Six strange beard laws

Today, most beardsmen sport their whiskers for personal style. Some must follow workplace facial-hair rules, while others maintain beards as part of religious practice. Very few of us ever have to consider the law when it comes to beards. That’s why these unusual beard-related laws and rules stand out!

In Russia, Peter the Great Imposed a Beard Tax

Peter the Great is credited with modernizing Russia, restructuring the economy, military, and government. During his travels through Western Europe—disguised as Sergeant Pyotr Mikhaylov—he found that clean-shaven faces were the height of modern style. Wanting Russia to emulate the West, he began shaving the beards of men at his welcome-home party and even ordered authorities to forcibly shave any bearded men they saw.

The public rebelled, and the Russian Orthodox Church argued against the ban. Peter eventually relented, allowing men to keep their beards if they paid a tax. Those who paid received an official “beard token.” Today, of course, Russian men are free to sport their magnificent manes without consequence.

Henry VIII Imposed a Beard Tax — Allegedly

Henry VIII is known for many things—divorce, cruelty, and founding his own church—but he is also tied to the legend of a beard tax. Although historians say there's no solid evidence it truly existed, the tale persists.

Henry allegedly taxed beards according to social status: the higher your position, the more you paid, making beards a symbol of wealth. Some accounts claim his daughter, Elizabeth I, reinstated the tax, payable after two weeks of growth. Whether true or not, we’re glad beard taxes are not part of modern society.

Fines for Yanking Another Man’s Beard

During Elizabeth I’s reign, pulling another man’s beard was considered a serious insult—and apparently common enough that a fine of two shillings was implemented for “tweaking” someone’s beard. Thankfully, society has progressed past the days of beard-pulling penalties.

Tajikistan Won’t Issue Passports to Bearded Men

Tajikistan has linked beards to extremism and discourages facial hair through strict policies. Reports state that only men over age 60 may obtain a passport while wearing a beard. Younger men seeking passports are told to return clean-shaven.

This has created issues for Muslim men needing passports for the pilgrimage to Mecca. In 2011, a well-known soccer player even left the country after he was barred from competition due to his beard. Some reports claim police forcibly shave bearded men, making Tajikistan one of the least beard-friendly nations today.

Uzbekistan Forcibly Shaves Men With Beards

Although no written law explicitly bans beards in Uzbekistan, the government reportedly views facial hair as a national-security threat due to its association with extremism. Many men report being detained and forcibly shaved in large groups. Sadly, this is not ancient history—this is happening today.

The Roman Church Banned Beards in 1031

In the eleventh century, beards became a point of conflict within Christianity. Some factions argued that beards were immodest; others insisted they were part of God’s intended image. Various councils issued rulings requiring clergy to remain clean-shaven.

These disputes contributed to the growing divide between the Eastern and Western Christian churches — an astonishing amount of turmoil over facial hair!

History is full of beard-related rules and restrictions. So the next time you're pampering your whiskers with Kingsmen Premium products , take a moment to appreciate the freedom your mane enjoys today.