All posts by Steven Wilson

beard life

What bearded men should know about boots

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Your beard enhances your manly appearance.  It’s a part of you.  Your decision to grow your beard, how much you let it grow, and how you style and maintain it are all reflections of your own unique, masculine style. Your beard choices shouldn’t be dictated by the whims of fashion trends.

Fashion, however, influences your wardrobe, which further defines your personal style.  Your footwear choices are a key part of enhancing your masculine image.  Men’s boots are rugged and made for men.  The right boots add a manly accent to your overall appearance.  Let’s look at some of the major types of men’s boots and even consider how your beard and your boots may complement one another.

Table of contents

Bearded men and boots: beard, cowboy hat, jeans and boots and you're ready to to go!
Beard, cowboy hat, western shirt, jeans, and boots: you’re ready to to go! Beard: Vicente. Location: Texas! Click on image to view larger.

Chelsea boots

Chelsea boots are a popular type that straddle the line between casual and formal.  They are a good choice for any man’s footwear collection.  These slip-on boots are easy to put on and take off.  There’s no fumbling around with laces.

Chelseas are sleek and stylish.  And they are known for being comfortable.  With elastic sides and no laces, Chelseas put your feet under less pressure.  With respect to style, some Chelseas have a more formal look while other offerings are more casual.  Chelsea boots are perfect for the “business casual” look.

While leaning a bit towards the casual, Chelsea boots may be considered to be a little on the dressy side.  A short, neatly-groomed beard would definitely work well with Chelsea boots.  You could also pull off a classy look with a bigger beard that’s immaculately groomed.

Chukka boots

Chukka boots are beautiful and simple in their design. They’re often called “desert boots”, which are a type of chukka with crepe soles and suede uppers. Other types of classic chukka boots are sturdier than the desert variety.

If you’re just starting to build your boot collection, chukkas are a great first choice. Options you’ll find will likely include classy, black leather chukkas.  A better first choice, however, might be a more flexible casual gray or light brown suede chukka.

When you’re ready to move up to a more formal chukka, a good choice might be a light brown leather boot. It’s bright and elegant without being too formal.

Which beard choices work best with chukka boots?  Pretty much whichever beard style works well for you should go well with chukkas.  As always, make sure that you keep your beard maintained and styled in top condition.

Oxford boots

Oxfords are instantly recognizable classics. You can’t go wrong by adding a pair of Oxford boots to your collection.  Oxford boots, especially black leather Oxfords, have a classy appearance that will serve you well for any formal occasion.

Black leather Oxfords are a top choice for versatile formal footwear.  They go well with just about any suit that you might have.  When you expand your boot collection, you might consider adding a pair of brown Oxford boots, which work well with a variety of men’s suits.  The brown Oxfords even pair really well with a ginger beard.

When you wear Oxford boots for formal occasions, you’re going for that classy, elegant look.  That means that your beard should look classy and elegant as well.  Keep your beard in top form by having it neatly trimmed and perfectly groomed without even a hair out of place!

Work boots

Work boots are intended for safety, comfort, and durability.  Quality work boots will have a sturdy build.  This ensures that the work boots will be long lasting.  When men are putting in long hours of hard work, a comfortable pair of well-constructed work boots can’t be beat.

Their tough, masculine look makes work boots a perfect choice outside of work when you’re going casual and want to present a confident, rugged appearance.  Work boots look great with jeans and casual shirts.  What kind of beard works well with work boots?  Just about any beard that you can bring!

Hiking boots

As a bearded man, you’ve probably got your adventurous side.  When you want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, some good hiking boots are just what you need.

Depending on just how adventurous your hiking may be, you’ll have your choice between boots designed for day hiking or backpacking.  Day hiking boots are better for more casual hiking or even just ordinary walking.  Backpacking boots are heavier duty and are intended for use on longer, more challenging, and strenuous hikes.

Hiking boots should provide good traction and have sturdy soles for foot comfort. Ankle support is important as is water resistance.  And hiking boots should be lightweight to make it easier for you to cover long distances.  Any good-quality day hiking boot should incorporate all these features and more.  You want the traction to avoid slips and falls.  And the water resistance always comes in handy because you’ll inevitably have to trek through wet zones such as mud, puddles, and streams.  Or you may get caught in an unexpected downpour.

Pick up a good pair of hiking boots and get yourself and your beard outdoors exploring nature.  I mean, what could be more natural than a man growing his beard?  Hiking boots go well with any type of beard, from the shortest to the biggest and bushiest.  Grow your beard and take a hike! 

Cowboy boots

Cowboy boots are a great choice whether you’re putting in long hours of hard work on the farm or ranch, going horseback riding, or stepping out for a night on the town.  These versatile boots are comfortable, practical, and stylish.  Cowboy boots can be plain and simple or spectacular works of art.  There’s a cowboy boot to suit just about any bearded man’s style preferences.

You can choose a cowboy boot that’s tough enough for work or one that makes a masculine fashion statement to fit your image.  You can even find cowboy boots that are great for work and are stylish as well.  There are so many choices, you may find it hard to pick out a pair.  Browse around and see what catches your eye.  And don’t hesitate to consult your retailer for assistance with choosing a cowboy boot and making sure that you get a pair that fits properly.

Any beard from the full range of beard styles will work well with cowboy boots.  And don’t forget your cowboy hat, pardner!

Bearded men and boots: with your beard and the right boots you're set for a night out anywhere.
Steppin’ out in cowboy boots at night. Beard: Vicente. Click on image to view larger.

Boots for the bearded

Boots are an important part of any bearded man’s wardrobe.  Key points to remember when buying boots include:

  • Be sure that the boot type is right for your intended purpose.
  • Invest in well-built boots that will serve you well for a long time.
  • Make sure that the boots fit you properly.

Your feet will thank you for choosing quality boots that fit well and are comfortable.

Ranging from casual to formal, you can find great boots that enhance your masculine image and go well with your beard. Start building your boot collection today!

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All About BEARDS: Going Green for Saint Patrick’s Day

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All About BEARDS: Going Green! Happy Saint Patrick's Day 2022! Beard: Chris.
All About BEARDS has gone green for Saint Patrick. Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2022! Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May you celebrate and enjoy great times with family and friends! Be sure to wear some green. Are you bold enough to temporarily color your beard green?

As always, I wish you all the best, especially in your beard-growing endeavors. And I appreciate all you loyal beard fans out there. May you benefit from plenty of Irish luck and more.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day safely!

about beards.org

All About BEARDS For Twenty-six Years

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I’ve promoted beards on this site for twenty-six years now. Somebody had to do it.

Why create a website in 1996 to promote beards?

Twenty-six years ago today, All About BEARDS appeared on the web for the first time. I created the site to spread the word that beards are all right. And I wanted to encourage and help men everywhere to grow their beards. It had to be done. I’m glad that I did it.

Beards are more than all right. Beards are great. Beards can be awesome. There is something special about beards. And men should be free to grow their beards as they please. Short or long, big or small, you should be able to grow the beard that you want without fear.

All About BEARDS for twenty-six years, beard image 2: Richard
You just can’t beat the look of a beard.

Well-maintained beards are worthy of respect, appreciation, and even admiration. I wrote “well-maintained” to exclude sloppy, dirty, unkempt beards because many may argue that it’s a stretch to respect beards kept in lousy condition. That’s a justifiable point to make. Take pride in your beard and its grooming. That’s a beard worthy of respect!

You are not alone.

Interested in learning about beards and how to grow a beard? Could you use some inspiration to help with your decision to grow your beard? There are plenty of resources for you today. In 1996, it was a different world. Those interested in growing beards were much more isolated and had only scarce beard resources available to them online.

I created All About BEARDS to say that it’s all right to be interested in beard growing and how to do it. I wanted to educate you about beards and growing a beard. I wanted to inspire you to grow your beard and encourage other men to grow their beards. I wanted to support your beard-growing efforts with helpful information.

Growing better beards worldwide since 1996.

All About BEARDS

There are people who are against beards.

There was also a need to speak out against widespread, well-established anti-beard bias. So the fledgling site included that as part of the pro-beard mission. Taking on anti-beard bias required more than just talk. I had to challenge people to rethink their automatic bias against beards. I wanted to persuade them to give beards a chance and stop rejecting them. I did this in the hope of putting them on a path to stop hating beards and towards eventually liking them.

All About BEARDS for twenty-six years, beard image 3: Richard
Don’t over-analyze it. Grow it! Your beard could be awesome!

Another way to combat anti-beard bias was to encourage beard-growers to reject it. Beard growers should not silently accept outright anti-beard bias. They should reject it, politely. Stand up for your beard!

Thoughtful engagement could help erode someone’s anti-beard bias. Question the legitimacy of the anti-beard complaint. Explain why you should have the freedom to grow your beard. Having a respectful conversation may not win them over to the pro-beard side immediately. But it could plant the seed that may lead to their eventually coming around.

There is still anti-beard bias out there. Let’s keep it on the decline.

We need more beard growers!

The more beards there are, the more people get used to seeing them around. The more people see beards commonly around, the more they get used to seeing beards. And as they get more used to seeing beards all around, the more they accept beards. They see that beards are a normal and natural part of life. They see that beards are not going away.

Beard acceptance diminishes anti-beard bias.

Grow your beard. Now.

Do your part to advance beard freedom. Join the bearded brotherhood.

All About BEARDS for twenty-six years, beard image 4: Richard
Now is the best time to grow your beard. All About BEARDS has been promoting beards for twenty-six years already. Get growing!

All About BEARDS continues its original mission today:

  • to promote beards
  • to educate about all aspects of beards
  • to reduce anti-beard bias
  • to increase beard acceptance
  • to support, encourage, and inspire men around the world to grow their best beards ever

If you haven’t grown your beard, wait no longer. Visit our tried-and-true guide on how to grow a beard and start growing today!

Thank you for growing your beard.

To all you beard growers of the world, thank you!

I’ve always had a calling to promote beards. In 1996, I had to create All About BEARDS to promote beards and help other beard growers and would-be beard growers. I am happy that I did it. The friends, supporters, beard growers, and beard fans I’ve met along the way have been a blessing. I thank you all.

Now keep growing your beards and encouraging others to grow theirs!

about beards.org

Happy New Year 2022 to you, your beard, and your family and friends!

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Is optimism for each new year overrated? It can get discouraging to start out each year with high hopes and enthusiasm only to end those years in disappointment. Our optimism for all the great possibilities of a new year can get steamrolled by heavy doses of real life as the year goes along. It’s not surprising that the abundant optimism present on the first of January wanes as we proceed through the year.

Yet, at the start of each new year we are accustomed to being full of optimism, even if the previous year or two or even more fell far short of what we had hoped. But that doesn’t mean that we may as well give up or lose hope.

Chris, Happy New Year beard 2022, image 002
‘Tis the season to wish you, your beard, and your friends and family a Happy New Year 2022!

Every day of the year is an opportunity to improve, to step up and do better. Don’t abandon your optimism. Hold on to it. Keep it in mind as you start each day. Make it a habit to do something positive every day. That includes doing something for others. Even small positive things performed regularly throughout the year can produce big changes for the better.

And everything’s better if you’re growing a beard that makes you happy, a beard that makes you feel good about yourself. That’s something to appreciate every day of the year.

Yes, 2020 and 2021 were tough and disappointing for too many people all over the world. But don’t lose hope. Believe in a brighter future. Doing something positive every day moves you along the path to a better future.

And grow your beard! Happy New Year 2022!

growing a beard

How has your beard-growing been going?

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Did you start growing a new beard for No-Shave November? Today’s the last day of November. Now what are you going to do? Will you be all set to shave off your new beard growth at the stroke of midnight at the end of November 30th? There are men who do that. Don’t be one of them!

How has your beard-growing been going? Beard: John.
Don’t pick up that razor just because No-Shave November comes to an end. Keep your beard-growing going!

Whether it’s at the end of No-Shave November or any other time of year when you’ve freshly produced three or four weeks of new beard growth, it’s a great time to contemplate what you’ve achieved.

Look back on what your new beard-growing experience has been like. Recall the times when you may have doubted your beard-growing commitment and almost ran for the razor, but didn’t. Consider the change in your appearance and how you feel about it. Think about how differently you see yourself now. And think about how differently others now see you. Think about the comments, compliments, and criticisms your new beard provoked and how you dealt with them. Think about the whole experience and how you’ve changed.

You’ve been through a lot in a short time, you and your beard. Why even think of stopping now? Keep your beard-growing going and the best is yet to come. Make a commitment to stay with your beard.

At three or four weeks, some will have beards that already look well established. Others will need more time for their beards to fill in better. Whatever the case, keeping the growing going will help you realize the full potential of your beard.

How has your beard-growing been going? Beard: John, image 3.
You can’t beat the feeling of having a great beard! Keep your beard growing! You’ll be glad that you did.

Now is the time to press onward and continue your new beard growth. If you give up now after three or four weeks of growing, all your beard progress will be wiped out. It will take you another three or four weeks just to get back to where you are now if you were to decide to start a new beard again. Take advantage of what you’ve already achieved to grow your beard to new levels. Don’t deny yourself this opportunity.

Keep your beard-growing going!

growing a beard

Your Guide to No-Shave November

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As November begins, it’s that time of year to remind men to participate in No-Shave November. This movement brings the importance of men’s health to the forefront as men are encouraged to grow out their facial hair in support of men struggling with cancer.

No-Shave November serves as a platform for men to drop their razors and let their hair grow. The movement aims to trigger conversations and raise cancer awareness. Does it sound like a movement you can get behind? Join No-Shave November to officially be a part of it and raise money for men’s health charities. However, you can participate in a number of ways! Read on for your definitive guide on all things you need to make the most of this hairy month!

Let Your Beard and Hair Go and Grow

Let it go and grow. Seriously. Close your bathroom drawer, leave it that way for the month, even toss out those razor blades! (Why go back to shaving after November?!) No-Shave November is meant to be a month in which you fully embrace hair growth for a cause. Nearly 65% of cancer patients lose hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Your longer hair and budding facial hair is a sign that you stand with those men struggling with cancer-related hair loss. However, never fear, it’s okay to trim your hair or tame your new beard if you have to for your job. Maybe see how far you can push the envelope.

Beard: Chris
Let your beard and hair grow for No-Shave November. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

You may be wondering how you can participate if you’re a man who struggles with natural hair loss, thinning, or balding. No need to fear! Applying a topical hair loss treatment can help you grow back head hair over time and give you a stronger head of hair. While the hair on your head grows back, don’t forget to also focus on growing your beard by following our guide on how to do it right! Even in the early stages of growth, using a beard oil will help maintain hygiene, soothe your skin, and give your beard a lush look along with a fresh scent.

Start a Conversation

A major part of No-Shave November is being an advocate for the cause. Be sure to know your stuff and read up on statistics surrounding men’s cancer. Being able to participate by growing out your hair is a great start. But when people ask you why and you’re able to share some valuable stats, your role becomes that much bigger.

Your guide to No-Shave November. Beard: Chris
Start a No-Shave November conversation. Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

You may wonder why there aren’t ongoing conversations already on the topic of men’s health. A major reason for this is that men traditionally talk less about their health than women. By growing out your hair, you naturally make people curious as to what you’re doing. A primary goal of No-Shave November is not only to raise money for treatment, but also to get people talking on the topic.

Donate

Finally, one of the biggest impacts you can make is to donate. Get a team of men together to participate in the month-long journey. Donate at least the amount of money you would normally spend in November on shaving products or trips to the barbershop. The funds you raise go directly to cancer research and to help educate men as they navigate their personal battles. No-Shave November benefits a number of foundations that specialize in men’s cancer issues.

Guide to No-Shave November, beard image 4: Chris
Donate! Beard: Chris. Click on image to view larger.

As the month comes to a close, you may consider shaving your new beard or longer hairdo. Well, don’t consider shaving the beard! But whether you decide to cut back on your new quantity of hair or let it continue to grow, you’ve made an impact either way! Despite November coming to an end, everything you’ve worked to promote and advocate for does not. Men’s health and cancer-related health issues are a year-round cause you should continue supporting. Keep up on health statistics, lend an ear to friends who want to talk and visit a healthcare professional for screenings.

Now start growing. It’s No-Shave November!

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Get your beard-growing going: No-Shave November 2021

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Make 2021’s No-Shave November a No-Shave November to remember.

2020 and 2021 have been rough, or worse, for nearly everyone. They haven’t been full of the best times and happiest memories. Maybe we’d like to just forget about these two years altogether.

When times are bad we just have to do our best and make the most of it.

So why not use the opportunity of No-Shave November to get your beard-growing going and grow your beard? This especially applies to you guys who have never grown your beards before. Wait no more. Make your move and start growing.

Take a stand and get your beard-growing going: No-shave November 2021.
Take a stand and get your beard-growing going. Make No-shave November 2021 the one to remember. Now’s your time to be the man you were meant to be: a bearded man! Click on image to view larger.

Even if the rest of 2021 so far hasn’t been the greatest, you can finish it off with a beard-growing adventure starting right now in November and continuing through December and beyond.

At the very least, you can still experience the joy of growing a new beard in 2021. And that will definitely be something to remember…and to keep and cherish for years to come! Come on now, let’s grow!

beard life, beard success stories

From teen beard to year beard!

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Michael was just a youngster when he first appeared on All About BEARDS as a teenage beard grower. Over the years, Michael has remained firmly committed to the beard, especially the full beard. Throughout the bearded period of his life, Michael has regularly supplied photo updates, documenting his beard journey here on All About BEARDS.

In 2021, Michael achieved two significant beard milestones. First, he started off the year by hitting the mark of being bearded for half of his life. Today he’s been bearded longer than he was beardless. Now his “beard time” keeps getting longer while his beardless time remains fixed.

In the months leading up to this first 2021 milestone, Michael had another beard achievement in the works. Starting on July first of 2020, Michael began to let his full beard grow freely without trimming for the first time ever. His goal was to achieve a year’s worth of unrestrained beard growth, informally known as a “yeard”. Michael reached his “yeard” goal on July 1, 2021.

Scroll down to read more about Michael’s beard story and his two major beard-growing achievements in 2021. All photos appear courtesy of Michael.

Michael: from teen beard to year beard!
Michael started out as a teenage beard grower. He’s remained a dedicated full-time beard grower ever since. And this month he has completed his first year-beard or “yeard” growing achievement.

Early this year your birthday marked a milestone of being bearded now for half your life. How do you feel about achieving such a long time of being bearded?

Yes, this year is a true milestone in my beard growing “career”. Though I rarely think of it as one, I suppose that it is somewhat of an achievement to stay persistent and consistent for such a time period, never giving up, and staying on the chosen path. All in all, it feels great and I will definitely keep going.

Did you have a special celebration to mark the occasion?

No, I did not. Not being the extroverted type, I rarely celebrate personal events. And with the recent year being quite rough, I did not have any special celebrations of the occasion.

When you started growing your beard as a teenager did you ever expect that you would stay bearded for such a long time?

I never thought of it that long term, or to be frank, at all. But I am quite glad it came out like this.

What was it that kept you choosing to stay bearded all along the way?

Since day one, the beard felt as I believe it should feel for a man — as a natural and integral part of me, of one’s look, feel, and essence as a man. This, what has always kept me going, is that authentic feeling of my bearded self. I cannot imagine myself in any other way.

Michael's beard in August 2020
Michael started his “year beard” or “yeard” with his pre-existing beard. He simply decided to let the existing beard grow unrestrained and untrimmed for at least one year. Here you see his beard in late August 2020, nearly two months into the process.

What prompted you to go for the year beard, aka “yeard”?

Firstly, the name is awesome, I must say. And I was not aware of it being a “formal” thing in our community. Secondly, regarding the yeard itself, it came naturally along the way. I used to trim the beard a little, once every few weeks. But last summer and autumn were quite busy for me with various occurrences. So I just missed one trim, then another, and then one more… And I saw that it was good. So about three-to-four months in, I just kept going until making a conscious decision to continue doing so.

Michael's beard in late September 2020.
By late September 2020, Michael’s beard had reached this size.

Your year-beard policy has been to let your beard grow unrestrained, without any trimming whatsoever, except for the mustache. How do you like having your beard so much bigger and longer now?

I like it very much! Having the beard fuller, longer, thicker, and pretty much unrestrained gives one a great sense of freedom. I love both how it feels and looks.

Michael's beard in early October 2020.
This is was the state of Michael’s growing beard in early October 2020.

Has anything surprised you about the bigger beard experience?

I never thought a beard could get that tangled and intertwined, ha ha. Sometimes it feels like a dense, yet very soft, little forest or maybe a plant of sorts. Regardless of how one describes it, the realization that it is a living “thing” is quite nice. Another thing which I knew before but haven’t experienced much earlier in my beard growing career is how soft it gets when growing this big. The thought of it resembling a small pillow crossed my mind before, but after adopting a cat it has been proven correct.

Michael's beard at the end of October 2020.
Here is a look at Michael’s beard’s growth progress at the end of October 2020.

Have you been pressured by any others to trim back the bigger beard?

No, I have not been pressured. Though here and there I did (and occasionally do) hear a few questions such as, “Are you going to trim / shorten it back?” But all in all, reactions mostly range from obliviousness to support and even amazement.

Michael's beard at the end of November 2020.
Michael’s beard had reached this size by the end of November 2020. The size of his beard is accentuated here by the flared shape achieved by styling.

Has this new growing experience changed your view of bigger and longer beards?

This wonderful, ongoing experience has not changed my view on big and mighty beards, which has always been strictly positive. What was added is a personal perspective on the matter — now it is no longer just an aspiration but my daily reality.

A closer look at Michael's beard at the end of November 2020.
Here is a closer look at Michael’s bigger beard by the end of November 2020.

What’s the best thing about the year-beard journey so far?

I think that the process itself, the coming of the beard, rejoices as much as the result, which is by far not even final. Seeing the beard getting fuller and more voluminous by the month warms a man’s heart…

This angle gives an appreciation of the new size of Michael's beard.
From this angle, the bigger volume of Michael’s beard is readily apparent. This view also shows off the height of his beard’s natural cheek line.

What are your beard plans now that you’ve reached your year-beard goal?

Keep growing it! I probably will trim a bit once in a while to keep things symmetrical, but nothing drastic, definitely.

Year-beard achievement day: Michael on July 1, 2021.
Year-beard achievement day: Here is Michael on July 1, 2021 with a full year’s worth of unrestrained growth added to his original beard.

Do you recommend that other men give the year beard a go?

Yes, very much so! I believe that every bearded man should give it a go, and see the full potential of their beard revealed before their own eyes.

Wider yeard: Michael's year-beard groomed for a wider appearance.
Here is Michael’s year-beard groomed to present a wider appearance.

How do you feel about having achieved your yeard?

It feels wonderful to achieve this important landmark, which I believe every dedicated beard grower should try at least once during their lives.I think such a trial of sorts is a real test of disciple, dedication, and firmness of character. It teaches calmness of mind and the ability to do what you wish, despite what anybody else might consider “right”. You should definitely give it a try!

Closer view of Michael's new yeard.
This is a closer look at Michael’s newly-achieved “year beard” or “yeard”. It’s been quite a journey from his original start as a young teenage beard grower.

Be sure to also see:

growing a beard

Beards on ice: Stanley Cup 2021

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Ice hockey’s tradition of growing playoff beards is in full force right now as this year’s battle for the Stanley Cup nears the end. It’s a great, pro-beard tradition that always sparks a lot of interest in and enthusiasm for beard growing. Over the years, professional hockey has been a showcase of some fierce and legendary beards.

Whether the playoff beards help their teams achieve victory remains a subject of debate. What effect do the beards have on the players? A scientific answer to that question ought to be fascinating. After watching game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup finals, a friend commented via email, “…’the fierce beard look’ is in full force.  I have a feeling it matters and the players feel more fierce and intimidating on the ice.”

For the players, the camaraderie that comes from growing their beards can give the team a boost. However, it can be a little rough on players who are beard-growth challenged. They deserve a lot of credit and respect for putting up with some ribbing. And I don’t condone ribbing them at all.

For hockey fans, the playoff beard tradition is a can’t-miss part of the fun. It’s a great opportunity for fans to grow their own playoff beards to show support for their favorite teams. This phenomenon has been successfully used to raise money for charities on multiple occasions.

Bud Light, an official sponsor of the National Hockey League, put out this cool video tribute to playoff beards as part of the company’s “playoff beerds” promotion. Video: Bud Light.

This year Bud Light, an official sponsor of the NHL, has come out in support of playoff beards with a promotion to cut beer prices in US cities that are home to NHL teams. In a clever play on the spelling, the promotion is for “playoff beerds“. The longer a team’s playoff beards grow by advancing in the playoffs, the more money is “shaved” off the price of Bud Light in that team’s hometown. Fans in the US city of the ultimate winner of the Stanley Cup in 2021 will be eligible for a free twelve-pack. That means Tampa, Florida if the Tampa Bay Lightning prevail. However, if the Montreal Canadiens pull off a win, our Canadian friends will have to pay for their own beer.

Regardless of who comes home with the Stanley Cup, playoff beards are definitely a win for the bearded cause.

UPDATE: With a victory in Game 5, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row. Congrats to the Lightning and their fans!

beard care and grooming

Healthy Man, Healthy Beard: Men’s Health Month

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Men’s Health Month is June. It’s true! In addition, Men’s Health Week happens during June in the United States over the seven days up to and including Father’s Day. Men’s Health Week was signed into U.S. law on May 31, 1994, designating June 12 through 19, 1994, as National Men’s Health Week. Men’s Health Week has been observed ever since while expanding internationally and growing to encompass all of June as Men’s Health Month. According to the Men’s Health Network: “Men’s Health Month (June) is an annual awareness period designed to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems (mental and physical) and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.”

As this June comes to a close, it’s a good time to stop and and take stock of your physical and mental well-being. Strongly consider following up with your healthcare provider on any questions or concerns you may have or just to get an overdue checkup. Whether you are in the northern hemisphere heading into summer or in the southern hemisphere proceeding with winter, be sure to continue to make your health a top priority.

Whatever the season, if you’re a healthy man your beard should be healthy, too. Let’s look at a few ways to take care of yourself, including your beard and hair, no matter what kind of weather is headed your way.

Start up a hair routine

Healthy man, healthy beard: start up a hair routine to make your hair and beard look their best
Start up a hair routine to keep your hair and beard looking their best. Beard: Vincent.

Establishing a hair routine can help make hair care a familiar process that becomes a habit. You know that men need to give their hair and beards proper care and attention to look their best. Ranging from beard grooming and choosing the right beard style to finding the best hairstyle to go with your face’s shape, you have nearly unlimited options for creating your greatest masculine look. Keep your hair looking its best by using a good quality shampoo and conditioner. And maintain your beard in top condition by keeping it clean with regular washing while using an appropriate shampoo and conditioner as needed. Brushing or combing your sparkling clean beard will have it looking neat and sharp. Optionally apply some beard oil for a finishing touch. These simple steps are a great start for your hair care routine.

If you are among the many men who experience male pattern baldness, your hair routine may include using treatments to slow, halt, or even reverse the loss of hair. Called androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness is hereditary and progresses with age. However it can be treated with the use of hair loss products. Early intervention and consistent treatment typically offer the best opportunity for positive results.

Improve your diet

Healthy man, healthy beard: improve your diet and improve your health, hair and beard
Improve your diet and improve your overall health and that of your hair and beard, too. Beard: Richard.

If your current diet isn’t the greatest, this is a good time to look into making some improvements. Set yourself up for success with a plan to keep healthier foods on hand and leave more of the unhealthy choices back on the supermarket shelves. A healthy diet is a key component of an overall strategy to make you a healthy man with a healthy beard. Making better food choices brings a number of health benefits, including having more energy, feeling better, and even improving the quality of your hair.

You can start improving your diet by minimizing the amount of processed foods you eat. Eliminate or greatly reduce other unhealthy food choices by replacing them with healthy foods that you like. Don’t forget to include food choices that improve the health of your hair. Be sure that your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are familiar healthy options. Improving your diet is an important part of improving your overall health. You’ll feel better and look better. And you will feel better about yourself, which can give your mental health a boost as well.

Embrace exercise

Healthy man, healthy beard: Add exercise to your daily routine to improve your overall well-being.
Add exercise to your daily routine to improve your overall health and well-being. Cycling is a great choice for exercise. Beard: Brian.

Like improving your diet, adding physical exercise to your daily routine can provide you with a lot of health benefits. Yes, you should check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. It’s important to select an exercise program that’s appropriate for your age and current physical condition. Options include gentle activities such as yoga, cardiovascular training to get your heart pumping and blood flowing, and weight training to build strength. Walking, cycling, and swimming are great exercise choices that are easier on your joints than higher-impact activities such as running. Examples of age-appropriate options include exercise programs for middle-aged men.

Exercise can even lead to healthier hair growth. Get moving with cardiovascular exercise to keep your heart and veins in great shape. In turn, this improves your blood circulation which benefits your skin and hair.

Healthy man, healthy beard: Start up a hair routine, improve your diet, and add exercise to each day.
Healthy man, healthy beard: Start up a hair routine, improve your diet, and add exercise to each day and you’ll be on your way to being a healthy man with a healthy beard. Beard: Brian.

Now is a great time to act on Men’s Health Month’s message to pay attention to your health and take steps to improve it. Starting up a proper hair routine will get your hair and beard looking their best. Improving your diet brings great health benefits, physical and mental, and can improve the health of your hair. Making exercise a part of your everyday life provides even more health benefits and can indirectly improve the health of your hair. Take these steps and you can be well on your way to being a healthy man with a healthy beard!