The American Beard Report Issue #10
Greetings, Lovers of Facial Hair!
We are mere weeks away from the 2019 National Beard and Moustache Championships in Tinley Park, IL. All are welcome at this celebrated event. To qualify you must simply have some facial hair (real or crafted), the ability to register online or in-person before the start of the event, and the means to arrive on time! All competitors will have a chance to strut their stuff on stage in front of the judges as well as in front of the cameras and spectators. If you are unsure of which category to enter, we will have seasoned, helpful friends that will walk you through your options at the registration table.
At this unique and fabulous event we will highlight three charities that serve the Tinley Park and Chicago Southland Area. 100% of ticket sales, as well as other efforts, will go towards these three organizations:
“He who sheds blood with me will forever be my brother.”
Oscar Mike strives to be a leading provider of funding for injured Veterans to participate in life-changing adaptive sports. They utilize 100% of donations to the Oscar Mike Foundation 501(c)(3) Public Non-Profitand proceeds from their Oscar Mike Apparel Sales to provide support to injured Veterans looking for an opportunity to stay active. By focusing on the arena of adaptive sports, the Oscar Mike Foundation assists in offering an outlet for an ongoing competitive lifestyle to thousands of American Veterans who have sacrificed for the defense of our country. *Oscar Mike will be selling the Official Event Shirt.
About Together We Cope:
A homelessness prevention agency
We are a homelessness prevention agency based in Tinley Park, Illinois. We serve 27 communities in four townships in Chicago’s south suburbs. Our mission is to bridge the gap for Southland residents in temporary crisis.
We help people stay in their homes
When you support Together We Cope, you help your neighbors stay in their homes and pay their bills during tough times. A little help makes the community better for all of us. Helping families and individuals overcome unexpected temporary financial problems is our mission. We need everyone’s help to accomplish this and everyone can help in one way or another. Citizens groups, students and student groups, members of local churches and organizations, business owners and corporate managers have always been very generous to this cause to say the least. The word “Together” in our name is no accident. Working together is the only way to keep our communities strong.
We provide necessities during a financial downturn
With your help, we provide basic necessities like food, shampoo, diapers and clothing. We help with prescriptions, past due rent, mortgage, utility payments, school supplies and Christmas presents for children. Our efforts are aimed at preventing homelessness for hard-working families and individuals who experience an unexpected temporary loss of income. Help with food, clothing and referrals helps to prevent their homelessness because it allows more of their limited money to continue to be spent on housing, utilities, and medical needs while they work hard to get back on their feet again.
We serve 27 south suburban communities
Our south suburban service area encompasses all of Orland, Palos, and Bremen townships and includes the suburban part of Worth Township. Residents of this service area are eligible for help from Together We Cope. If you live in one of these towns, we have helped your neighbor: Alsip • Blue Island • Bridgeview • Chicago Ridge • Country Club Hills • Crestwood • Evergreen Park • Garden Homes • Harvey • Hazel Crest • Hickory Hills • Hometown • Homewood • Markham • Merrionette Park • Midlothian • Oak Forest • Oak Lawn • Orland Hills • Orland Park • Palos Heights • Palos Hills • Palos Park • Posen • Robbins • Tinley Park and Worth.
The National Beard and Moustache Championships are proud to help Together We Cope with their mission.
The People’s Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Tinley Park is a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the protection of domestic animals and to the attempt to prevent animal cruelty in the surrounding communities. They provide shelter to abandoned, lost and relinquished pets. They provide humane education in animal care to the communities. They strive to prevent the overpopulation of our pets by offering spay/neuter programs, rather than through the use of euthanasia. To promote these goals, they are dedicated to finding safe and permanent new homes for our domestic animals as well as helping the public choose the right companions for their families. The National Beard and Moustache Championships is proud to help out with the PAWS mission.
Furry, Forever Friends!
The Bearded Bastard
Exclusive Interview with Jeremiah Newton
from The Bearded Bastard
The Bearded Bastard is one of the most Senior and Established Beard Oil brands out there.
We had the pleasure to chat with founder and creator Jeremiah Newton recently.
1. What got you started in making beard oils? Are you a Chemist?
To be honest I was kinda just fucking off, I I had a 5-7 inch mustache that and a wiry beard that was hard to keep in order, so I created something I liked, and everyone else seemed to like it also.
2. How does being a Super Taster help with Bearded Bastard oils?
Being Autistic my senses have always been almost too keen, but to answer your question, scenting is like cooking to me I keep at the recipe till it smells damn tasty.
3. For someone new to beard oils what can they expect for results if used daily for 1 month?
You can expect a beard people will want to kiss and fondle (results may vary).
4. What direction do you see beard related products going in 20 years?
To Mars?
5. As one of the first and premier beard product companies in the market today, do you have any advice for newer companies who want to make their own products?
If you want to do it, do it. I spent around 8 months reading heavily on exactly what each oil did, molecule size, etc etc then popped out The Woodsman, with the mustache wax I think it took me around a day of research and 2 tries. I started with no money, broke, and recently divorced, if I can start TBB with $32.75 and no website, you also can do it!
6. Have you ever participated in a facial hair competition? if so, have you won any awards?
I have only competed in one competition, it was hilarious I won creepiest facial hair for a funny little stunt I pulled.
7. What is the daily routine for your facial hair?
Shower, then beard oil, I am pretty simple cat when it comes to maintenance.
8. Are you related to Sir Isaac Newton?
There is a kinda half ass connection, way way back, but who knows
9. In your opinion, what is the most under-rated scent for humans?
When you flip your pillow over, or when your lover stays the night and the next day their scent lingers.
Jeremiah Newton (right) and friend.
NOW HEAR THIS!
For your perusal, here is some recent Chicago-area press on the National Beard and Moustache Championships:
The National Beard and Moustache Championships is so close we can taste it! We are partnering with Remington Beard Boss and 350 Brewing and we’ll be holding the event at 350 Brewing Company’s Insanity Factory, a large brewing facility a few blocks away from their main tap-room. The Insanity Factory is an open, indoor space where competitors and spectators will be surrounded by brewing equipment and whiskey barrels, all within sight of a massive decommissioned Mental Health facility. There will be vendors from all over the country, and our other sponsors include Skully’s CTZ Beard Oil, Beardsgaard Barbers, River Peak Apothecary, The American Mustache Institute, and more to be announced soon!
*In case you missed the announcement, the categories have been expanded to a record-breaking number of 51 options. At the bottom of this newsletter you can find an exhaustive list of these categories.
Contributors Wanted!
The American Beard Report is seeking contributors from all across the country to help us make this report more informative and relevant. We’d love to hear and see what is going on in your community. Contributions can consist of a general report on your local Competition or club, or any facial hair related news that is growing from your region. We will also accept photos, poems, images of artwork, short stories, jokes, and whatever else you think of (maybe).
Please email your content to: hello@beardteamusa.org
Reminder:
There are many Moustache and Beard competitions happening all over America on any given weekend. The majority of these events work towards supporting a local or regional non-profit group or other community organization in need. For upcoming competitions in your area, please check out the Alliance Competition Calendar. While you are there, browse their site and see what they are all about!
Category Details for the 2019 National Beard and Moustache Championships!
Glossary of terms:
Grooming Aids - Oils, balms, other hair products without “Hold”
Styling Aids - Hair Products with “Hold”
Additional Structural Materials - Items that create support or armature for the beard. Examples are wire, string or other non-natural, non-naturally-grown-and-attached-to-the-wearer materials that might hold the beard parts up or together.
Friday, November 8 - Exhibition
This exhibition event is a for-fun event that will provide information on how Saturdays event will operate. Competitors are permitted to enter one (1) category on Friday and one (1) category on Saturday if they wish. All First Place winners from both days will be eligible to win “Best In Show” Saturday Evening.
1. Design Beard - Short, styled beard with designs/graphics carved into it. Will be judged on creativity and style.
2. Business Beard - A well-presented beard with also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Styling Aids permitted, all lengths accepted.
3. Brewers Beard - Any beard of a hard working, beer making person. Beard will be judged on wildness and ability to produce yeast**.
4. Veterans Beard - Any beard from a retired or discharged US Service member. Will be judged on overall suitability and time invested.
5. Mr. Moustache - A well groomed, short, thick Push-broom/caterpillar-like moustache. Bonus points for a smile.
6. 5 O’Clock Shadow - Competitors will shave no earlier than 7 am the day of the event and will be judged according to level of growth later that same day at 5pm (17:00).
**Kidding?
Saturday November 9th - Competition
Moustaches
7. Natural Moustache - Judges will be looking for a natural moustache with no styling aids present. The moustache must not begin growth from the skin at a distance further than 3/4” beyond the corner of the wearers mouth. Any length of moustache hairs is accepted.
8. Styled, Handlebar Moustache - The Styled Moustaches will be expected to have a single, open curl or loop on both sides. All hair growing from more than 3/4” past the corner of the mouth must be shaved. The moustache hairs themselves will have no regulation on length. Any or all styling aids will be permitted and some styling is required. Hungarian Moustache would fit in this category.
9. Best Groomed Moustache - Neat, tidy moustache. This moustache will be judged on overall appearance, contrast between shaved and moustache areas, and symmetry. Styling and Grooming Aids allowed. Imperial Moustache would fit in this category.
10. English Moustache - A narrow, slender moustache with the hairs extend ed outward from the middle of the upper lip. The tips may be slightly raised. Hairs growing from beyond the corner of the mouth must be shaved. Styling aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3) competitors will be moved into Best Groomed Moustache
11. Dali Moustache - Slender with the tips curled upward. Hairs growing from beyond the corner of the mouth must be shaved. The tips may not extend above the level of the eyebrows. Styling Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3) competitors will be moved into Best Groomed Moustache
12. Freestyle Moustache - Freestyle Moustache - Free design and styling of the moustache. All moustaches not meeting the criteria for other categories may compete in this category. All hair growing from more than 3/4” past the corner of the mouth must be shaved. Styling Aids permitted.
Partial Beards
13. Natural Goatee, Shaped (short, full) - Shaped Goatees must have a minimum 3” gap of bald or otherwise shaved skin between the bottom of the earlobe and the beginning of the goatee. (This strip of bare skin would normally be where sideburns would be). All goatees are permitted to have an incorporated moustache, but it is not required. Goatee will be judged on overall fit to the competitor, health of hair and level of awesomeness. Grooming Aids are permitted, but excessive use of aids will result in a deduction from stand-alone value.
14. Natural Goatee, Wide <18” - All Wide Goatees must have a minimum 2” gap of bald or otherwise shaved skin between the bottom of the earlobe and the beginning of the goatee. (This strip of bare skin would normally be where sideburns would be). All goatees are permitted to have an incorporated moustache, but it is not required. Goatee will be judged on overall fit to the competitor, health of hair and level of awesomeness. Grooming Aids are permitted, but excessive use of aids will result in a deduction from stand-alone value. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3) competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
15. Natural Goatee >18” - All Goatees over 18” must have a minimum 2” gap of bald or otherwise shaved skin between the bottom of the earlobe and the beginning of the goatee. (This strip of bare skin would normally be where sideburns would be). All goatees are permitted to have an incorporated moustache, but it is not required. Goatee will be judged on overall fit to the competitor, health of hair and level of awesomeness. Grooming Aids are permitted, but excessive use of aids will result in a deduction from stand-alone value.*If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
16. Natural Sideburns, Friendly - Must be a true sideburn with no natural or shaven gap by the ear. Chin is shaven at least 1.5" (the width of a standard razor blade). The moustache shall be connected on the upper lip, also known as the “friendly” chops. Grooming Aids are permitted, but excessive use of aids will result in a deduction from stand-alone value. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into one combined Natural Sideburns Category
17. Natural Sideburns - Must be a true sideburn with no natural or shaven gap by the ear. Chin is shaven at least 1.5" (the width of a standard razor blade). No moustache permitted. Grooming Aids are permitted, but excessive use of aids will result in a deduction from stand-alone value. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into one combined Natural Sideburns Category
18. Fu Manchu - All areas more than 3/4” past the corner of the mouth horizontally must be clean shaven, and the chin area is shaved as well. The moustache and partial beard hairs are permitted to grow from the face descending vertically towards the jawline and 3/4” beyond. The tips of the moustache extend downward. Styling Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Partial Beard Freestyle category
19. Musketeer - Also known as a “3-Point Beard”. The beard is narrow and pointed. The moustache is slender, long, and drawn out in a slight bow. The moustache may not include hairs growing from more than 3/4” past the corners of the mouth. Styling Aids permitted. Facial Hair will be judged for overall look, overall presentation will be considered.
20. Donegal (short, tight, shaved cheeks) - The Donegal is a tight, well groomed beard with no moustache and shaved upper cheeks. This style will consist of beards that would otherwise be considered full beards if they had a moustache (Similar to C. Everett Koops beard). Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Whaler or Shenandoah adjacent category
21. Whaler (longer, non shaved cheeks) - The Whaler is a wilder, full beard up to 12” in length with no moustache and cheeks can be shaved or not shaved. This style will consist of all beards that would otherwise be considered full beards if they had a moustache. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Donegal or Shenandoah category
22. Shenandoah (very long, wild. shaved or non shaved cheeks) - The Shenandoah is a longer, full beard over 12” in length with no moustache. Cheeks can be shaved or not shaved. This style will consist of all beards that would otherwise be considered full beards if they had a moustache. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Whaler or Donegal category
23. Goatee Freestyle - Goatee Freestyle includes any freestyle beard that is styled with the base facial hair used having the recognizable characteristics of a Goatee. This is a styled partial beard with no structural aids. Styling Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Partial beard Freestyle category
24. Sideburns Freestyle - Sideburns Freestyle includes any freestyle beard that is styled with the base facial hair used having the recognizable characteristics of sideburns. This is a styled partial beard with no structural aids. Styling Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the Partial beard Freestyle category
25. Partial Beard Freestyle - Partial Beard Freestyle includes any freestyle beard that is styled with the base facial hair used having the recognizable characteristics of a Partial Beard and does not fit into the Freestyle Sideburns or Freestyle Goatee category. This is a styled partial beard with no structural aids permitted. Styling Aids permitted.
Full Beards
26. Full Beard, Best Groomed <3” (Flyweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, 0-3” lengths accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
27. Full Beard, Best Groomed 3” - 6” (Bantamweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, 3”-6” lengths accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
28. Full Beard Best Groomed 6”-12” (Featherweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, 6”-12” lengths accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
29. Full Beard Best Groomed 12”-18” (Lightweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, all lengths 12”-18” accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
30. Full Beard Best Groomed 18”-24” (Middleweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, all lengths 18” to 24” accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
31. Full Beard Best Groomed >24” (Heavyweight) - A well-presented beard, but also the overall groomed presentation from head to toe. Grooming Aids permitted, all lengths over 24” accepted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
32. Full Beard Garibaldi - The Garibaldi Beard is wide and round at the bottom, and no more than 8 inches in length as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better. The moustache may not be made distinct from the beard or styled. The beard may not be curled under at the bottom. Grooming Aids permitted, No Styling Aids Permitted.
33. Full Beard, Styled Moustache <3” (Flyweight) - Full beard from 0-3” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
34. Full Beard, Styled Moustache 3"- 6” (Bantamweight) - Full beard from 3”-6” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
35. Full Beard, Styled Moustache 6”-12” (Featherweight) - Full beard from 6”-12” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
36. Full Beard, Styled Moustache 12’-18” (Lightweight) - Full beard from 12’-18” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
37. Full Beard, Styled Moustache 18”-24” (Middleweight) - Full beard from 18”-24” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
38. Full Beard, Styled Moustache >24” (Heavyweight) - Full beard over 24” in length with minimal to mild styling aids and incorporating a Moustache of any size, styled in a manner as to be the predominant facial-hair-feature of the face. Grooming Aids permitted in the beard, styling aids permitted in the Moustache. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
39. Full Beard Natural <3” (Flyweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure a maximum length of 3” as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
40. Full Beard Natural 3”-6” (Bantamweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure a maximum length of 6” as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
41. Full Beard Natural 6”-12” (Featherweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure a maximum length of 12” as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
42. Full Beard Natural 12”-18” (Lightweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure 12” - 18” in length as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
43. Full Beard Natural 18”-24” (Middleweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure 18” - 24” in length as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
44. Full Beard Natural >24” (Heavyweight) - The beard appears as it grows naturally. The more natural the better! This category is for beards that measure 24” or more in length as measured from the bottom of the lower lip. Grooming Aids permitted. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into an adjacent category
45. Full Beard Freestyle - The full bearded contestant will have the creative freedom to style their beard in any manner that they like. There are no restrictions on length, symmetry, asymmetry or color. Styling aids are allowed, but additional structural materials (wire, rope, lumber) are not permitted.
Craft Categories
46. Realistic Moustache - This Craft/Realistic Category requires a crafted, realistic looking moustache. There are no other regulations. Beards that maintain their shape/lift/buoyancy without the additional aid of the wearers own appendages will be rewarded with higher scores.
47. Creative Moustache - For this category, the general idea of the creation should be able to be recognized as moustache-like in shape, nature, or essence of origin in regards to the human body. There are no restrictions on materials to be used, except for what may possibly be illegal or dangerous to others. The creation must be able to hang freely on the face or general head/upper torso area without consistent help from the appendages of the wearer.
48. Realistic Beard - This Craft/Realistic Category requires a crafted, realistic looking beard. There are no other regulations. Beards that maintain their shape/lift/buoyancy without the additional aid of the wearers own appendages will be rewarded with higher scores.
49. Creative Beard - For this category, the general idea of the creation should be able to be recognized as beardish or otherwise beard-like in shape, nature, or essence of origin in regards to the human body. There are no restrictions on materials to be used, except for what may possibly be illegal or dangerous to others. The creation must be able to hang freely from the face or general head/upper torso area without consistent help from the appendages of the wearer.
50. Attached, Natural Craft Moustache -Facial Hair that is created from pulling around the wearers real, attached head hair and making it resemble moustache, or other facial hair. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the adjacent Attached Natural Category or the Realistic Beard or Realistic Moustache Categories
51. Attached, Natural Craft Beard - Facial Hair that is created from pulling around the wearers real, attached head hair and making it resemble a beard or partial beard. *If there are not enough competitors to fill this category (3), competitors will be moved into the adjacent Attached Natural Category or the Realistic Beard or Realistic Moustache Categories
More info on the National Beard and Moustache Championships can be found HERE.
