Beards are now as much an accessory as an asset and many men are experimenting and styling them. While some get them coloured, others work on designs.
Roshan L., who is a part of a rock band, says, “Funky beard styles have always been a part of a rock musician’s attire as it adds to the stage presence. The beard is all we have got to experiment with so might as well make the maximum use of it.”
Some confess growing a fun beard takes a lot of time and effort. Tarun Kumar, a marketing research professional, has been experimenting with his beard for a long time. He says, “The longest time I have spent growing my beard is six months to get the design of my choice. Now, I have a beard that starts from my side locks and makes a ‘W’ down my chin.”
But not everyone can have a good beard style. A little goof-up and you might have to sacrifice months of effort. “I once tried experimenting with my looks by colouring my beard. I coloured my goatee blond, that was the biggest disaster of my life. I had to shave off my three-year-old goatee,” laments Ashutosh Bhandari, who surprised his colleagues with the no-beard look. Women have a different take on men who have wacky beards. “Not all men can carry off funky beards. Some people look nothing less than jokers or attention-seekers. People like Chris Daughtry or Gulshan Grover look smart with their designer chins,” says Sneha Chordia, a mass communication student.
Actor Vaibhav thinks otherwise. “My look depends on the roles I’m playing at that point of time.”