Beard and Mustache Clubs::
Yes it’s true, such clubs exist and they even have a World Beard and Mustache organization.  Besides meeting in pubs and beer halls many of the clubs help raise money for local charities.  Check out some of the organizations who participated in our film!

Handlebar Club, London, England – hosts of the 2007 World Beard and Mustache Competition
Berlin Beard Club, Berlin, Germany – hosts of the 2005 World Beard and Mustache Competition   
Whisker Club, Bremerton, Washington, USA 

No Grease Barber Shop and Barber School::
Over Thanksgiving we went to Charlotte, North Carolina to film at the No Grease Barber Shop and School to interview the owner, Damian Johnson, and several of his patrons. There we met trendsetter Tone McGill, a barber who invented a beard style using a technique he calls ‘black,’ which ‘defines perfection.’  It is a style that is spreading to the South and beyond.

No Grease

The Religious Beard::
Beards have played a part in religion for centuries.  They have factored into practice and tradition in Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Sikh faiths.  We interview men from several religions and learn about the historical orgin of different practices and how various styles distinguish various sects.  We also learn that sometimes, wearing the wrong style in the wrong place may cause unintended consequences.

Chabad

The Bears::
We filmed the Bears of San Francisco at the 2005 Gay Pride Parade and the President’s Day Weekend International Bear Rendezvous, 2006.  They are a great bunch of guys with hairy faces and warm hearts! 

Bears of San Francisco 
Resources for Bears

Beards in the 60s::
The 60’s was a great time for beard lovers. We look at the symbolism behind the beard, from hippies to Che to American activists. Comic book publisher Ron Turner, who sports an amazing white beard, shared his insights into the beard politics of the 60’s.

Last Gasp

The Mustache::
The mustache means many things to many different cultures. In WWII European military circles it meant status as permission to grow a mustache was reserved for officers. In the 70’s in America, it was a sex symbol. For today’s hip San Francisco young adults, it is a reason to party.

Women::
Facial hair is a symbol of masculinity, virility, and power. We visit a few women who don facial hair (in drag and through hormones) and discuss how wearing it makes them feel and changes their perspective on gender.

Beards in Art::
Artists have made use of facial hair to represent good and bad, craziness, laziness, power, and terror. In Beard Club, we explore several works of art and the cultural norms they illuminate.

Taraneh Hemami

Drawing a Beard::
Artist James Gobel drew a special beard for Beard Club. It’s lush, fun, and fabulous. Thank you James! See more examples of his work on the following site.

See more of James Gobel’s Beards.