The Beard Market: BEARDCONOMY 101

In 2011, a friend showed me a website for beard enthusiast where you could post a picture and see other cool facial haired people. Fast forward to now where its “teams”, products, phone apps and accessories. I’m not really sure what happened…oh wait yes I am. It’s the money that can be made off of the hype.

So out of all the products on the “market” I am going to say about 60% are made from the top google result when you search for beard oil. If that stings a bit, then its accurate. Some of this stuff however is researched and made to be good for your beard and skin and that’s how it should be. I don’t want to rub some unknown home mixture given to me by a stranger into my dam beard, that’s dumb.

The simple fact is that some asshole goes to his first beard competition and sees the big turn out and vendors and products. He looks at some oils or balms and thinks, “OVERPRICED!” and decides to look it up and make some at home. Impressed by his concoction he gets a friend with a beard to try it and realizes that he too can sell this shit and make some money. Or they blow it all out of proportion and rip off scents and ideas from other established companies.

Don’t get all pissy and sore. I know some guys who make product and they are legit people who are not in it for the money really. But on average these overnight coat tail ridding trend chasers will only be around for a few months before they shave for a wedding or some bull shit. The get upset because they don’t place at a comp and they pack it all in.

Same goes for the merch. I have a beard. It’s on my face. People can see it I figure. I don’t need eleven shirts in my closet that refer to my beard. Some of them are funny but its honestly a bit pitiful. It’s just another way to profit off of a hobby / activity. Sad part is most of the diehard beardo’s I know will spend their cash on good food and drinks before they buy dumb beard swag, like a real man…

In my five plus years I have met some great guys and gals. I could care less if they have a beard or not. Now we are friends. If they shave or stop competing or whatever. I am nobody in this community really, but a handful of them respect me for some reason and I believe we have each other’s back outside of the “community” They don’t try to sell me shit, they don’t ask me for anything except the occasional opinion or the few times I have been asked to judge.

Well I am off point now, let’s refocus. There are two types of people in this beard game when you break it down. The ones who enjoy each other and the good times that are had. The others are a parasite looking for a few easy dollars before the “fad” passes or they get bored with it. Plain and simple don’t fall victim to BEARDCONOMY.