Goatee

Paul Wall

Skeletal easter island statue

Arnold Böcklin Faun e Amsel zupfeifend (1)

Henry M. Hoyt cropped

Thomas Settle judge - Brady-Handy

Goatee refers to a style of facial hair that includes hair on a man's chin but not on the cheeks. The term itself is derived from the appearance of a goat, which typically has a similar style of hair on its chin. The goatee has been a popular facial hair style throughout various periods in history, often associated with different cultural and social significances.

History

The goatee has seen fluctuating popularity over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was common for men in Europe to have full beards. However, during the Renaissance, the goatee became more popular as a distinct style, often associated with artists and intellectuals. This association continued into the 19th century, where the goatee was often seen as a symbol of bohemian lifestyle.

In the 20th century, the goatee went through periods of popularity, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s with the beatnik culture, and again in the 1990s among musicians and athletes. Each resurgence often brought slight variations to the style, sometimes combining the goatee with a mustache or extending the width of the chin hair.

Styles

There are several variations of the goatee, including:

• Pure Goatee - Only hair on the chin, without a mustache.
• Full Goatee - A combination of a mustache and a goatee that forms a circle around the mouth.
• Van Dyke - A style where the mustache and goatee are not connected, with the cheeks kept clean-shaven.

Cultural Significance

The goatee has been associated with various cultural and social groups. In the 19th century, it was often seen as a mark of the intellectual or the artist. In modern times, it has been adopted by a wide range of people, from celebrities to the average person, often as a statement of individuality or fashion.

Grooming

Maintaining a goatee requires regular grooming to keep the desired shape and length. This includes trimming the hair, shaving the cheeks and neck, and sometimes using products like beard oil to keep the hair soft and manageable.

In Popular Culture

The goatee has been featured prominently in popular culture, often used to signify a character's rebelliousness, wisdom, or sometimes villainy. It has been sported by characters in films, television shows, and comic books, further cementing its place as a recognizable and versatile facial hair style.