Photo by Bryan GarrettBy Gabe Willison and Paula Diaz, Contributing Writer; Features Editor
Q: What advice would you give to men who want to grow a beard?
A: Don’t shave but keep it clean.
Q: Have you ever considered any other facial styles?
A: Well, I had a mustache this summer when I wasn’t allowed to grow a beard while working for Cedar Point. I also had mutton chops one Christmas, which my mom hated.
Q: So how long have you been working on this specific beard?
A: Since Aug. 10, so about three months.
Q: What advice would you give to the girlfriends of the men who want to participate in No S have November?
A: It’s only one month out of the year. Just let it grow, you can’t hold it back anymore.
Q: Is it hard to take care of?
A: It’s not too bad to take care of. You just have to treat it like regular hair.
Q: Is there a “Legion of Beards?”
A: Definitely. We give each other head nods when we pass by each other.
Q: Does your face ever get too hot with
your beard?
A: During the summer it doesn’t feel noticeably warm when I have a full beard; however, when it’s shaved I definitely feel the cold on my face.
Q: What are your goals for your beard?
A: I plan to see if I can grow it out for a year. Besides that I don’t have any other long-term goals.
Q: What do ladies normally think about it?
A: They have various opinions. My mom and sister hate it but some girls really like it. It’s a very polarizing topic. There’s no in-between.
Q: Have you always had a beard?
A: Well, from the age of one to 17 I didn’t have a beard, but I could first grow it after I turned 17.
Q: What’s been your favorite beard moment?
A: When I first grew it out and started getting compliments. It was a pretty cool thing.
Q: What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had with a beard?
A: Food gets [stuck] in it. Also, it gets sticky whenever I eat ice cream – that’s the biggest struggle.
Q: Do you use any specific products on your beard?
A: I normally use beard oil and balm from The Mod Cabin. I have super sensitive skin and want to make sure it doesn’t get super dry and flaky, also known as “beard druff.”
Q: Has your beard ever made you look older?
A: I’ve been asked if I was a seminary student, a non-traditional student, a senior, or if I’m 26 years old when I’m only 19. Some people have been under the opinion that I was homeless. Just [the other day] I was with my roommate at Sam’s Club when one of our friend’s mom drove by and asked if my roommate was my son.
