World Beard Day

World Beard Day History

World Beard Day, an annual global celebration, aims to promote and appreciate the unique cultural aspects, prominence, and creativity associated with facial hair. Beards have long held historical and cultural significance, often symbolising wisdom or strength. This observance unites beard enthusiasts, irrespective of race or nationality, to celebrate facial hair and the common bond it represents, often raising funds for charitable causes.

Although there is no recorded official history on the origins of World Beard Day, it is celebrated globally by different communities, including Australia. In Australia, beards have been associated with the bushranger image, symbolising rebellion and anti-authoritarianism. Bearded icons such as Ned Kelly hold cultural significance, and current-day Australians continue to embrace and celebrate facial hair in various forms. World Beard Day events held within Australia often engage men from diverse backgrounds to participate and showcase their beards while embracing the historical and cultural associations.

To observe World Beard Day in Australia, various events and gatherings are organised, often including beard competitions, grooming sessions, and opportunities to share beard tips and tricks. Participants can engage with fellow facial hair enthusiasts and raise funds for charity through these events. Australians commemorate World Beard Day on the first Saturday of September each year. It is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the heritage, creativity, and camaraderie associated with facial hair in a fun and light-hearted manner.

World Beard Day facts

• Hair growth is linked to family and heredity. This means that a person’s genes will determine their ability to grow facial hair. Genes determine hair growth, thickness, and even graying.
• According to a Behavioral Ecology study, a man’s beard can influence other people’s perceptions of their social status. The study found that regardless of cultural background, women perceived men with beards as having a higher social status compared to their clean-shaven counterparts.
• Beards can protect the skin from the sun. They can block up to 95% of the sun's harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer.
• In the 19th century, beards and facial hair were quite popular among Australian men, reflecting a rugged, masculine image that was associated with the tough conditions experienced by early settlers, miners, and bushmen.
• Throughout Australia's history, many explorers sported beards as a form of functionality and style. Prominent 19th-century explorers, including Robert O'Hara Burke, William Wills, and Ludwig Leichhardt, were often depicted with distinctive facial hair.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Beard Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Beard Day

• Maintain your beard. Trim it, style it, make sure your beard is well kept today.
• Get a haircut. Spend a little extra and go for beard treatment. You'll feel refreshed and look brand new.
• Visit local markets or specialty grooming stores to explore a range of beard-related products, such as oils, balms, or combs, to enhance your own beard grooming routine.
• Beard competitions: Check out local beard and mustache competitions where participants showcase their facial hair in various categories such as length, creativity, or style.