Australia, New Zealand, Facial Hair, Doing Life, and Getting Noticed

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Producer and Beard Advocate

I will wager that almost anyone can remember one bearded figure who hailed from Australia or New Zealand. In this article we will cover some of the most visible whiskers in sport, entertainment and career from places too obvious to ignore.

Musically, the almost all and almost always bearded legends of song, The Brothers Gibb (aka, The Bee Gees) still have dominance in both recognition as to who they are, where they came from, what they sang, and to the devoted...how many are still alive. Their dominance from the mid 1960s through the early 2000s on radio countdowns gave them enduring world appeal. Do you have any idea how many more facial haired rockers, troubadours and musicians make Australian entertainment seem like the musical “Hair?” No better place of discovery exists than on the nation’s premiere radio facility, Triple J.

In Western Australia the Beard got the attention of an association of the state’s university. He was interviewed in January 2015 by PerthNow.com, part of the Perth Times Editions that run on Sundays. Professor Jeremy Martens—with a beard worthy of mention—had joined in the celebration of the state’s whiskered men and its historic figures with a bit of history and present-day contestants who participated in a judging series for the best of the beards in this newspaper feature.

It’s a special day for a man who have his facial hair alongside the likes of two of Australia’s most important historic pillars: Sir Henry Parkes (who assisted in the establishment of an independent Australia from British Rule) and Ned Kelly (the bush-ranger and outlaw with arguably the most storied life of crime in Australian history).

From “Jimmy Niggles”—the sporting character and buddy of a cancer-stricken friend who made the case for men to grow facial hair to keep male skin cancer-free, to the facial frocks of the AFL (Australian Football League) ‘Top Eight’, these fine men whose land is wholly parked south of the equator have an incredible edge when it comes to beard growth and density.

Gregor Shepherd and Rob Mason are this month’s guests representing the Beards of Australia in our Podcast. They are two particular ‘mates’ of mine (buddies in the English translation) who have remain full-bearded for some time. Gregor, a gent with a beard that self-expands in the sunshine, is from Brisbane (largest city in Queensland, the state on Australia’s northeast side). When he’s not assisting new citizens to the Land Down Under assimilate, he makes time for fellow beardsmen who visit to be seen in the most obvious place whiskered men should be seen: Beard Street. Rob Mason, a native of Adelaide, South Australia has facial hair that has the length and appearance of a budding Gandalf. He’s an audiophile, a preserver of Australia’s great music history who spent time ‘presenting’ (hosting) a music show true to the roots of Australian musicians.

Genius of the Beard

Leonardo da Vinci, born in Italy in 1452, was the essential “Renaissance Man” whose scope of knowledge included invention, painting, sculpture, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. Although he made copious notes his findings were never published. His portrait of Mona Lisa, painted in 1506, is perhaps the most iconic work of art ever created.

What To Do When They Stare At You

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Producer and Beard Advocate

Given a bit of thought, each of us may gaze upon someone that fetches our eyes. Human nature and our own innate desires, biases, traits and tastes will shift gears when attraction hits. As men, we’re the breed that might get accused more often at ogling, and the reasons are endless as much as they are random. Women will remind us about the habit when they’re sensing your focus off them and onto something or someone.

As a guy, I can relate to both sexes. We get that our ‘beloveds’ out there cherish our fixations but even they can be lured ever so subtly into doing exactly what we often hear by accusation. When was the last time your wife or girlfriend went on about Facebook or a soap opera or the cute little outfits the kids just got, skipping completely over the fact that you took the time to detail the car for that special night out you’d been promising?

There are times all of us would appreciate notice or recognition, and other occasions where we don’t need approval or want suggestions. For a guy, that can relate to having a fine beard with a perfectly shaped ‘cookie duster’ moustache who just might the the subject of ogling by others. We appear as we wish; some to impress while others make a statement about themselves which utters confidence quietly.

So what can one do to pay a whiskered man a compliment? Thankfully the Beard movement has enjoyed double-digit (12) official years and men have figured out to an extent how to say or imply the right word or gesture. For the bearded, the ‘nod’ has become near-universal in man-speak to say ‘great set of whiskers’ without committing to sidelining the day to talk about it over coffee.

Encounters with women and children can also have their pitfalls. Not everyone is beard-accepting and there are days reactions will get ugly, including a disdaining stare, a rude remark (“why don’t you shave that thing off?”), or child crying to get away from the ‘scary man’. All three will send the squeamish running for the razor. The confident whiskered man understands who he is and can handle upsetting moments without losing composure. I often add regarding kids’ fears that when they encounter Santa most will understand the loving, giving and caring side of the whiskers that symbolize Christmas.

Beards have actually taught us about individualism; it’s a good thing. When people can accept us for who we are, as we are, we all learn a lesson about what a man represents (his ‘figure’ as an image). That kind of impression is the root of what bearded men have obtained historically as wiser, stronger and seasoned in thought and age. That has been the best of defenses against the persuasions of Madison Avenue’s 20th century sell job that conjured an industry built around the idea that a man could ‘evolve’ into something sleek and tamed in order to gain acceptance.

Funny how many people don’t seem to gaze at the shorn guy.

Original Toiletries, Division of Effigi Impex, Rome

From our continuing series on the Distributors and Shops where Beardsley products are found worldwide. Bill Alley is our moderator.

BA: As the art of styling and grooming perfection is legendary in Italy, it is no surprise that Original Toiletries reveals a wide range of products for the refined person. What is surprising is your division’s recent start in distribution appears as professional as a competitor would be with many years in operation. What led Francesco (founder of OT) to provide Rome and vicinity a new choice in up-market shaving, hair and beard products?

OT: After more than ten years in the same sector as distributors of the most exclusive men’s grooming brand, the step of opening a direct point of sale was an opportunity that we could not miss and that due to our experience came naturally.

BA: This month marks the second anniversary of your venture; congratulations! How has your outreach to barbers and stylists helped to grow your business?

OT: Opening a retail activity in a moment of deep crisis in the Italian market was a big bet. Two years from day one we are very happy to have become a point of reference for final consumers but also barbers and stylist. They know that in our store they will find an exclusive international selection that is unique in the Italian market.

BA: Americans have long enjoyed the art and craft of our Italian barbers and stylists which provide superior attention to customer need, and I have had three such men over the years trusted for my style purposes. Why do you believe the Italian stylist enjoys such a bond with patrons?

OT:  Going to the barbershop translates into the opportunity of giving yourself a moment to relax and create a bond with a person that is not part of your everyday life but is a person that you get to know and he gets to know you through time. This is what makes it special! Italians are warm and welcoming, and the chats and sharing of opinions that takes place during a cut of hair or a shaving experience is unique.

BA: What makes Original Toiletries different and desirable to consumers in your shops and online?

OT: At OT we are all very passionate for what we do, and our clients can feel and share the same passion. We deliver the products in 24 hours and are available 24/7 on Facebook to answer to any questions or doubts. Our customer care is very important for us and we have very loyal customers. The selection of products is what leads them to our store, but our passion and care for them is what makes them come back!

BA: With some of your clientele being bearded, moustached or goateed, how did you happen to form a distribution with Beardsley as a way to service these type of men?

OT: We select the best quality products world wide. Beardsley was actually one of the first brands we started importing for our distribution business. Our clients love the quality of the product, its smell and taste.

BA: What are your customers saying about Beardsley’s fine product lineup of Shampoos, Conditioner, Beard Oil & Lotion?

OT: The typical Beardsley client is a very loyal one. That is thanks to the great quality of the product. The packaging is of great appeal and so is the final result on their beards!

BA: The 21st Century man significantly embraces an historic return to his hirsute appearance. Do you see more whiskered men seeking services and purchasing product, and is there further market growth ahead?

OT:   With the financial crisis and men losing their jobs, the growing of the beard came spontaneously; now men have understood that wearing a beard is economically convenient as they do not need to shave, but they fortunately started taking good care of their facial hair. We definitely see men purchasing more, but they are also starting to style their hair with more care as well!

BA: Our relationship with OT is vital in understanding your market and its needs to serve patrons well. For us, the bond is fruitful and very engaging. What strengths are gained between supplier and distributor in creative development?

OT: We feel the same way—it is important for us to share market knowledge and anticipate trends. Establishing a more frequent contact can for sure makes us all grow and share best practice!