equivocality » Blog Archive » Brown Hairs On A Yellow Face

15 Dec 06

Trolley and Aaron can grow beards as I’ve never been able to. It’s always made me a little envious. I’m not one who can have that gruff, distinguished look.

This comes as a strange phenomenon. While my dad could never really develop a full beard, he could quickly grow an all-over scruff. Scruff like it was made of steel wool. Sometimes he’d have to shave twice a day, and he kept an extra electric shaver in the glove compartment just for this purpose.

Apparently, I didn’t inherit this gene.

I did, however, inherit some sort of mutation that turns certain hairs brown. I always thought it was Scottish heritage on Aaron’s part that gave him the orange highlights in his beard. Now I don’t know what it’s due to.

Unfortunately, I can’t show off this mutation, since I have to shave frequently.

When I don’t shave, my sparse facial hair makes me look like I’m still going through puberty and my balls have yet to drop.

10 comments — Follow the feed

#1Bean

I’m an equal fan of scratchy stubble and smooth shaven skin, but no beards. Both can be pretty delightful in their own way That brown hair thing is a bit strange though.

#2Xibee

Facial hair only gets one word from me (being of the opposite gender): Ow.
I know other Chinese folks with pale hairs in their dark beards. I think it’s common for all races to have different color in their beards.

And I know three Chinese people with “crazy hairs” on their head — just a couple on the whole head - white, superthick, and wavy. Two guys I know of pull them out when they find them. I like them. Makes me wonder what genetic fluke they came from, and why several I’ve know have it. They aren’t grey hairs! They’re white, and odd.

#3Jeff

@Bean — I remember rubbing against my dad’s iron stubble when I was young. It always bugged the hell out of me, so I can’t imagine how on earth it can be delightful!

@Xibee — I think longer facial hair is softer, or maybe just less wiry. Unfortunately, mine doesn’t grow past a couple millimeters, so it’s always wiry.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen another Chinese person with pale facial hair, unless it’s white. The part I find strange is that on me it’s not a gradient, it’s duotone; either black or a specific shade of brown. Same thing on my head…it’s either black or white, no greys.

I may have some of these “crazy hairs” though. Sometimes I pluck a white hair for fun, and it’s a totally different texture than black hair. Good to know I’m not the only one.

#4Jason

I met a Chinese guy earlier this year who I swore was in his late 20s… turns out he was in his mid 40s. Ponce de Leon was looking in the wrong place, he should’ve sailed to China! Perpetual youth!

#5Jeff

@Jason — I get that a lot too. Sometimes I’m still carded at pubs. Good thing it’s not movie theatres anymore. It’s really annoying now, but I suppose when I’m 40 it’ll be a good thing. I find it’s pretty common among Chinese people; my relatives related it to drinking a lot of tea and ginseng.

#6Causalien

I am in the exact situation as you. I wish I can go for that rugged hitch hiker look, but I guess we’ll just have to stay with the classy musical composer look. Suit and ties for the rest of our lives.

I have 3 shades, black, brown and outright yellow.

#7Jeff

Hahahhah…I don’t think slender Asian builds suit the rugged look anyway. You’re right about suit and ties though, it’s hard to pull off anything else.

#8Pearl

How about a slim Jim cowboy look?

I guess a lot of different genes make up hair.

#9Jeff

Hahahha…I saw A Fistful Of Dollars on the weekend actually, and Clint Eastwood was looking pretty slim, but he could still pull off the cowboy look with his gruff beard.

#10Kyle

I’m Caucasian with dark brown hair, but just recently I noticed the facial hair (on my chin only) was turning different colors. Now, one third of my hair is golden, one third is red, and one third is black. Perhaps it’s time I shave it off?