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Facial hair is growing on men during lean financial times

Tribune photo illustration

Clockwise from top left, Billy Bob Thornton, Horatio Sanz, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Christian Bale sport modern facial hairstyles.

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2009

Women aren't the only ones cutting back on their beauty routines to save money these days. Men are trading in their clean-shaven faces and growing "recession beards."

Yesterday's product-happy metrosexual is embracing his inner caveman and giving up the shaving cream, razors and after shave that can cost a pretty penny.

According to the marketing research company The NPD Group, sales of electric shavers and men's facial trimmers have dipped 12 percent in just the last year, while beards continue to sprout.

Facial hair – at least on men – has long been associated with strength and power. Would you really want to tangle with Poseidon?

For Gandalf (played by actor Ian McKellen) in "The Lord of the Rings," the beard is practically a character in itself. And Ted Neely worked those whiskers as Jesus.

But don't kid yourself, fellas, not everyone can – or should - work a fuzzy face. And getting a job with facial fur can prove difficult, unless you're applying for a gig selling camping or hiking supplies.

Even more problematic is how it feels on someone else's skin. Can you say whisker burn?

Before you grab those clippers, The Art of Shaving, which creates and sells shaving products, offers these tips on how to find the hairy look that's right for you -- and keep it looking good.

Full beard

Best for a long and narrow face (George Clooney)

The technique:
Leave hair longer on the sides and shorter at the chin to round out a thin face.


Well-groomed goatee

Good for a round face (Brad Pitt)

The technique:
Follow the natural growth of the jaw line; it gives you a soft shape and friendly appearance.


Designer stubble

Best for a square face (Bradley Cooper)

The technique:
For a close-trimmed beard, use a good set of clippers to cut to a quarter-inch or less and don't slack on outlining and trimming.

Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656.

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