Answer 3

It's the anti-european american way, the stereotypical american image probably brought about by the clean cut image required by the army. Jut like the blonde skinny girl being the American icon, so is a clean cut, clean shaven man.  

Answer 4

very interesting question.  I just dont like facial hair. It actually hurts us girls' face. I dont feel guys are stripped of their masculinity when they shave, and if a girl wants to grow a beard....why not.  I personally dont know how a girl can....

Answer 5

Yeah I have no idea, just how we like it?  I don't know the origins but I think that it is popularized a lot in media and junk and so it has just become the norm.  And maybe people want to look younger?  Because younger people tend not to have facial hair and society is obsessed about looking young all the time, so people try to keep their faces clean shaven.

And as for the bottom statement, the logic would try to say something like:

A dog is an animal.

A human is an animal.

Therefore a human is a dog.

(or Skip the last two and say all animals are dogs, humans included, etc.)

Just saying A can imply B, but B does not imply A

Answer 6

well for some woman it makes their face raw trying to kiss a man with a beard or facial hair.

Answer 7

Facial hair is a choice of style. Just like different hair styles and clothing styles are popular in different areas of the world, so are different facial hair styles. It comes down to what you think looks good.

And I don't really buy the nature argument. If nature/God didn't want us to stink why do we have B/O. So we shouldn't shower? Are you saying you don't brush your teeth because cavities and bad breath are natural? Ultimately God has given us a brain so we can take care of our bodies. If you feel that means you should grow out facial hair, do it. If I feel that means I should shave, that's what I'll do.