British Soldiers and the Rise of Facial Hair Fashion

The upper echelons of the British military are contemplating a significant change in appearance regulations, specifically regarding the longstanding restriction on facial hair within the ranks.

The contemporary soldier might soon experience a freedom long denied except under specific conditions, such as religious exemption and unique roles like that of the Goat Major who cares for the Royal Welsh regiment’s mascot.

Their maritime counterparts in the Royal Navy have embraced full beards for a while, and their comrades in the Royal Air Force gained the privilege in 2019.

Despite objections from army purists, who laud the discipline and uniform appearance of a clean shave, the current discussion reflects a shift towards a more inclusive and adaptable military ethos.

Historically, the British Army’s stance on facial hair hadn’t always been rigid. During times of war, such as the Crimean conflict, practicality led to relaxed beard restrictions.

The subsequent popularization of facial hair in Victorian Britain can be traced back to these soldiers, who, with their newly grown beards, brought back an image correlating whiskered faces with fortitude.

By the 1860s, the Army went as far as making mustaches compulsory, embodying and endorsing the philosophy that facial hair epitomized masculinity, particularly during times when masculine prowess seemed threatened by the advent of sedentary occupations.

Beliefs surrounding the protective health benefits of facial hair were also prevalent, with claims that it could prevent respiratory diseases.

These claims gained enough traction that police in Dublin requested permission to grow beards.

Surprisingly, productivity was also tied to whiskers, with a study suggesting an immense loss in national productivity due to the time spent shaving.

What began with the military and elite soon trickled down to every social class, leading to a plethora of beards within Victorian society.

Facial hair styles of the time were as varied as they were prevalent, with the full-bodied “cathedral” beard being a mark of high status.

The fashion waned as the 20th century approached, and concerns over hygiene and new shaving technologies emerged.

Nevertheless, the military held on to mustaches until the World War I demands for youth recruits and gas mask compatibility necessitated a change.

The contemporary debate over beards in the army is poised for a resolution.

The argument for inclusion and appeal to potential recruits proposes a future where the modern soldier can express individuality without compromising duty, a notion in harmony with a bygone Victorian sensibility.

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