Douglas Friedman, photographer

What kind of facial hair do you have right now, and how long have you had it?
"I keep a mustache and have kept it since 1998, so almost 15 years."

What do you love about facial hair?
"I'm not sure that I feel 'love' for facial hair, but it's something that I can't imagine not having — I have become so used to it, I'm not sure I would recognize my face without it."

What made you decide to grow yours?
"I had just come off a six-week trek in the Himalayas and I looked mighty rough. When I finally got near a hot bath and a razor at a spa in Bangkok, I asked the barber to leave in the mustache. I figured I would shave it off the next day, but it's never been shaved off."

What are the challenges of having facial hair? What are some of the perks?
"It's just a mustache, so it doesn't pose too many challenges. Perhaps keeping food off of it. And there are so many perks...most of which are inappropriate to print."

What's your least favorite thing about facial hair?
"Facial hair is a personal matter, but it becomes a problem when people don't know when they have too much or when they don't know that they don't have enough. But, my least favorite thing about facial hair is a goatee. Period!"

What are the grooming essentials you need to keep your facial hair looking fly?
"This mustache is low-maintenance. I give it the occasional trim with a pair of scissors — snip-snip and it's done. I figure the moisturizer I use — Dr. Brandt Pores No More Moisture —  is great for my skin and facial hair."

Any advice for someone looking to grow out their facial hair?
"Not everyone looks good with facial hair — it's the luck of the draw. I look terrible with a beard, so I know not to grow one. I suggest growing it all out and experimenting. You will figure out fairly quickly what works ('You look like a '70s porn star') and what doesn't work ('What's that on your face?').

Photo: Courtesy of Douglas Friedman