Beard howto

• Reverence for the beard among oriental races.
• A means of protection.
• The beard unhygienic.
• The modern taboo on beards.
• Care and treatment.

Among Oriental races the beard is almost an object of veneration, and it cannot be denied that it lends a certain natural dignity to a man.

So closely associated is it with sincerity and sacredness among the Eastern peoples that the Turk swears by "the beard of the Prophet," while the Oriental Jew, on taking his oath, invariably places his hand in austere gravity upon his beard.

Of what use is a beard

Normally, of course, the beard is a secondary sexual appendage, like the tail of peacock, the tawny mane of a lion, the horns of a stag, or the voice of the singing bird, and is devised for the purpose of convincing the female of the species that the possessor of the beard is unusually potent, and greatly to be desired.

Darwin, and various other students of human evolution, have shown any number of decorative and distinguishing uses for the beard. Among the most unique of these, perhaps, was its use as a means of steadying the head of a slave—his master using one hand for this purpose, while he split the skull of his chattel with an axe, or a scimitar held in the other hand.

Among moderns, it no doubt protects the throat and chest against the winter wind. It is doubtful, however, if quite as adequate, or even more adequate means could not be contrived to this end by the use of a muffler or a turned-up coat collar, or some other warming device.

Beards unsanitary and a menace to health

In practically all Occidental countries —certainly in English-speaking landsmen seem to have come to a tacit understanding that beards are taboo—especially when worn by young, or old-young men.

There are, of course, certain districts, remote from the great centres of civilization, where the beard is still in evidence, and quite generally worn. But it is safe to say that the average young or middle-aged man, who wants to be classed as up to the times in his habits and appearance, would hesitate a long time before letting his beard attain any considerable length.

The chief reason why the smooth face is to be preferred no doubt lies in the fact that whiskers are unsanitary and decidedly unhygienic.

It would seem only reasonable to believe that where food and beverages must be, so to speak, strained through a mesh of whiskers, that myriads of food particles must, despite the most careful wiping, remain clinging to the masses of hair surrounding the mouth.

These fermenting particles cannot be otherwise than a source of danger, and a distinct menace to health—harbouring uncounted millions of micro-organisms that might constitute a source of danger in the event of the body resistance being reduced from any cause.
Also the beard is in an excellent position to catch and hold the myriads of driplets of saliva that are constantly being ejected from the mouth while talking, laughing, coughing or sneezing.

This matter necessarily acts as a source of contamination, and is most unesthetic and unappetizing—to say the least. Of course, many may argue that we do riot hesitate to let our hair grow long. In fact, thousands, if not millions of women take pardonable pride in the length and thickness of their hair. And this long hair, whether worn by men or women, must also harbour dirt, dust, and germs.

I admit the truth of this. But I would point out the fact that the hair on the top of the head is not being continuously coughed on, or sneezed on, or besmeared with food particles. The top of the head is a much safer and saner place for hair than is the chin and lips. This, I contend, is only common sense, and my criticism is truly constructive and scientifically helpful.

How should the beard be cared for

There are thousands of men who have worn beards for so long that they would never consider for a moment the sacrifice of either beard or moustache. Especially is this true of Europeans. These men are naturally interested in preserving their beards in the best possible condition.

To these men I would say that the care of the beard should be the same as the care of the hair—only more time and care should be bestowed upon the beard, because of the fact that it needs more care. For, as I have pointed out, the whisker is more exposed to contamination, and to sources of possible infection from the food, saliva, and other agencies that work to its undoing.

Beard and moustache should be washed daily in warm water and some pure, bland soap. A few drops of some of the milder antiseptics may be used, if desired, although clean, pure water and soap are excellent in themselves.

Then the beard should receive the benefits of frequent combing and brushing, for the purpose of making it more luxuriant, and giving it more "life."

The beard should also be trimmed occasionally, so as to keep it of fairly uniform length.

Beyond this, it should be treated just as though it were the hair of the head—being subject to the same laws of health, and governed by the same principles of growth and well-being as is the hair on any other part of the body.