Although manscaping is a modern term the actual history of manscaping goes way back in time. In prehistoric times, a man with a beard was more of a practicality than a fashion statement. The unkempt beard was a way for men to keep their faces warm while they hunted in the cold winter months. This began to change as civilizations became more advanced. Members of the upper class society in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, for instance, dyed their long beards to show wealth. In Eastern cultures, such as Ancient India and China, men used long beards to express their wisdom. Throughout history, facial hairstyles have continually changed to reflect current trends in culture.
Mustaches
A mustache naturally begins to form across the upper lip for most men at the age of puberty. Over the ages, men have manscaped this natural facial hair into everything from bushy, handle bar style mustaches to barely there pencil-thin ones. In recent years, a mustache is most commonly paired with a well-groomed beard or goatee rather than sported on its own as in the past.
Goatees
A goatee refers to a facial hairstyle in which facial hair exists on the chin but not on the cheeks as with a traditional beard. This particular style of facial hair received its name because of its similarity to the hair found on a goat’s chin. While the style existed in ancient times, it is perhaps most recognizable in the Civil War era. While Abraham Lincoln was not the first to sport the facial hair, he is certainly one of the most popular historical figures to wear a goatee.
Sideburns and Mutton Chops
Sideburns have become one of the most popular forms of facial hair around the world, but it all began with the Civil War. During the Civil War, an American general named Ambrose Burnside sported facial hair that connected with the hair on his head. Others began to emulate his unique style and as Burnside was the inspiration, it became known as “burnsides.” Today, hair that extends (and ends) in front of the ears is known as sideburns, while long hair that connects from the hairline to facial hair is known as “mutton chops.”
The Fu Manchu
In 1923, British author Sax Rohmer’s “The Mysteries of Dr. Fu Manchu”was adapted for television. The Asian actor portraying Dr. Fu Manchu donned a unique mustache, which began at the corners of the mouth instead of at the traditional medial cleft. Each side of the mustache was long enough to extend beyond the chin, where they each hung straight off of the face. This style of facial hair became popular in depicting “evil” Asian characters in film and on television.
Manscaping is a great way to develop your own unique look but having to manscape over a bald spot can get tiresome. If you are suffering from thinning hair or hair loss the hair loss specialists at Genesis II can help. To schedule a free hair loss evaluation call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Michael Coghlan Via Flickr Creative Commons
