Tag Archives: beards

All About BEARDS For Twenty-seven Years

2023/01/17 Steven Wilson 4 Comments

Why advocate for beards? I’ve been making the case in favor of beards online since launching All About BEARDS on January 17, 1996. It might be considered an unusual cause to support. But it’s a worthy cause, an important cause. That’s because beards mean a great deal to men who grow them. Beards also mean a lot to men who are unable to grow a beard and wish with all their might that they could grow a beard.

What about the beardless and broken hearted?

Beards mean a lot more than people realize. One’s feelings about beards can run inexplicably deep. Beards are an important part of being a man. Yet, not every man is physically capable of growing a beard. It doesn’t seem to make sense. Beards are an important part of being a man, but not every man is included. Seems unfair!

A man incapable of growing a beard is no less a man than one who sprouts an abundance of hair from his face. The man who desperately yearns to be able to grow his own beard and experience this aspect of manhood for himself often suffers in silence. Pain and frustration can run deep. Many feel sadness and depression with nowhere to turn for support. They may believe that others would view their fervent desire to be able to grow a beard as frivolous or silly. So they keep it to themselves, suffering in silence.

From the start, All About BEARDS has respected and empathized with those men who physically are unable to grow a beard. I wish I had an easy solution for them. Many long for a special cream or pill that would bring beard growth to their faces. At this time, there’s nothing quite like that available. I always recommend that you consult with your doctor if you feel that you might have a medical condition that inhibits your potential beard growth. Apart from that, you might look into methods for stimulating beard growth, keeping in mind that there are no sure “cures” for the lack of beard growth. Proceed with caution.

My best advice to all is that you make the best with what you have. Your beard growth pattern is yours and yours alone. Emphasize the strengths you have and make the most of them.

Grow your beard for those who can’t

All About BEARDS for twenty-seven years; beard image: Chris — Beard superstar Chris’ fierce beard.

Those can grow their beards should. Those who cannot grow a beard will appreciate it. Does this sound stupid? There is a lot of truth to it.

If you’re blessed with good beard genes, why not grow that glorious beard for all to see and admire? In a way, not growing that great beard is something of an insult to those who would give anything to have your beard-growing ability. I’ve not come across anyone who can’t grow his own beard being against beard-capable men growing their beards. I’ve only heard them express respect and admiration for those who can grow their beards. Those bearded guys even provide inspiration for those who cannot grow beards.

Be a source of inspiration. Grow your beard for those who can’t.

All About BEARDS: still on a mission

After twenty-seven years, beards have come a long way. I’m happy to see greater acceptance of beards and a greater prevalence of beards in the world. However, much work remains to be done. All About BEARDS will always continue its mission to advocate for beards:

Promote acceptance of and appreciation for beards.
Provide solid, helpful information on how to grow and care for your beard.
Work to reduce anti-beard bias.
Encourage and inspire men to grow their beards as they like.

All About BEARDS: selected beard photo shoot memories

On this twenty-seventh anniversary I’d like to share a look back at a sample of memories from the beards.org official photo shoots. Documenting beards through photography is an important component of the site. Scroll down for a photographic trip down memory lane. Click on any image to view larger.

The first: Paulie

First All About BEARDS photo shoot: Paulie at Guadalupe River Park at the Interstate 280 and California State Route 87 interchange, San José, California. — **First All About BEARDS photo shoot:** Paulie at Guadalupe River Park below the Interstate 280 and California State Route 87 interchange, San José, California.

Salvatore

Brian

Michael and John

All About BEARDS photo shoot memory: Musicians and friends Michael, left, and John, right, showed up in freezing weather for joint and separate beard photo shoots along the Riverfront Heritage Trail, Kansas City, Missouri. — **All About BEARDS photo shoot memory:** Musicians and friends Michael, left, and John, right, showed up in freezing weather for joint and separate beard photo shoots along the Riverfront Heritage Trail, Kansas City, Missouri.

Nate

Conner

Vicente

Scott

Virgil

Wade

It’s been twenty-seven years. Grow your beard!

I wish to thank all of the friends, fans, and site contributors that I’ve met over the years. You have been a blessing. Thank you.

Grow your beard!

about beards.org

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

2022/03/17 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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

2022/01/17 Steven Wilson 6 Comments

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!

2022/01/01 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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?

2021/11/30 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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 30^th? 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

2021/11/04 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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.

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!

growing a beard

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

2021/11/01 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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!

growing a beard

Beards on ice: Stanley Cup 2021

2021/07/07 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

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!

about beards.org

All About BEARDS For Twenty-five Years

2021/01/17 Steven Wilson Leave a comment

Growing better beards, worldwide, since 1996!

All About BEARDS was launched on the worldwide web twenty-five years ago today. The mission has always been to promote beards and beard acceptance as well as to provide men with information, support, encouragement, and inspiration to grow the best beards possible.

All About BEARDS, a steadfast advocate for beards, is the world’s longest-running beard website. The site has never wavered in supporting beards regardless of the degree of popularity beards may have at any given time. A core principle promoted by All About BEARDS is that the decision to grow a beard should not depend upon the whims of fashions or trends. Each individual man always should have the right to grow his beard as he sees fit.

When All About BEARDS started in January 1996, beards were far less common than they are today in 2021. I’ve been promoting beards for the long haul, including long stretches during which beards were not exactly viewed as being cool. I’m proud that All About BEARDS was standing up to promote beards during times when not many others were.

In my twenty-fourth anniversary post last year, I shared some reflections on how far we’ve come in advancing the prevalence and acceptance of beards. Here at the beginning of 2021, beards are seen in numbers similar to those of one year ago.

While the bearded cause has come a long way, there is still a long way to go. Casual, everyday observation reveals that there are far more shavers than beard growers. It is heartening to see beards represented in large numbers in television commercials and in other media. However, it seems that in real life I don’t see so many beards out and about. I’d like to see a lot more growth in the number of beard growers. And the need to reduce anti-beard bias still remains.

Celebrating our past and a better bearded future

For All About BEARDS‘ tenth anniversary I created the following graphic to showcase some of the site’s highlights back then.

All About BEARDS tenth anniversary beard showcase image from 2006.

You can still view any of the tenth anniversary highlights seen above by following these links.

Top row:

Middle row:

Bottom row:

During 2021 watch for upcoming special twenty-fifth anniversary content that you won’t want to miss.

Stay strong and grow your beard

All About BEARDS twenty-fifth anniversary image featuring Mike and John — Mike and John during a frigid, winter All About BEARDS photo shoot in Kansas City, Missouri

A better bearded future depends on you. Grow your beard. Encourage others to grow their beards. When possible, respectfully speak out against anti-beard bias.

This site is All About BEARDS and it’s all about adding more beards to the world. Grow your beard!

about beards.org

Happy New Beard Year 2021

2021/01/01 Steven Wilson 2 Comments

One year ago today I was full of optimism for the new year and new decade. Before long, however, nothing turned out how I expected for 2020. I am not alone in experiencing the year that way.

Sometimes I wonder if I should not express optimism at the start of a new year. Too many times, years that started out brimming with optimism and new hope seemingly turned out all wrong. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it’s important to hold on to optimism no matter what. That’s what keeps us moving onward toward better days.

Look with favor upon a bold beginning.
Virgil

This quote from Virgil came to mind when I sat down to write this post. Every day can be a bold new beginning. New Year’s Day is always a good time for a new bold beginning. While the first day of 2021 may not be a complete reset from the final days of 2020, we can choose to approach it as a bold new beginning.

Look with favor upon a bold beginning: Chris and his beard

For 2021, let’s boldly grow our beards and encourage others to join us. Growing a new beard is a wonderful bold beginning. Don’t hold back. Grow your beard.

Throughout 2021, let’s always strive to do our best. Be kind to each other. Be helpful to one another. Go forward with a heart full of compassion, optimism, hope, and courage.

Today and every day I will “look with favor upon a bold beginning”. I urge you to do the same. Now I wish all beard-growers, beard fans, and their families, friends, and colleagues a happy and prosperous 2021!

What about the beardless and broken hearted?

Grow your beard for those who can’t

All About BEARDS: still on a mission

All About BEARDS: selected beard photo shoot memories

The first: Paulie

Salvatore

Brian

Michael and John

Nate

Conner

Vicente

Scott

Virgil

Wade

It’s been twenty-seven years. Grow your beard!

Share this:

Like this:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Share this:

Like this:

Why create a website in 1996 to promote beards?

You are not alone.

There are people who are against beards.

We need more beard growers!

Grow your beard. Now.

Thank you for growing your beard.

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Let Your Beard and Hair Go and Grow

Start a Conversation

Donate

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Growing better beards, worldwide, since 1996!

Celebrating our past and a better bearded future

Stay strong and grow your beard

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

beards.org