Are Beards Part of Your Uniform?

A friend posted something on Facebook the other day saying she was sick of seeing bartenders who look like Chewbacca. With flowing, bushy beards very much in style today, it may seem as if no one would have a problem with facial hair but whiskers of any length are still persona non grata in a number of places.
So what does facial hair have to do with uniforms…well there is uniformity to how people expect their employees to look. In addition to how they are outfitted, many employers also have specific guidelines regulating jewelry, perfumes and facial hair as well. This is perfectly legal unless someone has a medical condition or religious conviction that prevents them from shaving.
Starting in the most obvious place, none of the branches of US military allow facial hair with the exception a shortly cropped mustache that does not extend beyond the upper lip. Sideburns are allowed so long as they are trim, tapered and of even width. Of course one reason why the military has this policy is to ensure that everyone looks pretty much the same. There are also practical reasons as well such as the need to wear a gas mask in certain combat situations with ease.
However, if you take a look at photographs from the Civil War, it is clear that this was not always military policy as Ulysses Grant, Stonewall Jackson and co. could easily walk around the streets of present day Williamsburg without sticking out (too much).
A lot of sports teams also frown upon facial hair. When George Steinbrenner took over the Yankees he banned facial hair other than mustaches because he felt it looked more professional to be cleanly shaven. On the other hand, the Boston Red Sox prided themselves on unruly beards last year and they went on to win a world series. What could be more professional than that?
So, even though facial hair of any length may seem like it is perfectly acceptable, there are still a number of industries that are not fans. And, since beards especially have become so popular, I wonder if more businesses will feel the need to specifically mention facial hair policy as part of their dress and uniform code. It will be interesting to see.