Thin chins straps and painstakingly straight lines aren’t included in the makings of a fine hipster beard. This year, experiment with your facial hair — our quick beard guide below may get you inspired.
The well-groomed werewolf
With long hair and facial hair that could be called unruly, you rock the dishevelled, “I woke up like this” look with pride. But what people don’t know is that it takes effort to get your hair to sit the way you want it to. Like actor Casey Affleck, you pay attention to shape one aspect of your facial hair — in his case, the stache, and you let the rest run wild.
The family man
Like Ryan Ryenolds’s, your beard is tame and well-groomed. It’s full, but still smooth, without looking slick or sleazy, and while your overall appearance is every bit presentable, there’s a certain gruff quality to your facial hair — you don’t mind a bit of growth under your neck, and you’re not aiming for exact symmetry.
The brooding artist
At times somewhat patchy, and at other times thick, your facial hair is a reflection of your mood — which these days, is thoughtful and introspective. You couldn’t care less about what people think of your beard (like Zayn Malik) — that it’s too long or messy, and you will visit the barber whenever you decide to make time for it.
The smooth talker
Overall tidy but with a subtle, shabby touch, beards like Ryan Gosling’s are undeniably sultry. Though it may look effortless, you are particular about your appearance and work regularly to maintain an overall length that’s on the conservative side, rather than letting it get out of hand and messy.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.