Tom wore a fake beard during numerous encounters with the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 to help perpetuate the illusion that he and the Others lived an austere and primitive life in the jungle. The first instance was when he and three Others intercepted Michael, Jin, and Sawyer on the raft and demanded they hand over Walt. (Exodus - Part 2) Later, when Tom and the Others met with Jack, Locke and Sawyer in the middle of the jungle, he again wore the beard. (The Hunting Party)