We all have our reasons for wanting to grow a beard.  Most of the time, it’s because they look fantastic – let’s face it!  However, there has been a genuine surge in beard growth and styling over the past half-decade.  It’s led to what has been referred to as the ‘hipster beard’ in some circles – but is that really a fair assessment? 

The rise of popularity in mustache and beard styles has led to stereotyping.  That all beard growers wear flannel shirts, smoke pipes and listen to indie music.  Sure, there are plenty of us that do these things, but has the ‘hipster effect’ led to a ‘lookalike’ phenomenon?  Surely the point of growing a beard is to create your own style and to stand out from the pack.  Are we slowly losing that ability as more and more of us grow out our facial fuzz?

Why Do Hipsters Grow Beards?

First, let’s take a look at why beards have become such a ‘hipster’ trend in the first place.  Hipsters are, by general stereotype and definition, people who strive to go against the norm.  They are anti-conformists, who believe in forging their own culture and style away from what’s perceived to be the mainstream. 

Ongoing studies suggest that the growth of beards in recent years may be due to a rise in clean-shaven faces and stubble in the mainstream.  What’s interesting, though, is the fact that while going against conformity, so-called hipsters have instead created their own subculture.  This idea of a ‘hipster beard’ has caught on like wildfire.  The domino effect is, of course, that many of us now look the same.

 This has been called the ‘hipster paradox.’  If enough people follow a trend or style to such a degree, they instead start to conform.  Beards have now gotten so popular that they have established their own style class.  It’s got to the point where we have to write an article on the phenomenon! 

But what if you don’t want to be classed as ‘hipster’?  Chances are, no hipster would want that label.  The key is, of course, finding your style and look.  But the fact is, we need to stop worrying about looking the same. 

Finding Unique Beard and Mustache Styles

You may be frustrated with the rise of the ‘hipster’ trend in beards not just because they seem to be everywhere.  You may want to grow or maintain a beard for any of the following reasons: 

• A beard helps to complete your look
• A beard complements your face
• You want a beard to appear more attractive
• Famous beards and styles inspire you
• You don’t like having to shave 

These are all great reasons for wanting to grow and maintain facial hair!  Growing a beard just for the sake of fitting in – or not fitting in – may be frowned upon by some people, but ultimately, it’s your face, and it’s your style. 

So, how do you make your beard your own?  How do you make sure your facial hair stands out in a sea of hipster beards and handlebar mustaches?  It’s all about thinking outside of the box. 

The traditional hipster beard, for the most part, is just to let your facial hair grow wild and woolly.  Some men like using products and take care of their facial hair.  Otherwise, it’s generally not that hard to just let your beard grow out.  The hipster effect, the non-conformist facial hair trend, is inspired by merely refusing to shave.

 If you care about your beard and how it looks, it’s a good idea to take care of it.  There are more beard and mustache styles out there than you think.  Plenty of hipsters take care of their beards; however, it is the attention you pay to your hair, which sets you apart from the pack.

Standing Out

If you really want your beard to stand out from the crowd, you’re going to need to experiment.  That means going against the non-conformist grain.  To be able to find your route towards unique beard greatness, you’re going to need to follow a few steps. 

• Look at mustache and beard styles which suit the shape of your face. Beards considered ‘hipster’ don’t tend to have much discretion. 
• Grow out your facial hair and look for areas where extra care may be required. For example, you may need to condition or wax your beard to get the best effect.
• Think about your style and sense of aesthetics. Is a goatee or chinstrap beard going to go well with the outdoorsy look?  Probably not.
• Don't be afraid to trim and shave. Finding the perfect, unique beard style is something which can take time, trial, and error.
• Always look at beard grooming guides to learn more about styles and regimes which may suit you.

Blending In

However, you might not want to stand out at all.  Plenty of us are fine with ‘conforming’ to this hipster stereotype.  Ultimately, a beard shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your personal style.  Put simply, it’s not so much about what you have, but more about how you put it across. 

The hipster beard trend has pretty much solidified itself in mainstream culture.  While many people saw it as a fad a few years ago, beard growth hasn’t gone away as quickly as people thought it might.  That being said, there are still plenty of people out there who go clean-shaven. 

Our bottom line on this topic is that we shouldn't be worried about conforming or looking the same.  A style that's unique to you is obviously something you should want to strive for.  However, if you're holding back on growing a beard simply because you've seen a lot of them around, it may be time to take a deep breath.  Beards help to complete a wide array of looks and styles.  Why not get growing, grooming, and styling?

Don’t forget; you’re going to need the best tools and grooming products along the way.  Check out the Hunter Jacks store or call a fellow beardy on +1 973 536 1455.  Or, drop us an email at hello@hunterjacks.com