Most Creative Facial Hair at the 2019 Beard and Moustache Championships

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

The annual National Beard and Moustache Championships are an opportunity for facial hair aficionados to gather together and get creative with their grooming. Each year, photographer Greg Anderson makes the journey to document the competition and show off the wild beards and mustaches of the contestants. The 2019 championships were held in Illinois over the course of two days and drew competitors of all ages, races, and genders.

Anderson's portraits of these facial hair masters have almost become part of the event, with each contestant proudly showing off their handiwork. From intricate sculptures to perfectly groomed, classic styles, it's incredible to see what each person does with their beards and mustaches. It's also amazing to see the power and confidence that each participant displays, many even donning special costumes to round out their spectacular facial hair.

Competitors put their best foot forward in over 50 categories that celebrate mustaches, sideburns, goatees, and full beards. Categories include Fu Manchu, Dali Moustache, Creative Beard, and much more. Let's take a look at some of their creative stylings, which may just inspire you to go ahead and grow out your own facial hair.

Check out some of the wildest styles from the National Beard and Moustache Championships.

Wild Beard Art

Crazy Beard Styling

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

The contest also celebrates excellence in classic facial hair grooming.

Best Beards in the Country

Beard Grooming Contest

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

Man with Long Beard

Excellent Beard Grooming

Fancy Moustaches

Beard Grooming Contest

But it's the creative categories where contestants let their imaginations run wild.

Fancy Moustaches

Crazy Beard Art

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

Old Time Moustache

Best Moustache Contest

Man with Braided Beard

There are even some women who joined in the creative fun.

National Beard and Moustache Championships 2019

Crazy Beard Art

Greg Anderson: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Greg Anderson.

Related Articles:

Wild Facial Hairstyles From the 2017 World Beard and Moustache Championships

Bearded Men Are Looking Straight Up to Reveal Their “Under Beard Faces”

Men in London Are Festively Decorating Their Beards With Twinkling Holiday Lights

First Ever “Beard Jewelry” Collection Adds a Hint of Glitz to Men’s Facial Hair

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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