Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Beards => Topic started by: -Doug- on May 25, 2011, 02:22:13 PM

Title: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on May 25, 2011, 02:22:13 PM
Hey fellas! I was wondering if I could get some opinions on my current facial hair. I'm thinking of taking the beard down to a Van Dyke style. Thoughts?

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nGFuGjanaQY/Td1kS9t6c0I/AAAAAAAAAeo/nVrG6i2kTzY/s400/Goat.jpg)
(Sorry for the craptastic quality of the picutre)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: kenny57028 on May 25, 2011, 02:48:47 PM
I'd say leave it, I'm hoping my beard grows in as full as that one day.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 25, 2011, 02:51:19 PM
Another vote to retain the full beard--it gives a good definition to your jawline.  And, another point--great shine on the dome, really great shine O0.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Blitzed on May 25, 2011, 04:22:26 PM
Keep it as is and, though you didn't ask, the glasses actually make you look better and balance the beard.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: philp on May 25, 2011, 04:29:39 PM
I'm with the others. Looks great as is. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it  :)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on May 25, 2011, 06:18:59 PM
Thanks for all the opinions! I think it will stay intact for now.

Quote
Keep it as is and, though you didn't ask, the glasses actually make you look better and balance the beard.

I generally keep my glasses on unless I'm doing outdoorsy type of stuff. Not sure why I took them off for the picture. :)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Glen on May 25, 2011, 07:15:24 PM
Good choice...
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: marty22 on May 25, 2011, 08:14:03 PM
full beard.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: baldsurfer on May 26, 2011, 01:27:17 PM
I like the beard, but I like it better trimmed short as it is in your avatar.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: xnewyawka on May 26, 2011, 04:32:35 PM
The beard looks good, keep it.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: seanmil666 on May 26, 2011, 04:44:18 PM
Keep the beard.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: The Noggin on May 27, 2011, 01:28:19 PM
Van Dyke. (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc07.deviantart.net%2Ffs7%2Fi%2F2005%2F193%2F1%2Ff%2Fponder2_by_RetroZombie.gif&hash=bb0da345d3c3ee6186f5d8862178a1148fd5e1aa)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: sailor61 on May 30, 2011, 08:40:49 AM
Keep the beard but bring it down short as you have it in your avatar.   To my eye the stubbly beard is a great summer look.  And I agree on the prior comment about your glasses.  And that is a great shine - do anything special for it?
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on May 30, 2011, 09:14:32 AM
Quote
Keep the beard but bring it down short as you have it in your avatar.   To my eye the stubbly beard is a great summer look.

I took it down to the length in my avitar. Feels much bett that way.

Quote
And that is a great shine - do anything special for it?

No.  Actually I use the matte HeadLube. But my naturally oily scalp usually wins out and I end up with the shine by the afternoon.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on June 27, 2011, 09:09:00 AM
Since this is the longest period of time that I've had facial hair curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see what  Van Dyke would look like. Here's the results...

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yXiGw91foyA/TgibBHzEUYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/fYT7K-ZUBM8/s400/delete2.jpg) (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HnCDDYi-ZLs/TgibBGyClyI/AAAAAAAAAf8/LicMcTmyRDA/s400/delete1.jpg)

I'm thinking that I'll keep the 'stach fairly trimmed (about what it is now) but let the bottom half grow out/down a bit.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on June 27, 2011, 09:18:22 AM
Looks good, and now you know you've got choices. O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: tomgallagher on June 27, 2011, 09:55:42 AM
I agree with the Saint. It looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: The Noggin on June 29, 2011, 03:45:46 PM
Looks very good!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: xnewyawka on June 29, 2011, 06:50:05 PM
Keep the goatee, it looks good.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: zetaeffe on June 30, 2011, 06:52:22 PM
Looking great both ways!  O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on July 15, 2011, 01:42:54 PM
Going back to the full beard. I don't like the goatee as much as I thought I would.

To all the beard veterans out there....is it better to shave it all off and start anew or just let the rest grow out and catch up to the current goatee?
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Sly Red on July 15, 2011, 01:58:09 PM
I'd just let the sides fill in.

Red
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on July 15, 2011, 02:25:25 PM
Going back to the full beard.
 O0

To all the beard veterans out there....is it better to shave it all off and start anew or just let the rest grow out and catch up to the current goatee?
The advice I give, and I speak from recent experience having made the mistake of shaving it all off in late August last year after a bad trimming accident, let it grow out and keep what you've got.  I believe you've decided at this time to keep it trimmed pretty short, so there's not much growing out to do.  I found that the stach grows more slowly than the rest, and if that's true in your case too then you'll have a more mature look quickly.  The nice thing about growing a beard is that it's nothing more than not removing it--just let nature drive the process.  
Take a look at the Rules of Beard Acquisition--some good advice and counsel--
http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/3688/Rules-of-Beard-Acquisition
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Daven on July 15, 2011, 03:44:28 PM
you are very lucky to have a wonderful full beard.I am / was blond and gray and in the COLD winters of Arizona (lol) I grow my van dyke out to a full beard. I just trim it down to a 1 and then let the sides fill in. This winter will be my first sly so it will be interesting how it looks. My chin is the darkest, the mustache and cheeks are much grayer, I might not grow full out this year, but your face and head are GREAT with both styles. Maybe give the goatee the 30 day rule, maybe you will learn to love it as much as you love your full beard. 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on July 16, 2011, 02:26:07 PM
The contrast of your full short beard and shaved head looks great. Grow back the full beard. it looks REALLY sharp.

I've not shaved my beard off since Jan 1, 1980.  I just trim it and let it fill in as necessary.  Wife says, "don't you dare sahve of the beard. I won't know who you are! (She has never seen me without a beard).
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: baldjoeg on August 18, 2011, 10:58:45 PM

I liked the beard but like the van dyke on you too. You have a great shine on your head too. I like it. When you had the full beard, did it itch at all?
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on August 19, 2011, 06:23:20 AM
Quote
...When you had the full beard, did it itch at all?
Yes, but only for the initial growing in period. After a while it only itched every now and then.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on August 19, 2011, 08:46:13 PM

When you had the full beard, did it itch at all?

Well, back in 1980 when I was growing my beard it was a little itchy in the 2nd week or so ... but never again.  Had the beard 31 years now.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: baldbearded on January 03, 2012, 02:49:33 PM
Looks awesome!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: outsider82 on January 03, 2012, 04:31:14 PM
When i've switched from a goatee back to a full beard, I usually let the sides grow in and neaten it up. Stops people thinking you're just being lazy.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: marty22 on January 03, 2012, 05:05:03 PM
it's fine.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on January 03, 2012, 06:04:58 PM
i've gone back to the beard once again...only about 5 days in so far.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 03, 2012, 06:18:40 PM
i've gone back to the beard once again...only about 5 days in so far.
O0
 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Slynito on January 03, 2012, 07:32:49 PM
Looks good.  O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on January 04, 2012, 01:02:31 PM
Humble beginnings....again...

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dim1k_iZvHM/TwSs7OtloZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/uy9C6PlNNDw/s400/2012-01-04.jpg)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: kalbo on January 04, 2012, 01:46:19 PM
Facial hair looks better on you Doug.  O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 04, 2012, 01:47:52 PM
 >:D, Dare I say it--now thirty days--no shaving or trimming, then let's go from there.  Good foundation for the future. 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on January 04, 2012, 01:51:19 PM
Facial hair looks better on you Doug.  O0

Thanks!

>:D, Dare I say it--now thirty days--no shaving or trimming, then let's go from there.  Good foundation for the future.

Haha! I'll try to leave it untouched for 30 days.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: jaypksfo on January 04, 2012, 02:06:11 PM
30 days no trimming/shaving the beard - Mine would look like a grissley mess!!
Title: Re: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 04, 2012, 02:24:40 PM
A beard requires patience and a lot of it..
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Sly Joe Leo on January 04, 2012, 05:56:10 PM
Humble beginnings....again...

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dim1k_iZvHM/TwSs7OtloZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/uy9C6PlNNDw/s400/2012-01-04.jpg)

Looking good, Doug. Beard, goatee or not, it works for you regardless, IMO.  (**!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on January 04, 2012, 07:02:01 PM
Doug, you are an inspiration.  The bald head and the emerging beard look great.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Laser Man on January 04, 2012, 08:15:16 PM
Doug - good luck with the new project (the beard!)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: MattG on January 04, 2012, 08:31:44 PM
Really liking it Doug.  Looks great so far!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Acme on January 04, 2012, 08:59:28 PM
30 days no trimming/shaving the beard - Mine would look like a grissley mess!!

Me too. I have to trim it at least once a week.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on January 19, 2012, 02:36:44 PM
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi795.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy238%2Ffdchester%2Fabef9291.jpg&hash=998acb36bafb9d136ec6b1aa7f4b07e97eb5ed59) (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi795.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy238%2Ffdchester%2F5b656b6b.jpg&hash=565f88db23e6fe70c212460f43b57bdf0699299c)

Beginning of week 3. I did end up trimming the neck line. It was starting to look like a jungle.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 19, 2012, 03:43:45 PM
You've got a first rate full beard going, really first rate!  Keep up the good work.  In about another month you will be moving into a mature beard stage.  Good color & coverage too. 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on January 20, 2012, 11:00:53 AM
You've got a first rate full beard going, really first rate!  Keep up the good work.  In about another month you will be moving into a mature beard stage.  Good color & coverage too.

Thanks Saint! I'd like it to be a little more full on the upper checks but can't do much about that. We'll see if a little more time helps to fill them out.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Razor X on January 20, 2012, 11:29:09 AM
Looks good. The upper cheeks will fill in in time.  Just be patient.  The beard really suits you.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 20, 2012, 12:26:51 PM
Just to emphasize what Razor says--the fill in will occur.  It will become clear to you, if it already hasn't, that the growth rate varies from upper lip, cheek, chin, etc.  That's why it is essential to allow time for the slowest growing parts to reach a pretty good length before you do any real trimming.  What looks thin now may at the end be one of the apparently densest areas.  But, to repeat myself, you're well on your way to a killer beard.  Now it's an exercise in patience, the beard will do the work if you let it. 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: kalbo on January 20, 2012, 03:42:59 PM
Its a keeper Doug. Excellent beard.  O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on January 20, 2012, 03:49:26 PM
Doug, that looks SHARP.  My beard is not that thick.  So I need to let it grow longer to look decent. I would not sweat the 'upper cheeks'.  I think it looks great.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Sly Joe Leo on January 20, 2012, 07:29:54 PM
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi795.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy238%2Ffdchester%2Fabef9291.jpg&hash=998acb36bafb9d136ec6b1aa7f4b07e97eb5ed59) (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi795.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy238%2Ffdchester%2F5b656b6b.jpg&hash=565f88db23e6fe70c212460f43b57bdf0699299c)

Beginning of week 3. I did end up trimming the neck line. It was starting to look like a jungle.

I hear you Doug about the neckline. For me, the lower part grows upward, and eventually clashes with the rest of the beard growing downward. So I shave the neck area clean and keep the beard at the jawline/chin area.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: marshd1000 on January 20, 2012, 07:48:39 PM
Doug, the beard is a keeper!  I would keep that as your primary look!  Keep it up!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: baldbearded on January 26, 2012, 03:21:39 PM
Doug your beard is really looking nice!!!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on January 26, 2012, 03:29:28 PM
Doug, if you add a little white there in the beard, it will start to look like mine!

Looks great.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: warhawk on January 26, 2012, 06:13:38 PM
hey doug:  the full beard with super slick dome suits ya.  if u r having 2nd thoughts... atleast keep it 4 the winter.  until than... i say keep it & have fun with it.   O0

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: zetaeffe on January 26, 2012, 08:01:08 PM
It should stay!  O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Slyfive on February 09, 2012, 09:37:35 PM
That's a great beard, I always go for a full beard but it gets pretty crazy looking after a while, I'll post soon
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on February 10, 2012, 08:51:47 AM
Time to update my profile pic because the beard is no more. I let grow for ~5 weeks then started trimming it back a little for a more crisp, clean look. Well yesterday I went to a barber and got my first straight razor shave. It wasn't the most pleasant (read: painful!) experience, but the pampering aspect of it was nice.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Slynito on February 10, 2012, 08:07:42 PM
The beard looks very good on you, Doug.  O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on February 11, 2012, 09:16:54 AM
Time to update my profile pic because the beard is no more. I let grow for ~5 weeks then started trimming it back a little for a more crisp, clean look. Well yesterday I went to a barber and got my first straight razor shave. It wasn't the most pleasant (read: painful!) experience, but the pampering aspect of it was nice.
Strange, I've never heard anyone experiencing pain!  Lots about the pampering, but never anything about pain. 
So, when do you start another beard?
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: tomgallagher on February 11, 2012, 09:27:18 AM
Maybe he didn't have that old cutthroat sharp enough.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: mrzed on February 13, 2012, 05:35:01 AM
Doug, does the painful experience mean that you're going to resume the beard? 

Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: -Doug- on February 13, 2012, 06:25:27 AM
Doug, does the painful experience mean that you're going to resume the beard?

Painful as in physically painful to have it removed. It will make a come back tour at some point I'm sure....just not sure when.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: isleepinthebuff on February 13, 2012, 02:44:22 PM
You are lucky either way suits you. I look awful without a beard! It never comes off!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: xnewyawka on February 13, 2012, 03:33:30 PM
Either way works Doug. I just shaved off my goatee the other day too, going to keep the face smooth as the dome for a while. 
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: baldbearded on February 13, 2012, 03:37:14 PM
Sorry to see it go, it looked great.

Always grows back...
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: marshd1000 on February 13, 2012, 08:19:02 PM
Doug, the beard was a great look on you!  But you do look good without!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Slyfive on February 15, 2012, 03:52:24 AM
I'm in the beard camp... it looked great on you man. But hey being free is what it's all about, do whatever your whim desires
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Itall on February 15, 2012, 01:43:31 PM
I'm in the beard camp... it looked great on you man. But hey being free is what it's all about, do whatever your whim desires

I agree
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: HeadbladerBob on February 20, 2012, 08:31:03 PM
retain it

 O0
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: andyarmstrong on May 10, 2012, 06:04:38 PM
Rad dude, I'd definitely just trim it down and keep it more closely groomed. I personally like to rock the stubble and think that it compliments my #1 buzz well. I have the "Perfect Stubble" ( http://tinyurl.com/76g4uof ) and it's great for grooming. Has an all-in-one adjustable guard and cuts real nice.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Lynchy on May 11, 2012, 06:39:32 PM
I'm in the beard camp... it looked great on you man. But hey being free is what it's all about, do whatever your whim desires

I agree

Another + 1 here... But hey I'm beard biased :p
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: BBCESQ on May 21, 2012, 09:52:23 AM
Beard or no?  Personally I love the beard.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1174.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr609%2Ftmfrizzell%2Fa0900565.jpg&hash=caf70958a6903649ccb1989b14cdd10220d6d2e8)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1174.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr609%2Ftmfrizzell%2Fphoto-1.jpg&hash=eaae492e6d86bbef1cb5d3a4f78eee6b46677f4f)
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 21, 2012, 09:56:20 AM
It's a keeper!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 21, 2012, 10:22:21 AM
That is a definite keeper BBCESQ, looks good O0, will only get better!
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: KDusk on May 21, 2012, 10:27:07 AM
Beard or no?  Personally I love the beard.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1174.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr609%2Ftmfrizzell%2Fa0900565.jpg&hash=caf70958a6903649ccb1989b14cdd10220d6d2e8)


That is one bad ass beard, I'd kill for that.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Mr Jules on May 21, 2012, 02:49:56 PM
Beard or no?  Personally I love the beard.

Please keep the beard.
Title: Re: Should it stay or should it go(atee)?
Post by: Lynchy on May 21, 2012, 03:13:29 PM
Beard or no?  Personally I love the beard.

Beard! Definitely, it looks great!