Who Should Grow a Beard? A Guide Based on Facial Features

Many men shave every day to look neat and refreshed. But in face-reading traditions, some features can actually benefit from facial hair. Here’s a look at who might be well-suited to grow a beard.

1. Men with a shallow philtrum

The groove between the base of the nose and the upper lip is the philtrum. In face reading, a long, deep philtrum is considered ideal. A short, shallow one is said to signal weaker luck with children. In that case, grow a mustache above the upper lip, but keep the philtrum itself clean-shaven; making the groove look wider is believed to improve one’s fortune.

2. Men with shallow nasolabial folds

The lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth are the nasolabial folds, believed to reflect leadership ability. If they’re faint, it can mean trouble persuading others, even for managers trying to earn respect. Growing facial hair on either side of the upper lip can accentuate these lines and help project authority.

3. Men with a pointed chin

In face reading, a long, pointy chin is linked to weaker family luck and a tougher later life. To offset this, grow a beard on the chin and along the jaw to create the look of a broader chin. It’s best to start when you’re younger, as the effect is believed to build over time; starting only in old age has minimal impact.

4. Men with prominent nostrils

The sides of the nose are seen as indicators of wealth. When the nostrils are very exposed, it’s called a "leaky wealth" nose and is thought to bring unexpected losses. If the nostrils look like open holes, it suggests major losses before age 50, making it hard to build wealth. Growing a mustache on the upper lip is said to help "hold" wealth and reduce this leakage.