Without a doubt, the methods of shaving have changed significantly over the years and so have the perceptions that come with it. The scruffy and rough lumberjack look was once frowned upon and somewhat rejected, but today it’s applauded. Just the sheer emergence of beard balms and oils within the last several months suggests that beards are here to stay. Let’s check out the the best beards of 2019 in the worlds of entertainment, sports, and business.
Actors
George Clooney
This wouldn’t be a best of 2022 beard list without George Clooney. His salt and pepper beard is a perfect example of a scruffy, and yet, tamed look. His short and full beard can even be pulled off at more formal events, and it doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Men with all face shapes can achieve this look. The key is to ensure that the beard follows the natural curvature of your face and to keep a little more hair over the chin.
Idris Elba
Similar to Clooney, Idris also has a salt and pepper look going on. Idris is known for keeping his beard short and close to the chin, although he does make some shifts. Sometimes he’ll do a little scruff with a slightly grown mustache to achieve a different look. Other times he’ll sport a full beard with faded sides, but it’s never too far from the chin.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has worn many different looks but his full beard is the one that sticks. The look works very well for men with wider cheekbones who would like to tone it down a bit. Having the sides trimmed short and thin with the longer hair coming off the chin is complementary to those with similar facial structures.
Omari Hardwick
American actor, Omari Hardwick, is well known for his role on Power, but his beard makes him stand out too. Omari usually rocks a well-groomed and neat goatee. He’s known for wearing his beard in a number of ways, sometimes more hair and sometimes less, but always manicured.
Jake Gyllenhaal
American actor, Jake Gyllenhaal, has worn many looks during his career, but the one that sticks out the most is his beard on the red carpet in 2017. Well-groomed, lush, and even velvety looking, Jake’s beard is still being sought after by many. The beard works perfectly for those with an oval face shape and a strong chin.
Keanu Reeves
Known for his role in The Matrix and John Wick, Canadian actor, Keanu Reeves, has a somewhat “all-natural” beard. It’s a little patchy and even somewhat unkempt, but the scruffy look works for him. Men wanting to achieve this look can just let their beard grow out and trim the front and sides to a shorter length. Also, you can avoid shaving the neckline. Some may give this look a no, but it can work as long as it looks purposeful and not lazy.
Zach Galifianakis
Well-known famous stand-up comedian and American actor, Zach Galifianakis, is known for his trademark beard. It’s thick and full, but requires patience to achieve. Those looking to wear this bushy beard will find that there is little upkeep once completely grown in. Simply doing a nice trim, using quality beard oil, and combing it for definition will do the trick. Oh, and leave the fruit loops out of it!
Ryan Gosling
Canadian actor, Ryan Gosling, makes a statement with his rugged beard that the clean cut approach isn’t the end all, be all. Although his beard is a little shabby, it’s still well-trimmed and can be pulled off at the bar or the office. However, those inspired by Ryan’s beard should be careful about DIYing it, as making one wrong move could result in an unimpressive hobo look. When done right, it’s lightweight, masculine, and the ladies love it.
Musicians
Rick Ross
What stands out most about Rick Ross’s beard is the coverage. His beard hair grows in thick and full, which is something a lot of men struggle with. It’s a well-groomed beard that’s not heavy or long, even though it appears that way. He has been able to achieve a sharp and flattering look that is perfectly outlined for his upper facial area and neckline. This bearded inspiration stands out as being one of the trendiest of 2019.
Justin Timberlake
Justin’s beard has gotten the attention of many and for a very good reason; it’s a fashion statement. Although it’s a full face beard, it’s not bushy. And even with the visible stubble where the jaw meets the neck and the Adam’s apple, it’s still clean. Justin’s beard is the perfect balance of well manicured, but also masculine.
Drake
A Canadian rapper, singer, actor, and business owner, Drake without a doubt is a man that wears many hats. However, something else that stood out about him is when he went from having the slight stubble to the full-face beard. His beard is rough and edgy, and has the “grown man” look. Getting this type of beard takes effort and a hint of genetics. Those who grow beards slowly will have a hard time achieving this look.
Athletes
David Beckham
Although retired, ex-English soccer player, David Beckham, is considered an international sex symbol. He’s even been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, and his facial hair has a lot to do with it. Unlike many other stars who stick to a single beard style, Beckham is a beard chameleon. He has tried countless facial hair styles including the extended goatee to the more hipster-look.
Colin Kaepernick
Kaepernick is known for his courageous acts and career risking moves, but his beard has received some notable attention as well. His beard has changed over the years and he’s rocked it with a few different hair styles: braids, fades, and even an afro. Kaepernick is an example that beards can be worn with practically any look.
Dallas Keuchel
Baseball pitcher, Dallas Keuchel, is also known for his distinctive beard that extends almost to his chest. His beard has grown alongside his career and makes it difficult for him to go unnoticed. Keuchel actually began growing his beard after friends dared him to grow it out for an entire season, and he hasn’t looked back since. Fans of the beard have referred to it as the epitome of lumberjack chic. For those wanting to grow a similar beard, Keuchel hasn’t really shared any tips. However, he does have it trimmed often and shampooed regularly.
James Harden
One beard that’s not underrated is James Harden’s. Outside of his basketball skills and interesting apparel, Harden’s beard also makes him stand out. He’s actually taken on the name, ‘The Beard’. It’s a long beard but it’s not straggly. It’s also thick, full, and incredibly even, which isn’t easy to have. The best way to achieve the ‘James Harden Beard’ is to trim it often to avoid split ends, ensure its moisturized, and to actually wash it. James Harden himself mentioned that food gets caught in his beard all the time.
Lebron James
Basketball superstar, Lebron James, has not only enhanced his basketball skills over the years, but also his beard. Full, thick, and incredibly round, Lebron’s beard is actually quite underrated. His full beard has smooth lines and complements his facial structure. It’s also a beard that people in Philly commonly wear, and it’s an expression ofpride and power. Is the look achievable? Absolutely! But you might want to have a good barber on hand first.
Well, that concludes our list of the best beards of 2019. Based on this list alone, you can see that beards come in all shapes, shades, and styles. The fear of the beard has been lessened due to the celebrities who have worn them not only on the court, but also on the red carpet. Whether you rock a beard long or short, you can still achieve a look that’s fitting for any occasion.
