Bearded friends. Although we are in difficult times to travel, we are in a perfect moment to think about where we can go. We leave here a small list of places to visit for all of us who have an interest in the world of beards and barbershops.
The oldest barbershop in the world (Truefitt & Hill), the most important beard festival (Come and Shave it) or the most Hispanic beer brewery (Brooklyn) are some of the places we suggest.
Austin is the capital of Texas. Founded around a Spanish mission and now famous for its high-tech companies and Formula 1 Grand Prix... But what does all this have to do with beards? Because Austin is home to the Austin Facial Hair Club and every February they organize the "Come and Shave It" festival, possibly the most famous in the world. At it, contestants from all over compete with their beards in the 8 categories, including one for women. The festival has become a meeting point for bearded people from all over the world, where they gather around tents, food stalls and concerts. There are no cash prizes for the winners, as all proceeds go to charity.
You may already know Williamsburg for being the ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhood in New York (it's from the Unorthodhox series).
Although it could also be a reason to visit it, we are not going to talk about the beards of the rabbis, but about Williamsburg as a very interesting destination for bearded people because this neighborhood is considered the origin of the hipster movement, and to talk about hipster is to talk about long and well-groomed beards. It is also home to one of the most hipster beer brands in existence: Brooklyn Beer.
In fact, the importance of this neighborhood among the New York hipster community arose precisely because of the installation of this brewery in the late 80s. Until that time, the neighborhood was a dangerous and industrial area, where gangsters were still rampant and drug trafficking was rampant. With the success of Brooklyn beer, workers and prosperity gradually came to the neighborhood. Old factories became trendy restaurants, stores and barbershops, and the mix of neat beards, fashion, beer and industrial architecture forged the breeding ground in which hipster culture was born.
And if we talk about hipster culture, we cannot forget the city known as the most hipster city in the world: Portland.
And why is Portland usually considered the most hipster city in the world? Well, there is no clear answer, but it seems that everything is due to the fact that its appearance and culture is perfectly adapted to this movement. For starters, it is said to be a city that may seem more Scandinavian than American. Its brick buildings, surrounding forests, frequent snow and blue-collar tradition make it the ideal city to wear a plaid shirt, a wool cap and grow a beard.
Unlike many other American cities, Portland's approach to urban planning has for years favored pedestrian areas over freeways, thus facilitating open-air shopping streets as opposed to enclosed shopping malls.
Scotland is a land of beers and beards. What goes better with a good beard than a good beer? Well, a beard competition in a brewery.
The Braw Beard and Moustache Championship is held at the Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.
The championship is also attended by people from all over the world who compete in 13 categories. Being Scotland, it is logical that the one that generates more expectation is the best red-haired beard.
As is logical, the result of the championship is the least important thing, since it is all about socializing, meeting people and enjoying Scottish cuisine. As a curiosity, the promoter of the championship, John, came to the world of beards through traditional Chinese medicine.
After a bicycle accident in which he was almost paralyzed, he got in the hands of a physiotherapist specialized in this discipline, who taught him how to recover thanks to the use of natural oils. Fascinated by his quick recovery, John decided to start testing and experimenting with these oils on his beard, which led to the development of different formulas and the founding of his own beard oil company.
We do not leave the United Kingdom, since every self-respecting bearded man should visit the city of London at least once. For those who have not tried it, it is a great experience to go to one of its traditional Barber Shops, where apart from getting your hair and beard done, they will offer you a pint of beer (at least).
Among all these barbershops, the oldest barbershop in the world is a must for every beard lover: Truefitt & Hill. It is located in the elegant Mayfair neighborhood and was founded in 1805.
It began as a factory of wigs and other beauty products for men. It became the official supplier of these products to the British Royal Family, an honor they retain to this day. However, they no longer manufacture wigs, but shaving products and creams, as well as offering their own haircut service in their premises. If you book early, a haircut or beard trim at Truefitt & Hill is a treat you can treat yourself to for around 50 euros.
What happens when you live in a country where space is so expensive that it is unfeasible to have a place to set up a barbershop? Well, you take a chair, a mirror and a pair of scissors and set it up in the street.
That's what happens in Vietnam, and getting a haircut at one of these street stalls is an experience that every barbershop lover should try. Grooming your beard is more complicated there, as Asians are not exactly known for the lushness of their beards and barbers are not very experienced in grooming them. So, bearded friends, we recommend you to limit yourself to a haircut.
Like almost everything in this part of the world, you will have to haggle with the barber over the price to be paid, and although it may seem a bit violent, it is part of the experience. Ho Chi Ming, the old Saigon, is the city where you can find more street barbers. Just step out into the street and take two steps. They will come to you.
As a curiosity, many of the barbers you will see on the street are retired military.
What happens when you live in a country where space is so expensive that it is unfeasible to have a place to set up a barbershop? Well, you take a chair, a mirror and a pair of scissors and set it up in the street.
That's what happens in Vietnam, and getting a haircut at one of these street stalls is an experience that every barbershop lover should try. Grooming your beard is more complicated there, as Asians are not exactly known for the lushness of their beards and barbers are not very experienced in grooming them. So, bearded friends, we recommend you to limit yourself to a haircut.
Like almost everything in this part of the world, you will have to haggle with the barber over the price to be paid, and although it may seem a bit violent, it is part of the experience. Ho Chi Ming, the old Saigon, is the city where you can find more street barbers. Just step out into the street and take two steps. They will come to you.
As a curiosity, many of the barbers you will see on the street are retired military.
Specifically in northern India there is a fusion between the street barber we have seen in Vietnam and the British Barber tradition of its former colonizers.
Likewise, for any barbershop lover visiting a city like New Delhi, the former imperial capital, at least one of these barbers would be a must-see. Indians, especially those from the north, are famous for their long beards, so here you can easily find a barber who can fix it for you.
You can find them both directly on the street and in small shops open to the outside. You will see how these places are full of young people who are not going to shave or get a haircut, but to get their hair done, a free service that you can also sign up for.
Apart from barber services, they are known to be good psychologists and conversationalists, so you can also get some good advice for your visit.
Specifically in northern India there is a fusion between the street barber we have seen in Vietnam and the British Barber tradition of its former colonizers.
Likewise, for any barbershop lover visiting a city like New Delhi, the former imperial capital, at least one of these barbers would be a must-see. Indians, especially those from the north, are famous for their long beards, so here you can easily find a barber who can fix it for you.
You can find them both directly on the street and in small shops open to the outside. You will see how these places are full of young people who are not going to shave or get a haircut, but to get their hair done, a free service that you can also sign up for.
Apart from barber services, they are known to be good psychologists and conversationalists, so you can also get some good advice for your visit.
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