LIFESTYLE: The love and hate of dating a bearded man

They are quite the fashion trend right now.
And my husband has one.
Yes, a beard.

He hasn't always had a beard. In fact he's spent about 80% of our relationship clean shaven (photo below, on the left is 2008 and the right is 2015 - I really upped my eyebrow game recently!).

But last year he decided to grow a beard. I think he was inspired by the beards of stereotypical tattooed men, and the increase in cool beard products.

So over a year later and he still loves his beard. And I have to admit, I do too.

So I thought I would share some of the great things and not so great things about living with a bearded man.

The good

They really do make a man look rugged. Without a beard, my husband has a cute baby face, but with a beard, he looks more grown up.

Less time shaving... and less hair in the sink to clean. Enough said.

A unique talking point. He is constantly asked about his beard. And it is different.

The products smell AMAZING. A personal fave is Rusty beard oil by Bearface, plus this brand is super cool, and the team behind it are so lovely. We've met them a couple of times at various tattoo conventions and they are great to chat to, whether bearded or not.

The bad

Growing the beard is a nightmare. The first couple of weeks are pretty awful. It doesn't look too hot and the stubble/beard rash is nasty.

Personal grooming means they spend more time combing, shaping, tidying, oiling and primping their beards, than you do when doing your hair AND make up.

The ugly

Eating can be an interesting experience. Food does cling to it when you didn't think it possible. Personally it is my only real problem with beards! They just attract food like a magnet.

But I do love the beard.

Do you date a bearded man?
What do you love and hate about it?