Connect with execs from The New York Times, TIME, Dotdash Meredith and many more

Facial hair has come back in a big way over the past few years. Mustaches aren’t necessarily for pedophiles or ’70s porn stars, and beards aren’t just for lumberjack types or fishermen, but sporting different facial hair styles definitely says something about you and your vibe.
Just as you might identify a dog breed by certain characteristics, facial hair can be used to identify certain characters in the agency world. Here is a general guide to facial hair and who in an agency you can expect to be sporting what kind.
The Ironic Mustache: Creative at a hot agency. This is a must-have to establish your credibility as a cultural savant, but also as kind of a douche.
The Non-Ironic Mustache: Direct marketing. It’s a no-nonsense statement that you’re about results. It screams CPA.
The Goatee: IT. You’re not shy about wearing your phone on your belt. Sure, it’s an early ’90s look, but at least you’re tucking your t-shirt into your jeans.
The Close-Trimmed Beard: Sales. You’re a put-together man. Everything is just so. ABC: Always be closing. This is a man who can kiss babies and pet dogs at the same time.
The Unkempt Beard: Digital creative. It’s a bit cliche, but it beats shaving every day.
Image via Shutterstock
More in Marketing

Generative AI sparks brand safety concerns marketers know all too well
Despite concerns around brand misuse and IP, most marketers are sticking to traditional strategies.

‘Production is a big topic right now’: With AI moving beyond media, Publicis turns toward creative
The holdco is positioning AI as core infrastructure for ad production not just media buys.

Instagram offers a new guide to advertisers to convince them to try out its creator marketplace
The 26-page document aims to make the whole process quick and painless.