Gary Martin: Beards are no longer just for baristas and bushrangers

Once dismissed as a passing fad, facial hair — from faint stubble to full-blown face forests — has proven to have more staying power than a stubborn ingrown.

The beard trend is bristling with confidence, leading many to wonder if facial foliage has become the ultimate mark of modern masculinity and whether beards truly maketh the man.

Once the exclusive domain of lumberjacks, stockmen, bushrangers, laid-back musicians, wizards and — of course — Father Christmas, beards have become a fully fledged follicular fashion statement.

They are no longer just a patch of hair but an identity.

Growing a beard gives men the chance to make the cut their way and embrace a trend that is as personal as it is popular.

Ask a group of men why they might let their facial hair grow wild and you will hear all kinds of reasons, from boosting sex appeal to adding a bit of fuzz to their flair.

Many see a well-groomed beard as a show of rugged charm that turns heads, much like a peacock’s tail.

However, not everyone is convinced that a thick beard makes a man more attractive. For some, it comes down to the style — whether subtle stubble, a neatly shaped goatee or a bold, full beard, each look carries its own appeal.

Beards can also convey strength and self-assurance.

For others, growing a beard is about embracing individuality by experimenting with style and self-expression, from short stubble to full-grown mane.

Some men grow beards simply to skip the daily shave, saving time while embracing a relaxed look.

And a beard can serve as a small act of rebellion like a subtle snub to the clean-shaven corporate mould.

Of course, beards have their share of detractors.

Some see them as just another passing trend or a way for men to dodge professional grooming standards.

Others see them as a throwback to an era best left behind.

Nonetheless, for those who have fully embraced the bearded life the idea of returning to a clean shave feels like an unshaven truth that is hard to face.

While some might worry we have hit peak beard and are on the brink of its decline, for those who are deeply invested it is a lifestyle choice unlikely to fade.

Whether it is the freedom of skipping the daily shave, the allure of a bold new look or the desire to stand out, a large number of men are likely to keep letting their faces go wild and woolly.

In a world of fleeting trends, beards have proven they are here to stay, making their mark on modern masculinity one bristle at a time.

Professor Gary Martin is CEO of AIM WA and a specialist in workplace and social trends