Shave it or leave it?

[blakstang98]

Ok, so as some of you may know, I have a goatee and sideburns (if you don't know, there are plenty of pictures of me in the Member Picture Thread). Lagunas Dream called it a porn star mustache and Janus said I look like an uneducated, out-of-shape, druggie because of my facial hair. This doesn't bother me at all, but I have had this look for over 8 years and I think that maybe it's time I change that look.

So my question to you FFF folks is, should I shave it all off or leave it as is? I do like my look this way, but I can't help to think that maybe I give off a scary image. I don't care about the scary image at all, but it's really not who I am, I'm a good guy, honestly. But I figure the general reception of me may be better with a "cleaner" image.

The last time I shaved it off (it was very brief I may add), I felt sort of lost. I tend to pull on my chin hair when I think, and when it wasn't there, I kept finding myself reaching for it, which was annoying. Another thing is that I look quiet a bit younger without it. This may also be a better thing for me. Although, even without facial hair, I always looked older. And now all the gray hair I have doesn't help (I don't plan and dying my hair though).

Any comments, criticism or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Clockwork]

It would depend on what you are content with. If you like your current look quite a bit, then you can keep it if you wish to. You can always disregard social opinion, though I highly do not recommend this.

 

[Dionysos]

Lew calls everything a pornstar moustache.

But no I'm a strong believer in looking however you like it. If you like that particular look and you feel it is "you" then keep it.

I wouldn't say it gives off a particularly scary image, though I understand it signifies age, and some idiots go on to state that that means you are a paedo or a drunk or a hobo. But that's just stupid. I have a few bearded friends, and though they may be crazy, they are pretty respected and liked and I don't think there is anything in a beard to scare people in general. I know some people dislike it though, but on the other hand some people prefer to like people with beards.

On the whole I'd probably suggest to just go with whatever you yourself personally feel comfortable enough. If you love your beard then I'd keep it. The people that know you should know you are not dodgy and having a beard shouldn't make people think that. If you really do feel the need for a change of image though, and that you feel comfortable or even look forward to it then that is great. I wouldn't suggest changing it if you don't feel comfortable or don't really want the change though. I wouldn't think it is a good idea to change your image just because you feel it necessary to look less scary etc.

You are who you are. I say you wear that beard quite well. If you like it and feel pain to get rid of it, I'd say go with what you personally feel comfortable with and like yourself.

 

[Donald Trump]

Don't forget all the extra hassle that goes with being clean shaven. You'll have to shave everyday, so that's shaving foam and a razor unless you're going half-assed and buy an electric razor. You'll have to get up 10 -20 minutes earlier every morning. Is that worth looking cleaner for?
If you want to appear smarter, buy a suit.

 

[King Sean]

you are lucky you have anything to shave. i am still waiting for some facial hair. if you are trying to preserve a young look, then shave away. if it is the kind that makes you seem mature, rugged and smart, then keep it. it really depends on how you WANT to look to other people

 

[Caedus]

Honestly, it wouldn't matter in my opinion if you shaved. You look like you regardless of your facial hair. I say keep it. Some people look like they SHOULD have facial hair. Some people don't look like the SHOULD. It all depends on what you want to start in habit changes. If you want to keep up with the annoying cleanshaven look, go ahead, but I think you'll be more content with yourself if you go with what YOU think YOU want to do. Honestly, screw other people's opinions. Go with what you want.

 

[Bambi]

I'd leave it, you suit it, although saying that, it grows back fast enough so whapping it off, just to see what you think about going face fuzz free wont be the end of the world if you dont ilke it coz it'l just grow back super fast anyway

 

[Shu]

I stopped shaving entirely, I shave only every 2 weeks, but not fully. I understand where you are coming from but I have my reasons for not. Do you really want to have to shave every day and night? I have to shave that way in order to maintain my face. Otherwise I'm breaking out like a mofo because of ingrown hairs, and also razor burn is a bitch.

Without shaving I never break out, I never have to worry about it much and it suits some people and some it looks goofy on. You look alright bro, uneducated is a little harsh. There are many things you can do with it. Either keep the goatee or shape it the way you want. From a guys perspective it looks good on you though man, so I don't know what else to say.

 

[blakstang98]

Awesome, thanks for the comments everyone! It seems the general consensus is to keep it. I was thinking I may shave it off and then show you all, then you could tell me what looked better. Unfortunately I shaved this morning and didn't shave it off yet, so it would be a few days if I decide to give that a go.

More than anything I'm just thinking I want to change things up a bit, not do it because some people don't like it. I guess I'm trying to be a little revolutionary, for lack of a better reason.

And Hal, I am smart, because I do own a suit.

Edit: Oh and when I say clean shaving, I mean just not having a certain facial hair look. I would only shave 1 extra day a week. I shave 2 days a week now, so it would be 3 instead. And also, making sure sideburns are lined up and the goatee is even is something that takes more time than it should. If I didn't have it, shaving each day is much faster. And if I didn't shave in 2 weeks, I'd have a beard, couldn't do it, lol.

 

[blakstang98]

I'd hate to double post, but I figured I'd say what I have to say. Nobody seemed to think there was a good enough reason for me to shave it off, so I decided to leave it. I do keep it neat and I don't have it too thick, so it's a 'clean' goatee anyways. So I thank everyone for their input, and I did consider what everyone said and based my decision on that. Til next time I decide to have a makeover done folks!