Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Beard History 101

Image used with permission by copyright holder
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From practicalities to fashion statements, beard styles have symbolized everything from wisdom and respect, to honor and dignity throughout the history of man. As a result, facial hair trends and styles have remained widely diverse over the years as a symbol of man’s virility, and every decade has also had a style or trend that influenced the general public.

Recommended Videos

If you’re one to keep up with these trends, then OneBlade from Philips is a versatile companion to ensure you get the detail you’re looking for. OneBlade is a shave, edge, or trim tool that was built specifically for multipurpose use to obtain any facial hair style or preference.

Your beard can influence the way you present yourself, as well as how you are perceived by others. According to the US psychologist Robert Pellegrini, “the male beard communicates a heroic image of the independent, sturdy, and resourceful pioneer, ready, willing and able to do manly things.” This sense of beard power still reigns true today, and we’re here to give you a detailed history on beard trends throughout the years.

The ’70s

best mustaches
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Facial hair became big news in the 70s. So big in fact that it was somewhat acceptable for people to go out and buy a fake mustache just to fit in. It was a sign of creativity and rebelliousness that everyone wanted a piece of.

A lot of people like to credit The Beatles for having a large influence on men’s hair and beard styles in the 1970s. After all, celebrities have a huge impact on how society presents itself. Their “moptop” style and shaggy beards rose to popularity, sparking new trends for facial hair: the mustache, bushy sideburns, or even a full-faced beard.

Although facial hair in the 70s’ was less manicured than some of the styles that followed, the decade represented a sense of freedom and vigor for men.

The ’80s

Magnum, P.I.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beard popularity in the U.S. subsided in the 1980s’, as men tended to embrace the baby face and slick top hair in favor of a booming corporate culture. This made way for other eclectic and elaborate lifestyle symbols, like the hairstyles of Patrick Swayze.

This doesn’t mean all was lost, however, because the beards that were grown in this decade helped blaze new paths for trends in the future, rooted in attitude and toughness.

Popular styles included the barbarian Hockey playoff beard and ZZ Top’s chest-length facial steez. And I’m sure we can all agree that Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. had one of the most iconic mustache styles of all time.

The ’90s

hot oil beard treatment
Image used with permission by copyright holder

 The ’90s experienced some of the weirdest and unique facial hair styles, although the conservative baby face was still in full effect. With that being said, individualistic goatees, soul patches, and paltry facial hair reigned supreme.

You can thank celebs like Fred Durst and Rob Zombie for the most elaborate goatee styles, while Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain embodied a grungy gentleman look that would pass with flying colors in today’s age.

The 2000s

Ringing in a new Century brought about a period of self-assuring, confident almost-beards and five o’clock shadow. Thanks to the patchy and sparse beards of celebrities like Colin Farrell and Brad Pitt, the Y2K decade wasn’t a huge period for beard growth, but it was necessary for the culture we see today.

That culture is what some refer to as “lumbersexual” phase – or simply someone who’s as rugged and tough as a lumberjack, but also manicured and groomed. You know, someone who can be both dapper and hipster, at the same time.

Now, this phase surely comes and goes, and it very much so depends on what city you’re living in, but the need for grooming and looking great never leaves. Whether you fancy a 70s’ handlebar stache, or simply want to keep things tidy, the Philips OneBlade can precisely hack away at any length of hair and protect against slicing away at your skin. So say goodbye to the days of multiple blades, trimmers, and edgers, and hello to your new favorite bathroom companion — which is just as versatile and stylish as your look.

The Philips OneBlade razor is now available for $44.99 on Amazon.

Bryan Holt
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
Dr. Chris Tomassian’s top 10 skincare tips every man should know
His skincare tips often go viral, so here are his top ones
Dr. Chris Tomassian board-certified dermatologist

When it comes to the evolution of men’s skincare, Dr. Chris Tomassian has played an integral role in the industry’s ongoing development. Dr. Tomassian is a board-certified dermatologist who also founded The Dermatology Collective, and he currently has over 2.7 million followers on social media. Part of the reason his tips go viral is his penchant for simple, down-to-earth skincare advice,  and he’s also gained a reputation for debunking the skincare myths that often catch fire online.
Given his track record, The Manual decided to get his top 10 men’s skincare tips of all time, especially since they’re very different from the ones typically given to women. Dr. Tomassian also weighed in with some advice and info in a Q&A, which follows the tips.

The doctor is in: Dr. Tomassian’s top 10 men’s skincare tips

Read more
Mountain Dew wants to be part of your grooming routine now
Brand power gets the ultimate test as Mountain Dew enters the skincare world
Mountain Dew Blind Barber collaboration

Product collaborations between companies are always intriguing affairs, especially when the principles don’t have much in common. That’s definitely the case in this collab between soda giant Mountain Dew and Blind Barber, with the former making its first foray into the skincare world with three products based on its new flavor.

A flavorful collaboration

Read more
Sleep tape from Dream Recovery is the ultimate men’s skincare shortcut
This sleep tape is infused with proven skincare ingredients
Dream Tape PLUS

When it comes to their skincare routines, some guys get a little lazy every now and then. (Sheepishly raises hand.) We’re always looking for shortcuts, and sometimes, our search takes us to potential men’s skincare hacks.
Time-saving options tend to be in short supply, though, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when we find one that works. That’s especially the case with Dream Mouth Tape Plus, which actually allows men to do skin care in their sleep.

Skincare while you sleep

Read more