Beard Competition Prep - Grow, Groom, and Give Back!

Beard Competition Prep: Getting Ready for a Beard & Mustache Competition

Whether you're rocking a huge beard, a bold handlebar, or a perfectly sculpted goatee, there’s nothing quite like stepping into the lively, whisker-filled beard and mustache competition. It’s not just about who has the biggest beard or the fanciest curl, it’s about brotherhood, self-expression, and yes, often a little bit of charity too.

If you’ve signed up for your first competition or are just beard curious, you’re in for a treat. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from grooming prep to competition day energy, and how this whiskered world is so much more than just facial hair.

1. The Bearded Brotherhood (and Sisterhood!)

One of the best-kept secrets about beard and mustache competitions? The people.

Yes, the beards are incredible. But the community is what makes these events unforgettable. Competitors come from all walks of life, tattoo artists, teachers, bikers, bakers, dads, DJs, and everyone has a story to tell. There’s an instant camaraderie that forms when you're standing next to someone whose beard could double as a small animal, trading grooming tips and favorite beard oils like baseball cards.

Many clubs host social meetups before and after the competition, so if you're shy, don't worry. You won’t be for long. Just show up and let your beard do the talking literally and figuratively.

Tip: Join a local beard club ahead of time! They often offer support, mentorship, and group travel to bigger events. And they usually have the inside scoop on upcoming competitions.

2. Choose Your Category Wisely - Beard Competition Prep

Before we dive into the beard butter and brushes, let’s talk strategy. Most competitions have a range of categories, just to name a few:

- Natural Full Beard

- Styled Mustache

- Whaler Beard

- Freestyle

- Whiskerinas (fake beards, often worn by women!)

 

Pick the category that suits you best, and be honest about your beard's strengths. Got a long, natural beard that flows like a river? Natural full beard is your game. Rocking a mustache so sharp it could slice a tomato? Mustache category, obviously.

And if you’ve got a flair for the dramatic, freestyle is your stage. Hairspray, wax, wire, and imagination all encouraged.

3. Start Prepping Weeks in Advance

 1st. Wash That Beard

Let’s get one thing straight, your beard is hair, but it’s not head hair. Facial hair is coarser, and the skin underneath is more sensitive. You need a beard-specific wash to keep everything clean without stripping away those natural oils.

Aim for washing 2-3 times per week depending on your lifestyle. Overwashing can dry it out, but under-washing... well, let’s just say nobody wants to be that guy at check-in.

Bonus: Washing also removes any lingering food scents. Yes, even the ghost of last week’s taco night.

 2nd. Oil It Up

Beard oil is your secret weapon. Apply daily (or even twice a day if your beard is longer) to keep the hair soft, reduce itchiness, and give your beard a healthy, natural sheen. Look for oils with nourishing ingredients like jojoba, argan, or meadowfoam oil. And pick a scent that feels like you, Rugged, Fusion, or Undaunted.

Pro tip: Warm a few drops in your hands and gently massage it through, making sure to reach the skin underneath. That’s where the magic happens.

 3rd. Butter and Balm, Baby

Beard butter is like a leave-in conditioner for your whiskers. It melts into the hair, softens the texture, and adds volume, perfect for longer or wild beards that need taming without stiffness.

Beard balm, on the other hand, brings the hold. It’s your go-to for sculpting, styling, or keeping those strays in line. Use it on competition day for added shape and polish. Think of balm as the beard's version of hair gel, but, you know, classy.

Don’t skimp on these steps. Your beard deserves the full spa treatment.

 4th. Bring On the Heat (Brush)

Enter the heated beard brush, a game-changer for competitors. These tools gently straighten and shape your beard, making it look fuller and more uniform. Use it sparingly (1-2 times per week) to train your beard into the ideal shape.

How to use it:

- Start with a dry, oiled beard.

- Set your heated brush to a medium temperature.

- Glide through slowly, following the natural direction of growth.

- Finish with a touch of balm to hold the shape. Be careful not to overdo it. You’re styling, not frying!

 

4. Dial in Your Style

Weeks before the competition, start shaping your beard. Visit a trusted barber who specializes in beards, not all barbers are created equal when it comes to sculpting facial hair. You want someone who understands symmetry, lines, and how to enhance your natural growth pattern.

Let them know you're prepping for a competition, and they'll help you plan a shape that matures beautifully over the coming weeks. Don’t try anything drastic right before the big day, your beard is not the place for last-minute risks.

5. The Night Before

It’s go time! Here’s a simple checklist for your competition-eve routine:

- Wash and deeply condition your beard.

- Apply oil and butter before bed.

- Use a boar bristle brush to evenly distribute product and remove tangles.

- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and avoid frizz.

- Pack your essentials: beard comb, balm, oil, mirror, and maybe a little backup wax.

- Don’t forget your outfit, many competitions award points for overall style!

- Get some rest. You’ll want to be bright-eyed and bearded.

6. Competition Day Vibes

You walk into the venue, and it's everything you imagined: walls lined with vendors selling beard care products, photographers snapping shots of glorious facial hair, people laughing, hugging, sharing snacks and selfies.

Be sure to check in early, especially if you're in a styled or freestyle category. You might have time for a final touch-up or to sneak in a beer with your fellow competitors. You’ll want to get a feel for the judging order, the stage layout, and, if it’s your first time, how the whole thing works.

7. Charity at the Heart of It All

One of the most beautiful things about beard and mustache competitions? They're often for a great cause. Many events raise money for local charities, veteran organizations, cancer research, children’s hospitals, suicide prevention, and more. It’s not just about glory, it’s about giving back.

Whether it’s entry fees, raffles, or vendor proceeds, the beard community shows up big when it comes to supporting others. You might walk away with a medal, but you’ll also leave knowing you helped make a real difference.

So don’t be afraid to get involved, buy those raffle tickets, donate what you can, and support the vendors who are giving back. Beards + heart = unstoppable.

8. Making Friends and Memories

Whether you take home first place or just a head full of good vibes, you’re going to make friends. Beard competitions are one of the most inclusive, welcoming environments out there. People are here to celebrate each other, not compete in a cutthroat way.

You’ll meet folks who’ve been growing their beard since high school, some who started last year during No-Shave November, and others who glue on dazzling fake beards in the Whiskerina division that’ll blow your mind.

Don’t forget: Take photos (lots of them).

Follow people on social media and tag each other. Trade stickers, patches, and beard oil samples like friendship tokens.

Stay for the afterparty, some of the best bonding happens there. This year, after the 2025 World Beard and Mustache Championship, we all headed to a neighborhood bar for a chicken wing eating contest. 

9. After the Glory and all the Beard Balm...

Once the last category is called and the trophies are handed out, it’s time to kick back and relax. Celebrate your win or soak in the experience. You showed up. You styled. You gave back.

Post-competition beard care: Wash out any styling product. Deep condition with beard butter. Massage with warm oil and take the night off from grooming. Your beard's earned it.

10. Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just Hair

Sure, it starts with a beard. But soon enough, it becomes a lifestyle. Competitions give you a reason to treat yourself well, to practice self-care, and to connect with others who get it. You’ll find friends, causes to support, and maybe even a new signature style. And most of all, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of confidence, because growing and caring for a beard is no small feat.

So go ahead. Enter the competition. Rock that chin curtain or mustache masterpiece. Smile big when your name is called. And if you don't take home the gold record, skateboard deck, or a wooden plaque? Don’t worry. Your beard already won.

The next World Beard and Mustache Championship to be held in the United States will be in 2029, Spokane, Washington... you have some time to get ready! We hope to see you on the stage. Love Your Beard Today.