It's close. I started wearing a beard when I was 16, and I could grow a full one (minus the moustache, which grew in a year or two later). I look kind of Amish for a while. The kilt came when I was 19.

One thing the beard is essential for, in terms of Highland dress for me, is I need to have one in order to wear the bonnet. I think I look as goofy in a bonnet without the whiskers. I think it's the lack of a bill--I wear the flat cap no matter what.

Either way, both very manly.