Beards have crossed from rebellion into authority. Here's what it means for you.
A beard used to mean you were either a poet or a protestor. Not anymore. From military drills to boardroom deals, the beard has returned as a statement—not of defiance, but of self-possession. In 2025, it's no longer just a trend. It’s a move. A move away from conformity and toward something subtler: confidence without apology.
Whether you're William on the parade ground, or Nadella on the quarterly call, the beard is saying: I know who I am. And I’m not asking permission anymore.
The Power of the Bearded Signal
Prince William, beard intact, stood among soldiers on Salisbury Plain—not just observing, but training. His Instagram post praised discipline, duty, and team effort. But the real signal? His beard. Trimmed, calm, and assured.
He wasn’t the only one.
Jacob Elordi showed up to Marrakech with a beard that divided the internet.
That’s the point. It wasn’t trying to please.
Chris Evans looked less Marvel, more Ivy League philosopher.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon? Rugged beards, gritty film.
JD Vance, now Vice President-elect, doesn’t just wear a beard—he weaponises it.
Jack Dorsey’s beard practically has its own crypto wallet.
Richard Branson? Explorer chic.
Satya Nadella? Controlled. Precise. Like his business decisions.
Each of them is saying something. Something most people miss:
The beard isn’t decoration. It’s direction.
New Rules, New Signals
Even institutions are catching up.
The British Army now allows beards—after 300 years of shaving discipline.
King Charles III signed it off. Not rebellion. Sanction.
Even Charlotte Windsor, once alarmed by her dad’s whiskers, gave the nod this time round.
This isn’t just grooming. It’s generational repositioning.
And yes: Harry’s beard became a royal fault line. But even that proves the point: facial hair now carries emotional and political weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Isn’t this just a fashion cycle?
Yes and no. Trends come and go. The beard now crosses fashion, function, and identity. It’s signalling stability, not rebellion.
Q: Can I really get away with a beard at work?
If it’s intentional and well-kept, yes. Just like a good suit, it should match your message. Shaggy beards say “wanderer.” Tidy ones say “grounded.”
Q: What if I’ve never grown one before?
Try it. Watch how people respond. You’re not just growing hair. You’re experimenting with perception.
Q: Doesn’t this exclude younger or clean-shaven professionals?
Not at all. It’s not about the beard. It’s about the permission to show up as yourself. The beard just happens to be this year’s shorthand.
Q: Isn’t this a male-only conversation?
Mostly, yes. But the broader lesson is universal: presence speaks before words. How you show up visually shapes what people expect from you.
Experiment with how you show up because signals matter more than you think.
Use the FAQs above as a compass. Whether you grow the beard or not, choose your image with intention.
In 2025, power isn’t loud. It’s quietly worn on the face.
And the question isn’t can you grow a beard.
It’s: what would it say if you did?
Stephen Bray blends lived experience, hard-won lessons, and a quiet sense of humour to help leaders move forward. Read more here.
© 2025 Stephen Bray. Patterns in life and business, simply told.