Dihydrotestosterone is produced from testosterone, the levels of which vary with season. Dihydrotestosterone also promotes balding. Beard growth is linked to stimulation of hair follicles in the area by dihydrotestosterone, which continues to affect beard growth after puberty. 5.1.3 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.4.3 From the Renaissance to the present day.In countries with colder climates, beards help protect the wearer's face from the elements.
In cultures where facial hair is uncommon (or currently out of fashion), beards may be associated with poor hygiene or an unconventional demeanor. Other cultures, even while not officially mandating it, view a beard as central to a man's virility, exemplifying such virtues as wisdom, strength, sexual prowess and high social status. Some religions (such as Islam and Sikhism) have considered a full beard to be essential and mandate it as part of their observance. Throughout the course of history, societal attitudes toward male beards have varied widely depending on factors such as prevailing cultural-religious traditions and the current era's fashion trends.
Some women with hirsutism, a hormonal condition of excessive hairiness, may develop a beard. In humans, usually pubescent or adult males are able to grow beards. A beard is the hair that grows on the jaw, chin, upper lip, lower lip, cheeks, and neck of humans and some non-human animals.