Beards and betting are two subjects that just don’t seem to go together. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional gambler or a recreational bettor, when it comes down to putting money on an outcome, most people instinctively think: don’t bet on sports, and definitely not with facial hair.
While it’s true that beards have never been more popular than they are now, and there are a wide variety of awesome perks that come with sporting a full head of facial hair, there are still a lot of preconceived notions out there that make it difficult for some people to fully embrace their inner bearded-o-phile.
Here are some of the things that you might not know about beards and betting:
It’s A Confident Look
First off, let’s get one thing straight: beards are not a stupid fashion choice. On the contrary, there is actually a lot of scientific evidence that links growing and caring for a full and bushy beard to increased levels of testosterone and estrogen, which all help to boost your self-confidence.
Just like any other style choice, there is a wide variety of beards out there, from the classic and traditional to the trendy and modern. What’s important is that you feel comfortable in your own skin and can express yourself through your beard-growing practices.
It’s An Indulgent Hobby
Another important factor to consider is that beards are a luxury hobby that can be a real indulgence. If you live in a cold climate and want to keep your facial hair long in the winter, this could certainly be a way to satisfy that particular need. In warmer months, you can allow your facial hair to grow for a more casual and cool look.
Along with taking care of your body with regular exercise and good food, beards are one of the true luxuries that you can indulge in. When you grow your own facial hair, you know exactly how much salt and sugar are in the food you eat, and you can be confident that it was grown in a natural and sustainable way. This is also a great way to show your pride in your country and support local businesses. Plus, who wouldn’t like to have a cool, tan beard staring strangers in the face every day?
It Has Ancient Roots
Beards have been around for centuries and had their major surge in popularity in the 18th century. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that people started to realise the many health benefits of beards. In some ancient cultures such as the Native Americans, beards were used as a way to socialise and warn other men of potential attacks from wild animals or other humans.
These days, it’s more common to see bearded men in positions of power and authority, from political figures to religious leaders. When it comes to sports, we often see legendary coaches, managers, and club owners wearing beards. It’s not that beards are inherently associated with a certain job title or profession – it’s just that there are more opportunities for men to grow them now than there have ever been!
It’s A Trendy Look
If you Google the phrase “hipster beard”, you will get over 500 million results. It’s not a phrase that is often used to describe men with a full and bushy beard, but consider this: almost everyone on the Internet has had something to say about hipsters, and almost all of it bad. But what is a hipster?
In reality, a hipster is simply someone who chooses to identify with a particular subculture or trend. In the case of beards, this usually means that a hipster is into vintage clothing, craft beer, and jazz music. In other words, a hipster is someone who chooses to be different for the sake of being different, and it is a look that is all the more attractive for being different.
Although a lot of hipsters choose to grow beards, this is certainly not a requirement. It’s more common for men to go unberamed than to completely deck themselves in facial hair. But if you feel that you fit the description of a hipster, by all means, grow that beard. There are benefits to being identified with a particular subculture, and in this case, it means that you’ll feel more comfortable embracing your inner bearded-o-phile. Plus, who knows – maybe you’ll even make a few friends along the way!
It Has Positive Correlates
There is also a positive correlation between beards and various psychological and physiological factors. One of the most well-known studies, conducted in the 19th century, concluded that bearded men were typically more intelligent than those who had mustaches or clean-shaven faces. The same study also found that bearded men were less likely to be dishonest, less likely to be lazy, and more easily satisfied in their work. These days, there is solid scientific evidence to support the correlation between beards and increased levels of testosterone, estrogen, and dopamine – a chemical in the brain that gives us feelings of euphoria and happiness.
It would be an understatement to say that there are benefits to be found in bearding. Not only does it allow you to express your true self, but it also provides you with a sense of confidence and courage that you didn’t have before. So whether you feel like you fit the “type” of a hipster or whether you’ve decided that you want to go unberamed, there are a variety of reasons why you should consider growing a beard.