The Ownership of Your Beard: More Than Just Whiskers
Do you have ownership of your beard? It’s a question that may seem trivial but carries a lot of symbolic meaning. Whether you own it as a confident symbol of masculinity or as a daily routine, your beard is a part of your identity.
Identity and Whiskers
When I think of my beard, I own every inch of it - the whiskers on my chin, the tweezers I use to maintain it, even the dates I use to shut up my aunt Edith. It’s more than just a collection of hairs; it represents a certain lifestyle and personal style.
If I were to grow a beard to impress someone, that would be different. I could never claim ownership of a “nice Christian man” just for a date. He’s paid, not owned. In my case, I grew my beard naturally and fully own it.
Regular Maintenance
While I can’t say that I own my beard’s every hair to the point of micromanagement, I do have a regular maintenance routine. I get my beard a tune-up every eight weeks. In between, I rely on my trusted Remington cordless trimmer to keep things looking neat and tidy.
Not that I could do much more with my whiskers. A few spritzes of conditioner, a quick blow dry, and I’m ready for the day. This casual look is the norm for me. More formal occasions, however, call for some extra styling - a little beard oil to tame things down, perhaps.
Skin Care and Shaving Tools
For my skin care, I use a glycerin soap and beard oil. These products help me maintain a neat appearance. Most of my neck is shaved, but my beard remains a distinctive chin strap. I only shave it a couple of times a week, and coVid-19 has made this easier for me as I am not out much.
Shaving is an old-school affair for me. I use an old Gillette razor and badger hair shaving brush. The razor, which I bought for five dollars at a collectible store, comes with three blades that are still available but more expensive than most.
For a better shave, I favor the Merkur Heavy Duty Safety Razor. The blades from this brand are considered the best. They offer a close shave and stimulate the hair follicles, making the hair stand straight. This is achieved by the badger hair brush, which opens the pores and scrubs the skin.
Symbolism and Personal Peace
When I think about owning my beard, I see it as a symbolic ring or bracelet that helps define me as an individual. My beard brings me peace when I stroke it, much like trimming a bonsai. It keeps me warm in the winter and surprisingly cool in the summer as well.
My beard is more than just a collection of whiskers; it’s a distinctive feature that often leads to conversations with strangers. It’s hard to grow a beard that you’re happy with, as men tend to scrutinize their faces too much. Teenagers, in particular, may express envy, and they sometimes ask for my advice on growing a beard like mine. However, with a beard, one size most definitely does not fit all.
Conclusion
So, do you own your beard? It’s more than just ownership of whiskers; it’s a reflection of your identity, a tool for personal peace, and a point of individuality in conversations. Your beard can be more than just a fashion accessory; it can be a meaningful part of who you are.
Thank you for asking! If you have any more questions or need advice, feel free to reach out.