I am sick of being asked about this.
At least twice a day, someone contacts me via telephone, post, email or “tweet” to ask my advice about men’s facial hair. While it is an important and complicated issue, I’m bloody sick of addressing it. So I am going to do it one final time: this is it. Pay attention and take notes because I shan’t be saying it again.
Cleanly Shaved Face:
This is an ideal option for very young and very old men. Because the whole hair-on-the-face-thing is new and fascinating to young men, they tend to want to show it off; however, wearing a sparse moustache or beard indicates their newness to puberty, and for legal reasons, women find it less than appealing. Also, many employers refuse to hire young men because they think they are stupid and lazy. Because both are likely to be true, shaving one’s face can counteract this by showing one is bright enough at least to maneuver a possibly deadly weapon and take the time to do a nice job.
The primary issue old men have with hair is that it is disappearing from their head and sprouting in their ears. Shaving their faces helps them hold on to some kind of control.
Moustache Alone:
In my heart of hearts, I would never suggest that any man wear a moustache but no beard. It’s shameful.
Beard Alone:
Too many men refuse to consider this option and therefore it is ideal for a man who wants to stand out among his peers (without going overboard, see below). It’s ideal for men with especially fanciable lips, those in artistic professions or those trying to unite a divided nation. I personally find it strangely alluring.
Moustache and Beard Combo:
“Hide your flaws” is a famous beauty maxim: all butt ugly men should keep as much hair on their faces as possible. Luckily, others can wear beards and moustaches so the presence of a lot of facial hair doesn’t necessarily indicate a hideous face underneath. In fact, particularly good looking men are encouraged to let their facial hair grow for at least one month out of the year, as long as they permit women to stroke their faces the day they shave it off.
This choice is also appropriate for men who like adventure, those who live in cold climates, and those who have lost their hands in tragic farming accidents. Generally, this type of facial hair should be kept tidy and relatively short, though men with nubs needn’t bother about that.
Unusual Variations:
The only men who wear bizarre facial hairstyles are complete geniuses or utter twats. If you think you’re a genius, you’re likely a twat so you’re safe either way.
Why I’ve tired of addressing this issue is because ultimately there are three things that should guide a man’s choice about how to shave this face: his god, his partner and his common sense. Apparently if he’s lacking all three, he turns to me. Aren’t I the lucky one?
Everyone Needs an Algonquin 
Dear Agatha:
I was unaware that you knew of my farming accident.
Doesn’t catergory three also come under catergory five? If I started to cultivate catergory three I know I’d certainly feel in myself that I was possibly straying into catergory five.
An excellent observation, but I would suggest that the core issue would be intent. While I admit that a beard only is considered by many to be unusual, if it’s grown with the right intention, I’ve no problem. Perhaps my final category would have been better titled “Wacky Variations.” If one’s goal is pure wackiness, then I may object.
You may have noticed that I did not include the “stubble” version of men’s facial hair. I did not for this very reason. Stubble may look fine and dandy on a face, but until I know the man’s ultimate plan for said stubble, I always reserve my judgment.
Yours,
Agatha