[RKDinOKC]

I got past the itchy part in my 20's and have had a beard ever since.

Until the use of gas masks in WWI most men had facial hair. Just look at old pictures. The military required a clean shaven face so gas masks would seal. With the introduction of the safety razor, the public took up this look to support the military. That is also why facial hair became a symbol of rebellion. Just look at the anti war bearded hippy thing. This facial hair stigma has taken a very long time to die out, literally with the generation of WWII veterans.

It was very common for men to only go to the barbershop just once a week to get a shave. Typically on a Saturday.
Also, bathing once a day only started in the late 70's. Until then it was once a week at most, also on Saturday.

Such that it is, a reality show has made facial hair once again more socially acceptable.

It is not uncommon when I'm out in public and have womans I don't even know tell me they like my beard.
Only one person in the IT department where I work does not have a beard, and he shaves everything except his eyebrows.
There are no womens working in the IT department. There was a time when I was the only person in IT with a beard. This has only changed in the last 3 years.