Shake Or Shave: Can Bartenders Have Beards?

Fashion trends change drastically from year to year, but one trend that has stuck around for a millennium is beards.

In recent times beards are as popular as ever, with data suggesting that 44 percent of men worldwide today have full beards.

Men with beards may be even seen as more masculine with 65 percent of women actually preferring men with beards.

Maybe it’s time to throw away that razor.

So whether you’re someone with a long and luscious beard who’s considering getting into bartending or you’re a bartender with a beard that’s considering a change in the workplace, it’s important to know how having a beard will affect your career.

That’s why in this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the implications of having facial hair as a bartender and answer the common question: Can bartenders have beards?

So sit back, grab a drink (with or without a beard hair), and let’s dive in…

Can Bartenders Have Beards?

Yes, bartenders can have beards. Whilst the rules around beards may vary depending on the establishment, in most bartending roles there is no issue with employees having beards.

Bartenders who work in establishments that serve food may be required to have a short and clean beard, whilst other high-end establishments may require staff to be clean-shaven.

However, these restrictions are rare, and as self-expression and having a beard become more popular, there as fewer restrictions in the workplace around them.

Bartending is a profession that promotes and accepts self-expression, and one way men choose to express themselves is through having a beard, as well as tattoos and piercings.

In fact, many employers like bartenders to have tattoos and beards as this may fit with the aesthetic of the bar.

The chances are that there will be no issues with having a beard for almost all bartending roles around the world, but it’s best to check with the employer during the hiring process to find out their policies around facial hair.

>> Read more: Can bartenders have long nails?

Are Beards Considered Unprofessional?

Whilst having a beard may have been viewed by some employers as unprofessional in the past, that perception has changed significantly in recent years.

Beards were once viewed as “scruffy” or “unprofessional” in the workplace and many employers would be put off by a candidate having a beard.

However, a recent survey of 500 men found 90 percent were allowed to have facial hair at work, as long as it was kept clean and neat.

Beards are no longer viewed as unprofessional and are accepted in a wide range of professions, with many doctors, lawyers, engineers, and CEOs having beards.

In fact, beards are now seen as cool and in trend, with many men putting a lot of effort into how they groom and style their beards.

I believe it’s still important to keep in mind the type of beard you have as well as the establishment you work in, for example, if you work in a restaurant that serves food, it may not be the best idea to have a long free-flowing beard for hygiene reasons.

Does Having A Beard Affect Getting A Bartending Job?

No, having a beard will not affect your chances of securing a bartending job, however, I would advise grooming your beard before an interview and ensuring that you look your best.

Your skillset, attitude, and experience are going to be the key components in getting a bartending job, but it’s important to be clean and present yourself professionally too.

But personal appearance and cleanliness are going to play a role in securing a bartending job as you’re the first point of contact for the establishment’s customers so they want you to be looking smart and clean.

If you turn up to an interview with an ungroomed beard, long nose hairs, and generally smelling like you’ve just crawled out of a dumpster then there is no doubt you’ll be rejected.

Consider the establishment’s policies around grooming before the interview to give yourself the best chance of success.

All beards are different, but I would be lying if I said that some beards didn’t look unclean or gross.

If you do have a Gandalf the grey type beard, be sure that it’s neat and tidy before your interview.

Groom your beard, wear smart clothes, and smell nice to win some points during a bartending interview.

>> Read more: Can bartenders have piercings?

More On Beards In Bartending

Most bars and alcohol-serving establishments have relaxed policies around dress codes and grooming standards to allow their employees to express themselves however they choose.

This is why in many bars around the world you’ll find bartenders with beards, tattoos, piercings, and all sorts of modifications.

The role of a bartender is sometimes seen as a bit of an edgy one, and some establishments prefer their bartenders to have tattoos and beards.

For example, rock and indie bars may not have any concerns about how their bartenders express themselves as it may fit with the bar’s style/vibe.

Whereas high-end cocktail bars in the likes of New York may have reservations about staff having long and ungroomed beards.

Ultimately, it’s going to depend on the style of beard and the establishment as to whether bartenders can have beards, so it’s wise to keep this in mind before applying for bartending roles in certain establishments.

Wrapping Up

Yes, for the most part, bartenders can have beards and most establishments have relatively relaxed policies around dress codes and grooming standards.

Whilst there may be some bars that prefer their staff to have a short and groomed beard, this is becoming outdated as the trend of beards continues to grow.

If establishments were strict in taking into consideration whether or not a candidate has a beard or not, they would be missing out on some incredible bartenders.

So if you’re considering growing a beard or already have one and want to get into the industry, go for it, there is nothing holding you back!

Just be sure that you present yourself as best you can to give yourself the highest chances of success when it comes to securing a bartending role.