Beards have never simply been facial hair. Across centuries, they’ve signified power, rebellion, wisdom, masculinity, status — and sometimes, outright defiance.

Today, the beard is firmly back in mainstream men’s style. But interestingly, so is the clean, sharp, closely shaved head. The modern aesthetic isn’t about choosing one or the other — it’s about control, definition, and intentional grooming.

Let’s look at how we got here.

Beards Through History: Power, Punishment & Prestige

Ancient Civilisations: Status in Every Strand

In Ancient Egypt, beards were symbols of divinity and authority. Pharaohs wore elaborate false beards, often dyed and interwoven with gold thread — a clear display of wealth and power.

The Mesopotamians and Ancient Greeks elevated beard grooming to an art form. Ringlets were sculpted with oils and tools, creating intricate patterns that symbolised nobility and strength.

The Spartans took a harsher view. Cutting off half a man’s beard was considered a humiliation — a punishment stripping him of honour.

Across cultures, the message was clear: facial hair mattered.

The Middle Ages to the 19th Century: Masculinity and Money

In medieval Europe, beards symbolised virility and honour. Knights and nobles wore them as markers of maturity and status.

But trends shift for many reasons — including taxation.

Henry VIII famously introduced a beard tax to raise funds for the Crown. Facial hair quickly became less fashionable when it became financially inconvenient.

By the mid-19th century, beards returned with force. European leaders such as:

Alexander III of Russia
Frederick III, German Emperor

helped re-establish facial hair as a symbol of authority. Across the Atlantic, numerous U.S. presidents wore full beards, reinforcing the look as presidential and powerful.

The Clean-Shaven Era: War Changes Everything

The World Wars dramatically reshaped grooming standards. Soldiers were required to shave to ensure gas masks sealed properly. Function over fashion.

Post-war corporate culture reinforced the clean-shaven look. Through the 1950s and early 60s, smooth faces dominated professional environments.

Then came the counterculture. The 1960s and 70s saw beards re-emerge as rebellion — worn by artists, activists, and the hippie movement.

The Modern Beard Revival

Movements like Movember helped reintroduce facial hair to mainstream culture in the early 2000s. What began as a men’s health fundraising initiative sparked a broader acceptance of moustaches and beards at a time when they were relatively unfashionable.

Since then, the “hipster beard,” designer stubble, and precision grooming have become standard options. Barbers now offer beard sculpting, conditioning treatments, waxing, and even braiding.

The beard is no longer accidental — it’s curated.

The Other Trend: The Sharp, Confident Bald Look

While beards have surged, something else has quietly risen with them: the clean-shaven scalp.

In fact, the beard + shaved head combination has become one of the most dominant men’s aesthetics of the 21st century. It projects confidence, structure, and intention.

But for many men experiencing hair loss, achieving that sharp look consistently can be challenging.

Why Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) Is Gaining Momentum

Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) is a highly specialised cosmetic procedure that replicates the appearance of closely shaved hair follicles. Pigments are applied with precision to create the illusion of a full, freshly shaved head.

For men who:

Are experiencing thinning or recession
Want a consistently sharp buzz-cut look
Prefer a low-maintenance grooming routine
Want to complement a beard with a defined hairline

SMP provides structure and symmetry — two key components of modern male aesthetics.

Beard or No Beard — It’s About Control

History shows us that facial hair trends come and go. Power, rebellion, fashion, war, and economics have all shaped how men present themselves.

Today’s difference? Choice.

Whether you wear a full beard, tight stubble, or go clean-shaven — pairing it with a sharp, defined scalp creates balance and intention.

At Skalp, we specialise in helping men take control of their image. If you’re embracing the bald look — by choice or circumstance — Scalp Micro Pigmentation offers a precise, confidence-enhancing solution designed for the modern man.

Because style isn’t about following trends.
It’s about owning your look.

We have clinics in London and Manchester.

Book an appointment for a complimentary consultation today

The Rise, Fall & Return of the Beard — And Why the Bald Look Is Here to Stay