The Evolution of Beard Styles Over the Last 100 Years
The Evolution of Beard Styles Over the Last 100 Years
Introduction:
Beards have always been more than just facial hair—they’re a reflection of cultural trends, personal identity, and even societal values. Over the past century, beard styles have undergone dramatic transformations, influenced by everything from Hollywood stars to counterculture movements. Let’s take a journey through the evolution of beards over the last 100 years and discover how each era left its mark on facial hair fashion.
1920s: The Clean-Shaven Look
In the roaring 1920s, clean-shaven faces were all the rage. This era celebrated sharp suits and a polished appearance, reflecting a newfound modernity. Advances in shaving technology, like the safety razor, made daily grooming easier, pushing beards out of mainstream fashion.
Key Style: Clean-shaven
Cultural Influences: The rise of consumerism and urban sophistication
1930s-1940s: The Mustache Rules
While full beards were still rare, the mustache became a defining feature of this period. Popularized by movie stars like Clark Gable, the pencil-thin mustache symbolized elegance and charm. During World War II, practicality took precedence, and facial hair was kept minimal for soldiers' convenience.
Key Style: Thin, groomed mustache
Cultural Influences: Hollywood glamour and wartime practicality
1950s: Clean and Conservative
The post-war era saw a return to clean-shaven faces, as traditional values and conformity shaped men’s grooming habits. Beards were associated with intellectuals and nonconformists, but the average man preferred a smooth, professional look.
Key Style: Clean-shaven or very light stubble
Cultural Influences: The rise of corporate culture and suburban life
1960s: The Counterculture Beard
The 1960s brought a rebellion against societal norms, and beards came back as a symbol of freedom and counterculture. Beatniks and hippies embraced full beards, challenging the clean-shaven ideal of the previous decades.
Key Style: Full, natural beard
Cultural Influences: Counterculture movements, the Civil Rights Movement, and anti-war protests
1970s: The Beard as a Statement
The 1970s saw beards take on a more mainstream appeal. From bushy sideburns to the iconic full beard paired with long hair, facial hair became a way to express individuality and masculinity.
Key Style: Thick, full beard or sideburns
Cultural Influences: Disco culture, rock music, and a growing embrace of natural styles
1980s: The Return of Clean-Shaven Faces
In the 1980s, clean-shaven faces returned to dominance as power suits and corporate culture took center stage. The beard was seen as less professional, though some men opted for closely trimmed mustaches as a nod to the era’s focus on precision and style.
Key Style: Clean-shaven or neatly trimmed mustache
Cultural Influences: Corporate culture and fitness trends
1990s: The Goatee and Minimalism
The 1990s brought back facial hair in a more controlled form. The goatee became one of the most popular styles, striking a balance between ruggedness and refinement. This era embraced individuality without the wild rebellion of earlier decades.
Key Style: Goatee or light stubble
Cultural Influences: Alternative rock, grunge culture, and minimalism
2000s: Stubble Takes the Spotlight
The 2000s saw the rise of stubble as a fashionable, effortless look. Celebrities like George Clooney and David Beckham made the “designer stubble” a symbol of casual sophistication.
Key Style: Light to medium stubble
Cultural Influences: Hollywood’s influence and casual fashion trends
2010s: The Beard Renaissance
The 2010s marked a true renaissance for beards. Full beards became a mainstream style, thanks to the rise of the “lumbersexual” aesthetic and a renewed focus on natural grooming. Beards were no longer a countercultural statement but a fashion choice embraced by men of all backgrounds.
Key Style: Full, groomed beard
Cultural Influences: Hipster culture, social media trends, and a focus on authenticity
2020s: Personal Expression
Today, beard styles are as diverse as ever. From sleek, trimmed beards to bold, Viking-inspired looks, men are using facial hair to express individuality. The rise of beard care products has made grooming easier and more accessible, allowing beards to become a canvas for personal style.
Key Style: Anything goes—full beards, stubble, or even classic mustaches
Cultural Influences: Personal branding, self-expression, and inclusivity
Conclusion
Over the past century, beards have transformed from a symbol of rebellion to a mainstream fashion statement, reflecting the cultural shifts of each era. Whether you’re sporting a classic style or experimenting with something bold, beards continue to be a timeless expression of masculinity and individuality.
At Wild West Beard Co., we’re proud to celebrate every beard style. From grooming oils to balms, we’ve got everything you need to keep your beard looking its best—no matter the decade. Check out our store HERE!