Beards are back. River Phoenix may have been the unwitting catalyst for a growing phenomenon. In New York City, the Beard and Moustache Championship will be held this weekend. And all over the U.S., a division of the World Beard and Moustache Championship called Beard Team U.S.A. is launching chapters for fellows with facial fur to congregate.
Elsewhere in pop culture, moustache movies, blogs and contests are cropping up everywhere.
Implications - Facial hair that is reminiscent of emerging hobo-chic styles seem to be all the rage, and whether it's serious or for comedy's sake, the style is spreading like wildfire. There are even entire charity projects and ad campaigns based around outrageous facial hair styles. The popularity and impact of the 'No Shave November' campaign is just one of many ways in which facial hair has become an acceptable and trendy style.
Credit Crunch Grooming
Cash-Strapped Men Bring Beards Back With a Vengeance
Trend Themes
1. Beard Trend - The resurgence of beards as a popular style choice presents opportunities for grooming products and barbershops to cater to this growing market.
2. Facial Hair Contests - The rise of facial hair contests and championships creates opportunities for event organizers, sponsors, and merchandise sellers to tap into this niche community.
3. Charity Projects and Ad Campaigns - The trend of using outrageous facial hair styles for charity projects and ad campaigns opens up opportunities for creative agencies and non-profit organizations to leverage this trend for fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Industry Implications
1. Grooming Products - The beard trend calls for the development of specialized grooming products targeting bearded individuals, such as beard oils, balms, and trimmers.
2. Barbershops - Barbershops can capitalize on the beard trend by offering specialized beard grooming services, including trimming, shaping, and styling.
3. Event Planning - The rise of facial hair contests and championships opens up opportunities for event planning companies to organize and manage these unique events.