Episode 4 - Beard History

Archaeologists have found evidence that men started to remove their beards as early as 100,000 BC. In order to remove facial hair they would use two sea shells, clasp them together to grip the hair, and then pull, ripping the hair out. The first razors were discovered by archaeologists to date back to 30,000 BC, and were made of flint.

3000 B.C. To 1580 B.C. - The earliest records indicate that the highest ranking Egyptians grew hair on their chins. They frizzed, dyed, and sometimes plaited the beard with interwoven gold thread. Later, a metal false beard, which was a sign of sovereignty, was worn by queens as well as kings. This was held in place by a ribbon tied over the head and attached to a gold chin strap.

Mesopotamian civilizations devoted great care to oiling and dressing their beards, using tongs or curling irons to create elaborate ringlets and frizzles, in a tiered effect. (more on the podcast)