This was a very popular tradition throughout much of what is now the United States and parts of Canada. People would have all hair on their face (or even body) plucked or singed to get that refined look. Hairy faces were considered ugly, barbaric and beastly ?" imagine the culture shock when a bunch of hairy people showed up! There are some natives that physically have problems growing out facial hair. Sometimes it's genetic, sometimes it has to do with diet and lifestyle. There's plenty of natives today that let their faces grow out a bit and wear them quite well ?" many 'full-blooded' if you suspect European ancestry has anything to do with it! You'll also find many vintage photos of Indians with facial hair; most in western North America and along the coast. When the Spanish came across the Southern Paiute, they found that some men sported beards as thick as some of their own.