The Growth of Beards: Facts and Figures on the World‘s Favorite Facial Hair
Beards have made a major comeback in recent years. From full lumberjack beards to designer stubble, facial hair has become a prominent feature of men‘s fashion. But beard styles come and go, so what‘s behind this hirsute renaissance?
In this in-depth article, we dig into the data on beard trends. Discover key statistics on beard prevalence, growth rates, style popularity, health benefits, and more fascinating facts. Let‘s get hairy!
A History of the Humble Beard
Beards hold an esteemed place in history and culture. In ancient Egypt, beards symbolized wisdom and status. Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato wore full beards as signs of knowledge.
Religious figures from Jesus to the Prophet Muhammad famously sported facial hair. And few could forget great bearded leaders like Abraham Lincoln.
But the popularity of beards has waxed and waned over time. Clean-shaven looks dominated the early 20th century. Yet the 1960s and 70s saw major resurgences of bold beard growth.
In recent decades, attitudes to facial hair follow changing ideals of masculinity and style trends. Let‘s explore what data reveals about the fluctuating fortunes of the beard.
Beard Prevalence Rates Around the World
It‘s tricky to get exact statistics, but surveys provide indicative data on global beard ownership. According to recent polls:
- 55% of men worldwide can grow some form of facial hair
- In the US and Canada, around 33% of men have beards
- In European nations like the UK and Nordic countries, beard rates range from 37% to 52% of males
So while a slim majority of men across the world sport face fuzz, significant variations exist across countries and cultures. What factors influence whether a guy can cultivate beard growth?
The Genetics and Biology of Beard Growth
Like head hair, our capacity to grow facial hair depends largely on genetics and hormones. Men inherit hair follicle patterns from parents that dictate beard growing potential.
Key facts about the biology of beard development:
- On average, men begin growing facial hair during puberty between ages 13-16
- The hormone testosterone triggers beard growth at puberty
- Specific genes like the androgen receptor gene help regulate beard growth
- Ethnic background influences follicle density – those of Asian or Native American descent often have the lowest beard growth rates
But even with a stellar genetic beard blueprint, patchy or poor facial hair can result from medical issues or nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring good health supports lush beard growth.
Beard Growth Rates and Life Cycles
Once past puberty, how fast do beards sprout for those able to grow them? Researchers found:
- Average beard hair growth rate is 0.27 mm daily
- Over 1 month, that equates to growth of around 0.8 inches
- Like scalp hair, individual beard hair follows a cycle of active growth (2-6 years), transition, and shedding phases
But results vary widely. Some men can easily grow several inches of beard in a month. While others only manage a few scraggly strands of bum fluff!
Genetics plays a major role, but age, diet, stress levels and testosterone can all impact your personal beard growing speed. Those blessed with stellar beard DNA will find their facial hair flourishes.
Tracking Global Beard Popularity and Trends
We know over half of men can sprout some kind of chin curtain. But what portion actually lets their whiskers roam free?
Surveys reveal how beard prevalence shifted over the past decade:
- In the UK, the proportion of bearded men rose steadily from 37% in 2011 to 42% by 2016
- US beard rates lagged behind at just 33% as of 2019 – despite rising beard interest
- Mintel reports increasing facial hair figures across European and South American countries too
So why has the global beard boom taken off? Well, changing masculine ideals that emphasize ruggedness over clean-cut styles have fueled the rise.
The "lumbersexual" look grew trendy around 2011-2012. Men sported full beards, check shirts and work boots – channeling rugged outdoorsmen.
Pop culture also boosted beards. Actors like Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal and superhero movie stars set hairy examples. Plus events like No Shave November and Movember encouraged growing beards for charity.
10 Hottest Beard Styles Ranked
All facial hair is not equal. From mutton chops to designer stubble, distinct beard shapes suit different face shapes and styles.
According to 2020 research by The Salon Guy into the most requested beard styles:
- The Full Beard
- Short Stubble/3-Day Stubble
- Medium Stubble
- Light Beard/Scruff
- Short Box Beard
- Long Stubble
- Corporate Beard
- Ducktail Beard
- Circle Beard
- Chin Strap
As the list shows, shorter trimmed beards rank among today‘s most on-trend looks. Full mountain man beards have trimmed back slightly in favor of neater radiating stubble.
Well-kept facial hair strikes the sweet spot between rugged masculinity and refined grooming. But remember to choose a style fitting your face shape, style and hair type!
The Big Business of Beard Care
Cultivating a great beard takes care and grooming. From special trimmers and combs to oils and waxes, beard maintenance is now big business.
- The global beard care product market is predicted to reach $6.38 billion by 2027
- US beard care sales hit $412 million in 2021 – almost doubling since 2017
- Beard oil represented the fastest growth segment
- Top brands like Beardbrand, The Bearded Man Company and Zeus Beard Products lead the market
Why the flood of beard products? Keeping facial hair looking slick requires regular conditioning, styling and trimming. Plus the explosive popularity of beards, especially among millennials, fuels demand.
As maintaining well-groomed bristles becomes an element of male self-care routines, expect beard care sales to keep climbing.
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Beards
Beyond making men seem more attractive or dominant, scientific research reveals keeping facial foliage offers protective health functions. Beard benefits include:
1. Blocking UV Rays – Thick beards can filter out 95% of strong UV rays, reducing skin damage and wrinkle formation by a third compared to bare skin.
2. Fighting Skin Infections – Bearded guys carry less infectious bacteria on facial skin due to the physical barrier of hair. Shaving nicks also raise infection risk.
3. Reducing Allergies – Like nose hair, studies show beards can trap allergens and pollutants before they enter airways. Fewer allergens mean less sniffles come spring!
4. Moisturizing Skin – Beard hair locks in the skin‘s natural moisture. One study found bearded men had more hydrated facial skin than the clean-shaven.
5. Boosting Attractiveness – Surveys reveal both men and women frequently rate guys with light/heavy stubble as more handsome than the hairless.
So by shielding skin, filtering airborne nasties, and boosting allure, beards offer unexpected perks beyond mere style.
Perceptions and Status of Bearded Men
Do beards really make men seem more attractive or dominant as evidence suggests?
Studies testing social perceptions reveal intriguing findings:
- Men and women alike often view heavy-bearded guys as more mature, confident, aggressive and masculine
- Bearded subjects in photos or videos were rated as 3-5 years older than when clean-shaven
- Having a beard boosts perceptions of social status, leadership potential, and authority
- Covering up with facial hair elicits less amusement and friendliness from observers
Women also consistently judge heavily-stubbled men as most attractive, suggesting beards boost mating appeal.
The consensus is facial hair signals virility, maturity and competence. So growing some well-kept bristles could boost your social standing! But beware going full Gandalf unless you want to intimidate people.
Future Beard Trend Predictions
Bearded looks cycle in and out of vogue, so what does the future hold for face fuzz? Industry experts and trend analysts expect:
- Fuller beards will decline further in favor of short-to-medium designer stubble most ladies love
- The global men‘s grooming market will continue expanding as self-care routines rise
- Sustainability concerns mean natural beard care ranges will grow market share
- Beard transplant procedures will increase as the follicularly challenged seek lumberjack looks
- More inclusive beauty will likely deemphasize facial hair‘s link to masculinity/gender
While bushy beards retain followers, sleek stubble seems poised for prominence. And manscaping meets eco-values in grooming.
But forecasting changes in style proves complex. If the past decade showed anything, it‘s to expect the unexpected when it comes to facial hair trends. How men‘s beard fashions evolve remains exciting to watch.
Conclusion
Beards endure as symbols of masculinity yet stay subject to the chopping block of shifting tastes. Today‘s discerning beard owner shapes designer stubble to project worldliness without wildness.
Yet beards offer more than style alone – giving sun protection, locking in moisture, and preserving attractiveness as men age. So while beard trends waver, their practical benefits remain.
Ultimately facial hair represents a very personal choice. But armed with statistics on growth patterns, popularity, perceptions, care options, and health impacts, men can make informed decisions about sporting whiskers.
Trends point to shorter beards staying in vogue alongside other stylish stubble. So if you can sprout the bristles, a dashing dusting of hair could serve you well. But neatly trimmed please – we don‘t want to scare the neighbors!
