What Makes a Neckbeard?

If you’ve been alive the past couple decade or so, chances are you’ve heard the term “neckbeard” used at some point. But what does it mean? In general, there are two meanings:

1. The first and most neutral meaning of the term “neckbeard” is simply a significant amount of beard growth on the neck.
2. The second and more derogatory meaning refers to someone with a significant amount of beard growth on the neck, as well as qualities such as an unkempt appearance, poor hygiene, and obesity, particularly when said person is involved in subcultures like gaming, fantasy, and science fiction.
   1. It should be noted that some people in the broader gaming/sci-fi/fantasy communities may describe themselves as “neckbeards” in order to self-identify with these subcultures or as a form of humor or self-depreciation, whether or not they actually possess the aforementioned qualities. In this case, the term is used to draw a distinction between the qualities of these subculture members and the rest of society.

Origins of the Term

The origin of “neckbeard” as a pejorative term is somewhat murky, but it is widely believed to have gained popularity on internet forums and social media platforms in the early 2000s. The term likely evolved from a literal reference to individuals who neglect grooming, resulting in a beard that grows predominantly on the neck rather than the cheeks and chin. Over time, “neckbeard” became associated with a stereotype that includes not just physical appearance, but also social behavior and specific interests.

At its core, the term “neckbeard” refers to a stereotype associated with a particular subset of men who are characterized by their social awkwardness, obsessive interest in niche hobbies (such as video games, science fiction, or fantasy genres), and a distinct lack of personal hygiene, often epitomized by the growth of facial hair on the neck rather than the face. However, the use of “neckbeard” is more than just a reference to physical appearance. It embodies a set of behaviors and attitudes that are perceived as undesirable or socially inept.

How to Avoid Having a Neckbeard (If that’s Your Goal)

To avoid having a neckbeard, follow these grooming tips:

1. Define Your Neckline: The first step in avoiding a neckbeard is to define where your beard ends and your neck begins. A common guideline is to place two fingers above your Adam’s apple. The top finger marks the bottom of your beard. This helps create a natural-looking neckline.
2. Regular Trimming: Keep your beard trimmed and neat. Use a beard trimmer with a guard to maintain the length and shape of your beard. For the neck area, you might use a lower guard setting or no guard at all to maintain a shorter length than the rest of your beard.
3. Shave the Neck Area: For the area below your defined neckline, use a razor or an electric shaver to keep it clean-shaven. This will prevent the growth of a neckbeard. Make sure to use shaving cream or gel to protect your skin, and follow with an aftershave product to soothe the skin.
4. Skin Care: Take care of the skin under your beard to prevent itchiness and encourage healthy hair growth. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and open up hair follicles. Moisturize your skin with a good quality beard oil or lotion to keep it hydrated.
5. Beard Styling Products: Use beard balms or waxes to style your beard and keep flyaways under control. This will also help in defining the shape of your beard and keeping it looking sharp.
6. Regular Washing: Wash your beard regularly with a beard shampoo to keep it clean and free of food particles and other debris. This will also help reduce itchiness and beard dandruff.
7. Professional Grooming: If you’re unsure about defining your neckline or maintaining your beard, consider visiting a professional barber. They can provide you with a proper beard shaping and give you tips for maintaining it at home.

Remember gents, that the key to avoiding a neckbeard is regular maintenance and defining a clear boundary between your beard and your neck. This is what’s going to help you achieve a well-groomed appearance.

Conclusion

“Neckbeard” is more than just a term describing a style of facial hair; it encapsulates a complex web of cultural stereotypes, societal perceptions, and behaviors. With that being said: Friends. Strangers. My fellow Americans. Let’s not use this term in a derogatory way to bring others down. Instead, let’s refrain from its use, and allow the folks belonging to the gaming, fantasy and sci-fi communities to self-identify with the term as a form of humor.

We’ve also given you some tips on how to get rid of your neckbeard if that’s something you intend to do. But if you want to rock the neckbeard and own the lifestyle, that’s cool too. We’re not here to judge.