A little history with this months Beard of the Month winner!  Enjoy!

Beard Contest - Beard of the Month - Brotherhood of the Beard

Official sources and brotherhood lore state that the Brotherhood of the Beard was founded in 1535. This was the year that the then King of England, Henry VIII decreed the wearing of a beard a taxable offence (hypocritically he wore one all the way to his grave). However there is evidence that the Brotherhood have existed throughout much of history. In times when the balance of nature was an important feature of common belief, symbols of both the masculine and feminine were important. Many cultures encouraged the wearing of a beard as a right of passage into male adulthood. These ancient Brotherhoods encouraged intellectual and philosophical development of it’s members.

The Brotherhood of the Beard in more modern times started life as a small band of men determined not to allow political pressure or taxation deprive them of their much loved facial hair. The Brotherhood continued gaining members and support when Queen Elizabeth continued to tax beards, because she didn’t much care for them. It was commonly believed that the campaigning secret society was founded by a small group of 9. D J Morlader (the grand merlin), R G Morvleydh (sergeant at arms), M D Rath (treasurer), D U Hastbob (Gatekeeper), S H Trevarvrudh (bard), L P Denbyhan (minstrel), C W Sarf, D Klopenn and M H Sider.

Records of activity during the first hundred years of the new secret society/political pressure group are lacking in detail, as is the way of The Brotherhood. It is often in times of social change that records outlining Brotherhood activity can be found. In 1642 at the start of the English civil war, The Brotherhood fought alongside parliament’s New Model Army against the king. Towards the end of the civil war, it is recorded that The Brotherhood aligned themselves with John Lilburne’s Levellers, fighting for freeborn rights and calling for the abolition of corruption within the Parliamentary and judicial process.

During the early 19th century The Brotherhood joined together with a movement known as The Luddites. The Luddites were a movement of British textile workers who protested — often by destroying mechanized looms - against the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution, which threatened their livelihoods. However it needs to be stated The Brotherhood is not and never has been against the development of ideas and technology, if it is for the common good of all and not the profits of a few.

Between 1838 and 1848 Most of the Brotherhood’s activity was in support of the Chartist movement calling for universal suffrage for all men over the age of 21, equal-sized electoral districts, voting by secret ballot and an end to the need for a property qualification for Parliament.

Reports of more modern brotherhood activity are often guarded and at best strong rumour. Every time people stand up for their rights, and community, there are always stories of strange men with beards giving their time and support. The official press office for the Brotherhood often refuse to confirm or deny involvement. Photo’s have appeared on the internet, but faces are always obscured. Modern membership is a closely guarded secret along with the world wide locations that the group use for their rites and rituals.

Membership is gained through the recommendation of two full members. The list is then taken to the high council for a secret ballot. New members are sworn in sometime in mid-May. The ritual takes place in the south-west of England, in a well known stone circle. Then follows 3 days of music, ritual and festival fun. Throughout the year, an additional four major gatherings are held to celebrate the changing of the seasons and face hair. Local groups exist in nearly every country in the world, and they meet weekly at their local “lodges” to discuss local and world events, to plan activities and to have fun.

Many famous people though out history have been linked to the Brotherhood, many of the great thinkers that have been the architects to social change did have beards. The Brotherhood of the Beard have never released any information to confirm these rumours. Next time you are on a bus, sitting on a train, walking down the street, the bearded man next to you could be a Brother.

More info on them here:

http://www.myspace.com/brotherhoodofthebeard

Beard of the Month winner leaves nothing on the table.  Having personally witnessed this mighty beard in action, I can personally attest to its BoTM worthyness.

This Beard hails from bean town, and apparently the New England city has got something in the water.  So without further adieu, until next month, feast on this!

James: Beard of the Month - March!

Tags: beard contest, Beard Contestants, Beard of the Month, BOTM

Most men learn how to shave at a young age.  They are typically taught by their fathers as a way for father and son to bond.  While this is a pleasant and somewhat efficient way to learn the basics of shaving, there are some basic principles that most men are aware of but don’t think twice about.

First, it is best not to shave immediately after getting out of bed in the morning.  Most people’s faces tend to be swollen and a bit puffy in the morning.  Wait about half an hour to shave—this allows your skin time to achieve its normal tautness, the hairs on your face will be closer to the surface, allowing a smoother shave.
But before you start shaving, it is important to wash your face.  Not only does this make the skin smooth, but it removes any dirt or debris from your face.  These types of things can clog your razor or cause ingrown hairs to form.  When you clean your face, try not to use hot water because it can easily dry out your skin.  However, make sure the water is nice and warm’ warm water opens your pores and tends to soften the whiskers. For men with very coarse whiskers, it is suggested that you apply a hot washcloth or towel to your face to soften things up.

This guy did not read the Beard Shaving article!

When shaving, it is best to use creams or gels.  Most foam products tend to be far less effective.  They tend to dry your skin and can cause irritation.  Cover the shaving area with your cream or gel by massaging it in a thin, even layer.  Be sure to use enough to lubricate your skin while also allowing the razor to glide smoothly over your face.

When wet shaving, it is best to shave in the direction that feels smoothest.  You can determine this by rubbing your face with your hands.  One direction will feel smoother than the other.  It is wise to shave in this direction because it eliminates the risks of nicks, razor bumps and ingrown hairs.  Typically, the smoother direction will be reversed on your neck.  It is important to remember this when shaving along the edges of your chin.

As you shave, do your best to follow a steady pattern.  For example, a good method is to begin with your side burns and then work your way in.  You may want to stop at your lips, however.  Saving them for last allows the gel to soften them more.  Feel free to gently pull your skin taut to avoid nicks. This is especially appropriate for men with pudgy cheeks or a rounder face shape. Try not to repeat strokes, as this can irritate your skin or even cause cuts.

Be sure to rinse your razor from time to time, clearing it of lose hairs and other debris.  Continue doing this until the job is done.  When you have gotten the close shave that you want, you may want to rinse your face off with cool water.  Not only does it provide comfort, but it serves to close up those opened pores as well.
When you are done, apply aftershave or toner if you need to.  It is best to use a balm product rather an alcohol based one.  Alcohol-based products tends to dry out your skin and cause problems for future shaves.

Tags: beard care, beard care 101, beard contest, shaving

All about Sideburns

Sideburns are the name given to a particular hair style—normal and facial hair in some cases—where hair is grown around and in front of the ears.  The hair can grow from the scalp and then grow down the side of a man’s head or can be included in unshaved facial hair that runs along the side of the face to meet the uncut hair of the head.
The term “sideburns” is derived from the somewhat peculiar hairstyle of Ambrose Burnside, a Union Army General during the Civil War.

Sideburns can be worn in various shapes and styles and can even coincide with several other distinct types of facial hair.  Offshoots of popular sideburns include the styles often known as Mutton Chops and Friendly Mutton Chops. Mutton Chops get their name from the mutton-like shape they take as they extend down the face and towards the corners of the mouth.  The lesser known Friendly Mutton Chops are worn in such a way that extend down the face and connect to the man’s moustache.

When sideburns are worn so long that they reach the chin, they can combine with goatees or beards to form other variations of sideburns.  These include the Chin Strap or Chin Curtain.

Sideburns are one of the few fashion statements that has survived the centuries; they have never really gone out of style and have been sported by men of every generation since they were first sported by Ambrose Burnside.  The style became quite popular in the 50s and 60s when celebrities such as James Dean and Elvis Presley wore them.  In fact, James Dean’s role in Rebel Without a Cause cemented sideburns as a staple of manly fashion for quite some time. The style also worked well for the hippie movement of the 60s as its untidy appearance worked will with many fashions of the time.   Sideburns also became prominent among the rock movements of the era and, in the 70s, even managed to catch on with the gay communities all over the world.

Throughout history, a great number of prominent men have worn sideburns.  To name a few, there was Quincy Adams, Van Buren Martin, Chester A. Arthur and, for a very brief and rather comical period of his presidency, Franklin Roosevelt.

Even today, certain groups of males are often seen wearing sideburns.  While it is mostly seen in indie rock bands and fraternity houses, they can also be seen on the red carpet by celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, Lenny Kravitz and Benecio Del Toro.

Tags: beard contest, facial hair, side burns, sideburns

Beard Growing Tips and Myths

For some men, growing a beard is as simple as neglecting to shave for a few weeks.  But for others, it can take time and commitment.  There are several things you can do in order to properly grow a beard and, as is the case with any grooming techniques, there are also several “myths” that are actually true.

Growing Your Beard
Most men find that it is best to start growing a beard while on a vacation.  This does away with any insecurity about your appearance during the awkward early stages. Also, by the time you return home, your beard should have grown to the point where you will be able to decide if the beard is for you or not. Try to make it at least three weeks without shaving to get the full effect of your beard.  Remember, facial hair grows at varying speeds and as times goes by, it will get thicker.  As the beard gets thicker, it should be easier to manage.
It is important to remember that your new beard will be extremely itchy during the first few days. It is best to avoid scratching the area; this prevents skin irritations and ingrown hairs or other infections that are know to prevent beard growth.
You may want to consider having a barber shave and shape your beard when you feel that it is ready for a trim. They will know how to properly maintain your beard style in accordance to the shape of your face.  Then, once you begin maintaining it, be sure to keep the edges of your beard neatly trimmed for a clean, sharp appearance.

Bearded Mythbusters

Myths to Pay Attention To
Myth #1:  If I pluck gray hairs from my beard, more will grow back
There are cells in your hair called melanocytes.  When they stop producing the pigment, the hair loses its color. Plucking out one gray hair will not harm these cells in your other follicles, so other hairs will not turn gray as a result.

Myth #2: I can train my beard to behave a certain way.

Depending on your hair’s genetic makeup, this may not be true for some.  For the most part, though, your hair will eventually begin to grow according to your style. Of course, while sculpting and trimming can temporarily change your beard’s growth patterns, permanent change is not possible.

Myth #3: Shaving will make my beard grow thicker or faster.

Since your hair is made up primarily of protein and keratin, it has no central blood supply or nervous system. Therefore, the rest of your body has no idea that your beard has been shaved.  This myth is also highly debatable because some people feel that shaving causes the beard to grow faster or thicker, but in all reality, facial hair is known to grow thicker and faster with age anyway.

Tags: beard care, beard care 101, beard myths, bears, facial hair, growth, mythbusters

We’ve decided to start a new feature here at The Beard Contest.  The Beard of the Month will feature a famous, particular fantasic or crazy beard.

This months winner, is Amanda Beard!

Amanda Beard: Beard of the Month!

Just like people, search engines have a tendency to get confused.  We have discovered that when people typed in searches for “beard”, they were actually looking for information on Amanda Beard. So, as a special treat to our readers,  here is a brief biography of the Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard.

Amanda Beard made her first appearance in the Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta.  She was only 14 year of age at the time and still managed to place first in the 4 x 100 medley.  She also placed second in the 100m and 200m breaststroke competitions.  She gained a significant amount of media attention due to her youth; she was often photographed holding a teddy bear, even when she was standing on the medals stand.

After graduating from Irvine High School, Beard attended the University of Arizona.  She quickly became the NCAA Division One Champion in 2001.  Two years later, she became the world champion and set a record (which she still holds) in the 200 meter breaststroke.

In 2004, she participated in the Summer Olympics where she made a rather impressive showing.  There, she qualified to take part in the Olympic Games in Athens where she competed in four events.  During the 2008 Olympics, Beard was nominated with two others to serve as co-captains of the US Olympic swim team.

As he matured, the media began to see Amanda in a whole new light.  She was now seen as an attractive and somewhat mainstream celebrity.  In 2006, she participated in the Toyota Grand Prix race in Long Beach, California where she came in eighth place. She began to model for publications such as FHM and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.  In a rather controversial move, she posed nude for Playboy in 2007.  She has also appeared in a variety of television commercials, most particularly a rather steamy one for GoDaddy.

She joined the popular FOX sports talk show The Best Damned Sports Show Period in 2008, where she worked as a correspondent.  She often covered major sporting events while fulfilling this role.  She appeared nude again in 2008 when she posed for an ad for a PETA campaign.  She is a spokesperson not only for PETA, but for Defenders of Wildlife as well.

You can learn more about Amanda, as well as view a wide range of picture galleries and other information at www.amandabeard.com.

Tags: Amanda Beard, beard, beard contest, Beard of the Month, BOTM, January, olympics

Peter the Great sheering beards!

Many men see their beards as a sign of masculinity and wear them with pride.  By taking a look through history, we see that this has actually been a popular line of thought for quite some time.

In Ancient Greece, men regarded beards as one of the highest symbols of extreme masculinity.  Many men of this time even saw it as disgraceful to not wear a beard.  It has been recorded that Spartans would often trim off portions of their captives’ beards as a sign of their cowardice.

During the time of Alexander the Great, many men began to shave in fear that during battle, their enemies could use their beards as a handhold of sorts.  Seeing beards as something of a danger in combat, it became common for warriors to shave.  Philosophers, however, kept their beards and began growing them to extreme lengths.  Beards later became a sign of a philosopher’s profession and beards became synonymous with being wise.

During the time of ancient Rome, society began to take another view of growing beards.  In Rome, the growing of a long beard was seen as a sign of poverty or squalor.  Romans did allow their beards to grow during times of mourning, however.  In the second century A.D. the Emperor Hadrian, was the first Caesar to ever grow a beard.  Speculation suggests that he did this in an attempt to hide scars on his face. This was a period wherein Romans heavily imitated Greek culture, and many men began to grow beards, copying Hadrian and his Greek fashion.

During the 17^th century, beards were out of fashion in urban circles of Western Europe.  In fact, Peter the Great of Russia made it a law that all men should shave off their beards. In 1705, a tax was levied on beards in order to align Russian society with that of contemporary Western Europe. During most of the course of the 18th century, beards were unknown and unpopular among most parts of Western society.  They were even scoffed at by those in the upper class.

Beards later came back into fashion during the Napoleonic era.  Through most of the 19^th century, beards became more and more popular (as did sideburns) due to their prominence among army generals, statesmen and important cultural figures of the time.  Beards were again reflective of respect and status and were being worn by prominent figures like Karl Marx, Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli.  The trend carried over into the 1900s, but was then popularized by thinner, much less prominent beards.  It was during this time that goatees and moustaches began to grow in popularity.

Long hair was later popularized among males in mainstream society as a result of the hippie movement of the mid 1960s.  With the introduction of this long hair, beards once again became highly popular in most cultures and have remained fairly common ever since.

Tags: beard, dickens, facial hair, fashion, history, marx, Peter the Great

Beard Styles
So you’ve decided that you’re going to grow a beard and you’ve already read up on how to take care of it. That’s great, but do you know which style to choose? Certain styles of beards can either enhance or worsen the appearance of a man’s face. Here are a few popular styles of beards to choose from:

• Full Beard: A full beard covers all of the man’s lower face. The full beard doesn’t really require much grooming, although it can tend to get a bit rough and tricky around the neck area and the lip line. Some men grow a full beard and allow it to grow very long, allowing them to shape and style it into several different styles such as tapered points or perfectly rounded swells of bushy hair.

• “Chin Curtain”: This is a style if beard that is mostly identified by the growth of facial hair grown along the lower portion of the face. This beard often begins at the chin and follows closely along the jaw line. This beard style has become a cultural stereotype of Amish males. And while most Amish men do in fact wear a variation of the traditional chin curtain style, modern styles of this beard are often trimmed into extremely thin lines and patterns across the jaw.

• Goatee with Moustache: This beard has become highly popular as of late. It is a beard style that covers most of the chin and the jaw but is connected with a moustache, giving the beard an almost oval or square shape (the shape of the beard is solely dependant on the shape of the man’s face). Most goatees are worn fairly thin, although it is not uncommon to see a thick goatee with a thinner attached moustache.

A mock-up of a few popular styles of Beard and Facial hair growth.

• Goatee without Moustache: The goatee has been around for quite some time and is perhaps the most popular style of beard found throughout history. There have been (and currently are) an unlimited number of variations to the goatee. With a goatee, a man’s beard is centralized to the chin and its immediate surrounding areas. It can be worn as a
  close trimmed beard or can be grown long and full. Some goatees are combed, shaved or clipped into more of a geometric shape. Full goatees often extend all the way up so that it covers the area below the bottom lip. Condensed versions of the goatee cover only the smallest areas of the chin.

• The Soul Patch: The soul patch is essentially a smaller version of the goatee. It is known is some circles as “the imperial”. The soul patch is a very small patch of facial hair grown directly beneath the lower lip. It is sometimes trimmed very closely or can be grown to a moderate fullness but is almost always trimmed in a narrow shape.. It is believed to have gotten its name from the fact that the style was popular among jazz artists of the 50s.

Tags: beard styles, facial hair design, facial hair styles

It’s not enough to make the decision that you want to grow a beard. The act of simply not shaving really doesn’t require much effort. But while your beard is growing, there are several steps you can take in order to properly groom and care for it. When it comes to beards, grooming is important; there is a huge difference between a properly groomed and handsome beard and an unkempt mess of hair on your face.

It is important to be patient during the process of growing a beard. There will be phases where the beard may look patchy and awkward. But if you stick with it, most beards typically grow in within three to four weeks.

You must learn how to properly trim your beard. This not only improves its appearance, but helps it to grow out evenly. The proper routine varies for most men, but it is a fairly simple process. When trimming, use a comb to gather and isolate the length of beard that you want to be trimmed away. Work your way down each side of your face, from your ear to your chin; repeat this on both sides, making sure that both sides are trimmed evenly. Always be sure to trim dry hair only. If your beard has been around for a while, it is most likely fairly thick and has adjusted to the shape of your face. In order to keep the shape and tidiness of such a beard, you may want to invest in an electric beard trimmer rather than scissors or shears.

A typical electric beard trimmer

Some men find this more difficult than it seems. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider having a barber trim your beard for you. And, just as your hair needs to be trimmed and shampooed, so does your beard. Be sure to practice all hygiene habits on your beard that you would perform on your hair. There are products designed specifically for washing beards, but the same shampoo and conditioner you use for your hair work just as well. Conditioner is not always necessary, but it is highly recommended for me with wiry beards. Your beard should be washed in the same manner as your face, and then run the conditioner through your beard when you wash your hair. This is highly recommended for men who color their hair and beards. Just remember to run a comb through your beard following a shower so that it does not get overly tangled.

With the proper care and technique, most beards are highly manageable. And, if properly maintained, a beard can often be the most appealing feature of some men.

Tags: beard, beard care, facial hair, shaving, trimmer