The short answer is yes, more popular than ever, with over two-thirds of guys say they have grown facial hair at some point in the last 12 months. Despite the popularity, facial hair is sure to do one thing for you. Make you stand out, but you don't have be afraid of standing out.
There's no denying that facial hair changes a man's look. It'll make most guys look older and along with that, probably a bit wiser and a certain sense of stability or strength. Strangely though, a beard can also make an older gentleman look not younger, but more youthful. Beards are weird like that.
But one of the main byproducts of growing is an increased ability to stand out. Despite the fact that their are trends in beard fashion, every guys beard grows differently and the style you find becomes a much stronger signature for you than your clean shaven face. Whether it's among your peers or a chance to shine in front of a potential partner, facial hair creates a unique look. No one's saying you have to keep it but when you've got your beard the way you want it, people notice. From Keanu to Drake to even David Letterman, when guys find their look they tend to keep it because they inherently understand that it's making them different.
Now, not every guy wants Actor-type attention. But like fashion only a hell of a lot cheaper, facial hair can set you apart and help you create a sense of individuality. Something that's harder and harder to do in a world with over 7 billion living in it. So, good luck and happy growing.