Corporate Beard Styles: Exploring Beards and Business Culture Around the World

Still influenced by the mid-century clean-shaven culture, modern businesses tend to prefer a fresh-faced look. The traditional company man or corporate exec doesn't have a spec of facial hair aside from a little manicured stubble. 

Indeed, do a Google Image search for "professional", and you'll see very few beards. However, this trend is slowly changing as more diverse styles are being accepted in the corporate world. Companies are starting to recognize that professionalism isn't solely determined by one's appearance but by their skills and work ethic.

Several countries worldwide are leading the way in business beard culture. From India to the Middle East, beards hold a special significance that carries into the workplace. Let's learn more.

In this article, you'll find:

• Brief History of Corporate Beard Culture
• Can Companies Stop You Growing a Beard?
• Business Beard Culture Around the World

Brief History of Corporate Beard Culture

Business beard culture tends to follow societal norms. Throughout history, the popularity of beards waxes and wanes depending on the masculine culture at the time. Some civilizations, like the Romans, appear to abhor beards, only to later adopt them as the ideals and virtues shift.

During medieval times, beard culture was all the rage. During the late 17th century, it went out of style, only to reappear in the early 19th century. For almost a hundred years, men of all stripes and social classes embraced spectacular facial hair. Business leaders, generals, and politicians wore mutton chops, chin curtains, full beards, and even handlebar mustaches without ever thinking about "business culture."

That shifted in the mid-20th century – the effect of two world wars meant beards were firmly out of fashion. In fact, despite a brief resurgence of beards in the 60s and 70s, beards remained outlawed in business culture. Just as a century ago, any serious businessman had a serious beard, so today, corporate norms dictate a freshly shaved face.

Indeed, in the 1990s, according to studies of the general public, people associated facial hair with less mental competence. Moreover, bearded men were seen as more aggressive and less attractive than their fresh-faced counterparts. Gradually, that's beginning to change, as light stubble is now considered attractive, socially mature, and business-friendly. Bearded men are seen as more trustworthy, leading to a new resurgent beard business culture. 

Can Companies Stop You Growing a Beard?

That depends. Technically, there are no laws prohibiting staff from growing facial hair. The legislation that does exist pertains to equality and discrimination. Nonetheless, most employers set some kind of rules regarding what you can and can't wear.

Usually, these rules are commonsense, requesting that staff be groomed and well-turned out. Previously, there were stricter rules governing facial hair. However, some companies may still add facial hair clauses into their contract. So, if you sign on the dotted line, you're obliged to follow your employer's rules.

That being said, certain cultures require beards as part of their religion. In Sikhism, for example, cutting one's hair (including the beard) is prohibited, as it is seen as ignoring the beauty of God's creation. Forcing Sikhs to shave their beard, therefore, could be seen as discrimination.

In addition to considering religious and cultural requirements, companies need to adapt to changing societal norms regarding appearance. The increasing acceptance of beards in professional settings reflects a broader move toward diversity and individual expression in the workplace. Employers should strive for policies that respect personal choice while maintaining professional standards, fostering an inclusive environment that values employees for their contributions rather than their appearance.

Business Beard Culture Around the World

Western preferences for clean-shaven employees are largely an artifact of the past 500 years of evolving beard culture. We're sure to see the beard experience another resurgence, only to fall out of fashion again later. But what about other countries and cultures? Where is the beard not only accepted but expected?

India

Indians adore facial hair. In fact, in India, the mustache is a serious business. Like the fresh-faced look in Western nations, the Indian mustache is a symbol of respect and authority. Even the Indian government is getting involved in the action. Policemen in Madhya Pradesh were paid Rs 150 to grow a mustache, believing that facial hair bestowed gravitas and authority. 

But it's not just the mustache. Beards are on the rise in the armed forces. Male Sikh servicemen are allowed to wear full beards so long as they "dress up their hair and beard properly," and in 2003, the right was extended to Muslims in uniform.

Middle East

Under Islam, beards are a sign of piety and reflect how seriously a person takes their religion. As such, beards are common throughout the region – including in business environments. In Egypt, in particular, beards are a symbol of personal expression as they were banned under Mubarak.

However, beards are a normal part of life throughout the region, especially in Arabic countries. Take a look at the business leaders and politicians in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, or any other Middle Eastern country, and you'll find beards are part of the cultural uniform.

Even in Israel, beards are popular among the business community. The reasons are also religious. According to Leviticus 19:27, a man is not allowed to shave with a razor but can trim using scissors. The Talmud also described the beard as an "adornment of the face," implying that men cannot be handsome without some facial fuzz. 

Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, the beard culture in business settings reflects the region's open-minded and progressive values. Scandinavian countries, known for their focus on individuality and work-life balance, tend to have more relaxed attitudes towards personal appearance, including facial hair. 

Whether you're growing a new beard or maintaining an existing one, Beard Sorcery provides the tools you need for a well-groomed look. Discover more about how to keep your business beard perfectly groomed at Beard Sorcery.

In these nations, it's not uncommon to see professionals sporting beards, as there is a general acceptance of personal expression in the workplace. 

It's also a nod to their Viking heritage and the wild, untamed landscapes that dominate these countries. But that doesn't mean their beards are equally wild. In fact, like their Viking ancestors, Scandinavians take great pride in a well-groomed appearance. Despite their depictions as mud-caked barbarians, personal hygiene was a serious thing in the Viking world, just as in today's business beard culture.

Keep Your Business Beard Perfectly Groomed

Want to grow a beard but unsure if your boss will let you? The answer is to keep as well-groomed as possible. Oiled up and carefully trimmed, a solid corporate beard can add to your professionalism, not detract from it.