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Facial hair

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Facial hair refers to hair grown on the human face. It typically appears on the chin, the cheeks, the bottom lip, and the upper lip region. For most biological males, facial hair is a secondary sex characteristic. This means it is a physical trait that develops during puberty. It helps distinguish males from females as they transition into adulthood. People may style this hair into various forms like beards, moustaches, or goatees. Others choose to shave it completely to remain clean-shaven.

Facial hairstyles
Facial hairstyles

In adolescent males, the growth of facial hair often follows a predictable sequence. This process usually begins between the ages of 10 and 14. The first signs often appear at the corners of the upper lip. Between ages 14 and 16, this hair typically spreads to form a moustache. Next, hair often appears on the upper cheeks and under the lower lip between ages 14 and 17. Finally, the hair may spread to the sides and lower border of the chin. This results in a full beard, which usually completes between ages 16 and 19.

Bearded man with long hair-3052641
Bearded man with long hair-3052641

While this sequence is common, biological variation is very frequent. The order of growth can change based on a person's environment or genetic heritage. For example, some individuals may see hair start on the chin first. Some boys may begin developing hair as early as age 10. Most men do not finish growing a full adult beard until age 16 or later. Some men may also produce very little facial hair at all. These differences show how diverse human biology can be.

Historical trends show that facial hair styles change significantly across different eras. In the Western world during the nineteenth century, most men maintained some form of facial hair. Economist Dwight Robinson conducted a study in 1976 regarding this period. He reviewed illustrations from the Illustrated London News to track these trends. His research showed that facial hair peaked in the 1880s. At that time, approximately 90% of men wore facial hair. While beard wearing dropped later, moustaches remained popular until the 1940s.

Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait
Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait

Religious and cultural traditions also shape how facial hair is managed. In Sikhism, Khalsa Sikhs follow a rule called kesh. This rule forbids the cutting or shaving of any hair on the scalp or face. In Shia Islam, men are permitted to trim their beards but are forbidden from shaving them. The Amish also have specific customs regarding facial hair. Amish men grow beards after they are married. However, they continue to shave their moustaches. They do this to avoid historical associations with military facial hair due to their pacifistic beliefs.

Women can also experience facial hair growth, though it is typically much less than in men. This often occurs after menopause. A condition called hirsutism involves excessive hairiness and is caused by atypical hormonal variation. Historically, women with significant facial hair were sometimes displayed in circuses as "bearded ladies." Today, many women choose to remove facial hair through various methods. They may use electrolysis for permanent removal or laser hair removal for semi-permanent results.

Facial hair also provides interesting insights into our relationship with other primates. In many primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas, facial hair becomes sparser as they age. This is the opposite of humans, whose facial hair becomes stronger over time. Infant great apes have thick hair that is part of their fur complex rather than being androgenic. Humans seem to have acquired sensitivity to androgens through the gene KRT37. This genetic development allowed for the unique facial hair patterns seen in humans today.

Bearded man with long hair-3052641
Bearded man with long hair-3052641
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File:Bearded man with long hair-3052641.jpg
Bearded man with long hair-3052641.jpg
File:Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait.jpg
Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo...
File:Facial hairstyles.svg
Facial hairstyles.svg
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