Categories
The sections below are taken verbatim from the Judging packets each judge will be working from. Please read through all the sections below, as it also outlines how the competition will be structured. If you haven't already, be sure to register in the category that best suits you!
We’re following NACBMA standards of four overall facial hair types: Moustaches, Partial Beards, Full Beards, and Artistic. These are divided into specialized categories, such as Moustache Natural or Moustache English, which are then defined by the use of product and further defined by any category-specific shaping or styling. These Types are further divided into Categories, such as Moustache Natural, Moustache Styled, etc.
All beard lengths must be measured directly down from the base of the bottom lip.
TERMINOLOGY: The 4 Main Facial Hair Types
ARTISTIC (a.k.a. Fake, Whiskerina, or Build-A-Beard)
Artificial and imaginative creations meant to resemble facial hair of any category, either literally or abstractly. There are 2 categories.
Realistic
Create the most realistic looking facial hair you can, inspired by any style of facial hair. The more lifelike and convincing, the better.
The facial hair style should follow the traditional and realistic appearance and structure of the beard and moustache style being recreated.
Creative
This artistic category is wide-open. Create the most imaginative and fantastic design you can, inspired by any style of facial hair. Creativity in material choice is encouraged.
MOUSTACHE
A moustache is composed of facial hair above the upper lip. At international contests, it is agreed that moustache hairs can start growing from up to a maximum of 5/8" (1.5 cm) beyond the end of the upper lip. There are 2 categories.
Natural
A natural moustache is any length of hair grown from above the upper lip and beneath the nose, with no styling products permitted. The moustache hairs should be connected up to a maximum of 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) beyond the edge of the upper lip.
Chin hair is not permitted in this class: no “goatees”/van dykes, musketeers, etc. Sideburns unconnected to the moustache are permitted. They cannot be overstated, and will not be considered during judging.
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Styled/Freestyle
A styled moustache is any length of hair grown from above the upper lip and beneath the nose, styled with product. The moustache hairs should be connected up to a maximum of 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) beyond the edge of the upper lip.
Chin hair is not permitted in this class: no “goatees”/van dykes, musketeers, etc. Sideburns unconnected to the moustache are permitted. They cannot be overstated, and will not be considered during judging.
Styling aids are permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
PARTIAL BEARD
A partial beard is any facial hair that is neither a full beard nor a moustache. Natural or shaven gaps define the different styles and classes in this competition. There are 4 categories.
Natural
A natural partial beard is any facial hair that is neither a full beard, nor only a moustache, presented without the use of product.
Common styles include:
Horseshoe/The "Hulk Hogan" (full moustache with connected facial hair grown beyond the edges of the mouth to the chin)
Natural Goatee (chin only)
Van Dyke (connected moustache and chin beard)
Triple Point/Musketeer (moustache with narrow, pointed chin beard)
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Sideburns/Chops
Must be a true sideburn, with no natural or shaven gap below the ear. Chin is shaven and hair is optional on the upper lip.
Common styles include:
Classic Sideburns (trimmed short)
Muttonchops (sideburns grown out at length)
Friendly Muttonchops (sideburns grown at length, connected with a moustache)
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Whaler
Bushy hair grown along the jaw, chin and lower lip, and optionally on the cheeks. No hair grown on upper lip.
Common styles include:
Alaskan Whaler (hair on cheeks)
Amish (trimmed cheeks)
Donegal (trimmed down to jawline)
Spade (bottom trimmed into a square, box cut)
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Styled/Freestyle
A styled partial beard or “freestyle” partial beard is any facial hair that is neither a full beard, nor only a moustache, and incorporates the free design and creative styling of thereof. All partial beards that do not qualify for other categories may compete here.
Styling aids are permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
FULL BEARD
A full beard consists of hair on the upper and lower lip, the chin, the cheeks, and the sideburns, without any natural or shaven gap. Lengths are measured from the bottom of the lower lip. There are 7 categories.
Natural, Under 2"/Quarantine Beard
For those who want to or must keep their beard short, and those new to the awesomeness of beards.
This natural full beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache grown, to a length of no more than 2 inches (5.1 cm).
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Natural, 2"-4"
This natural full beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache grown, with the beard grown at a length of greater than 2 inches (5.1 cm) to no more than 4 inches (10.2 cm).
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Natural, 4"-6"
This natural full beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache grown, with the beard grown at a length of greater than 4 inches (10.2 cm) to no more than 6 inches (15.3 cm).
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Natural, 6"-12"
This natural full beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache naturally grown, with the beard grown at a length of greater than 6 inches (15.3 cm) to no more than 12 inches (30.6 cm).
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Natural, Over 12"
This natural full beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache naturally grown, with the beard grown at a length greater than 1 foot/12 inches (30.6 cm).
No styling aids permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Natural, With Styled Moustache
The moustache should be styled and prominent. The hairs should be connected up to a maximum of 0.6 inch (1.5 cm) beyond the edge of the upper lip.
The beard must be as it grows naturally, the more natural the better.
Styling aids are permitted in the moustache. No styling aids are permitted in the beard. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
Styled/Freestyle
A styled full beard or “freestyle” beard is a full beard, with all parts of the beard and moustache grown and incorporates the free design and creative styling of thereof. All full beards that do not qualify for other categories may compete here.
Styling aids are permitted. Refer to the list of acceptable styling methods and products.
BEST IN SHOW
Our Best In Show is awarded to the contestant, from a category with more than 5 or more competitors, with the highest cumulative score of the night. In the event of a tie, the judges will be asked to live paddle score the competitors, awarding either 10 or 8 points to each contestant, solely for the purposes of breaking the tie.