The Evolution of Beards
How did beards evolve and what is their purpose?
Why did beards evolve and what is the point of them? Evolution may have decided they make a man more manly and can attract the opposite sex but many women are divided in their opinion of the beard. In some religions and cultures a beard is sacrosanct whilst some societies remain hair free.
Should you shave them, trim them or grow them to extraordinary length. Mike Williams visits the world’s oldest barber shop to find out the secrets of a close shave and a tidy beard.
(Photo: Men participate in a bearded Competition. Credit: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)
Last on
Clip
![]()
How beards became fashionable
Duration: 01:30
Broadcasts
- Fri 5 Jun 201518:32GMTBBC World Service Online
- Fri 5 Jun 201523:32GMTBBC World Service Online
- Sun 7 Jun 201521:32GMTBBC World Service Online
- Mon 8 Jun 201504:32GMTBBC World Service Online
- Mon 8 Jun 201512:32GMTBBC World Service Online
Featured in...
![]()
Why do we look the way we do?—The Why Factor
Hairy, shaved, tattooed, in trainers, ties, suits or jeans - what's the story?
Podcast
![]()
The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions





