With all the beards running around Hollywood these days, on the streets of Williamsburg, and the 'staches sported on Sunset Boulevard, Build-a-Beard wanted to examine what is causing the sudden burst of follicle fierceness (not that we're complaining).
It is believed by some that the recession has sparked this bearded trend - with more layoffs and fewer people in corporate America - there is no need to shave. Yet Hollywood should tread lightly here - men should always grow out for the love and dedication of their facial fuzz NOT because of a 'trend.' In the months to come, it will be interesting to watch what actors go beard and what actors go home. But as of right now, men have realized that facial hair magically transforms the average zero into a bearded hero. Afterall, letting hair follicles hang out changes a man's perceived masculinity (trust me on this - I am a woman - I know these things). To this point, B-a-B is interested to know how many beardos got laid at SXSW vs. unshaved faces? Think about it - SXSW is the Hipster Beard Mecca! We're sure the % of happy beardos leaving that festival is significantly higher than those who rocked nothing on their faces....
Yet the point about the recession brings up an interesting question - how has our bearded brotherhood impacted the razor business? How are companies such as Gillette, Schick, and BIC combating our hairy army of awesomeness? Surely, fewer men are picking up razors these days causing a definite backlash against the blade. But shaving companies can rest easy - a recent report by The Global Industry Analysts (GIA) titled, "Men's Grooming Products: A Global Strategic Business Report," found that the world market for men's grooming products is projected to exceed $33.2 billion by the year 2015. This is primarily driven by a rapid rise of metrosexual male, innovative appealing products, growing middle class population, increased Internet connectivity, and universality of prestige across the world.
As far as Build-a-Beard is concerned, presitge comes from turning on, tuning in, and growing out. That said, we'd be interested in hearing from any shaving companies about their thoughts on the wave of lengthy facial follicles. Email us for a possible Q&A.
*LA 'stache tweeting @buildabeard spotted on Sunset