Beards in the Workplace: What are the Rules

Go back a century, and beards were everywhere. From German Kaisers to chimney sweeps, almost all men sported some form of facial hair. If you turned up to work clean-shaven, it's not unlikely someone would have commented. How times have changed!

Throughout most of the 20th century, beards were somewhat frowned upon. No self-respecting exec or businessman would be seen with any facial hair, nor were such views confined to the halls of finance and power.

Yet, in the past decade or so, the increasing popularity of beards among the young generations has challenged this decades-old assumption. Beards are back! Not that you'd know from some workplaces style rules.

Around the world, trends are changing; increasingly, no-beard rules are being banished. What was once frowned upon, or even completely prohibited, is now accepted and celebrated. We're looking at some of the top professions, finding out what the current rules are.

United States Military

To date, the military maintains a dim view of facial hair. Except for religious exemptions, all members of the Army, Airforce, and Marine Corps are prohibited from wearing a beard due to hygiene and the need to wear protective face coverings.

It wasn't always so.

Before the World Wars, beards were commonplace among the rank and file. Ambrose Burnside, a senior Union general in the Civil War, wore an unmistakable mustache and sideburns. However, with the need to wear gas masks in WWI and the ubiquity of safety razors, beards were banned.

Even the US Coast Guard, which allowed beards until 1986, has now banned beards.

Royal Airforce, Navy, and Army

Each branch of the British armed forces takes a wholly different approach to beards. Following the Crimean War, regulations forbade soldiers from shaving their upper lip; mustaches were compulsory. It wasn't until 1916 that the rule was abolished. Both the British Army, Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force have enforced a mustache-only rule for the past century or more. The Royal Air Force got rid of its no-beard rule in 2019, but a strong grooming expectation exists.

Rules can differ between regiments, however. Certain regiments, like the goat majors in Welsh regiments, wear beards. Meanwhile, beards in the Royal Navy were almost obligatory in centuries past – a tradition that largely continues to this day.

Police officers and firefighters

Most US police and fire departments do not allow beards in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), beards interfere with the sealing of masks. Certain jurisdictions do tolerate well-groomed mustaches that stay firmly within the parameters of the lips – no handlebars allowed!

Doctors and medical staff

For doctors and medical staff, it largely depends on their role. Desk-based jobs, like general practitioners, do allow for beards of various lengths – beards still need to stay professional. In contrast, surgeons may choose to shave their beards to avoid spreading harmful pathogens during surgery.

Sometimes, however, the beard comes in useful! In a 1985 letter to the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Dr. F.A. Colby argued that "it is a comfort to stroke it and look wise while making a doubtful diagnosis," and it also helps "lose the title of 'the young doctor.'"

Business and sales

We tend to think of businessmen and salespeople as slick and clean-shaven. Some (rather uncool) companies dictate that there are no beards allowed!

Yet, this may be a little foolhardy. According to the research, beards make men appear more aggressive, dominant, and confident – strong qualities needed for a career in sales and business. So, just as in medicine, the beard may be more of an asset than a liability.

However, other studies have noted that beards can reduce a man's trustworthiness. So, it's all a matter of perspective.

Manual industries

In manual industries, like mechanics and builders, a beard, or rather a five o'clock shadow, seems compulsory. It's all part of the aesthetic, right? Well, there might actually be some sense to growing a beard. The extra hair can protect the mouth and nose area from dirt, grime, and debris.

However, it does mean such professions need to take extra good care of their beards. Investing in a high- quality beard shampoo and conditioner is a must!

Beard Sorcery

Here at Beard Sorcery, it probably isn't much surprise to find that beards aren't just allowed; they're prized! That's not to say beards are compulsory either.

We take a strong stand in supporting fellow businesses who want to allow beards in the workplace. But we are not ones for scruffy, scraggly facial fuzz either. Beards should be oiled, trimmed, and cleaned with care and dedication, and we've got the products to help!