Clean-shaven. Mustachioed. Bearded. When it comes to facial hair there are so many different routes to go, and what’s “en vogue” can quickly change from year to year. Sometimes these trends are influenced by political figures (for better or worse), actors or convenience. Other times the popularity, or lack thereof, of facial hair can be attributed to whether or not women see it as desirable. A recent study in Australia found that when a majority of men are sporting facial hair, women actually prefer those who are clean-shaven!
At present the “lumbersexual” look is all the rage, find out what other trends have swept the nation over the last few hundred years, as well as how they gained and fell out of popularity.
Early 1800s Clean Shaven
1860s Sideburns (Growth: Jawline)
Fun Fact: Originally called “burnsides” after Civil War General Ambrose E. Burnside; the name most likely shifted to take into consideration that the facial hair is located on the side of the face.
1860s Chin Curtain (Growth: Jawline, covers the chin completely)
Fun Fact: Gained popularity due to President Lincoln. Still worn by married Amish men.
Early 1900s Handlebar (Growth: Upper lip, facial hair curls upward)
Fun Fact: President William Howard Taft was the last US president, as of 2015, to have a mustache.
1917-1919
Fun Fact: Peak Mustache Period in US according to a 1976 study by University of Washington economist Dwight E. Robinson.
1930s Toothbrush Mustache (Growth: Upper lip, 3-5 cm of hair in the center)
Fun Fact: Although it had originally appeared as early as the late 1800s, it widely disappeared after WWII, due to Adolf Hitler.
1930s-40s Pencil Mustache (Growth: Upper lip, thin long line)
Fun Fact: Made popular by Rhett Butler in “Gone with the Wind.” Singer Jimmy Buffett has a song called “Pencil Thin Mustache.”
1950s Goatee (Growth: Chin and upper lip)
Fun Fact: Got its name due to the fact that it used to refer to when there was only hair on the center of a man’s chin, thus making him look somewhat like a goat. Donned by jazz and soul musicians, and beatniks.
1970s Horseshoe Mustache (Growth: Upper lip, extends down on either side of mouth)
Fun Fact: Generally associated with bikers and professional wrestlers, particularly Hulk Hogan.
1980s The Chevron (Growth: Upper lip, thick in center and thins to edges)
Fun Fact: Popularized by Magnum P.I. and its star Tom Selleck.
2010s Lumbersexual
Fun Fact: In recent years, finely maintained and coiffed full beards, reminiscent of the lumberjack image of old, have become popular once again. This shift has brought with it the perception that beards are not only masculine, but also attractive.
Whatever facial hair you decide to rock, be sure to use Rugged Riley Beard Oil to help keep follicles moisturized, and Beard Wax to style it just so. Because who wants to walk around with a messed-up chinstrap?
*For informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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