who started the beard trend?

Let’s be real - most guys don’t pick a beard style because it’s the perfect match for their face. Nope, they’re scrolling through pics of cool, famous dudes and thinking, “Yeah, I want that on my chin.” Beard trends, just like fashion, are set by the influencers who make scruff look epic.

a collage of famous people with facial hair through the ages

who first wore beards?

For the last 1,500 years or so, facial hair has been a huge hit thanks to big names - think kings, rebels, spiritual gurus, writers, explorers, scientists, and now celebs. When some legend rocks a killer beard, everyone else is like, “Hold my razor.” Take Russia’s Peter the Great - he even taxed beards in the 1700s to force guys to shave. Spoiler: it didn’t stop the trendsetters.

The Beard Popularity Cycle

Beards have this knack for popping off, fading out, and roaring back over the decades. Down in Australia, for instance, the ‘70s were peak beard o’clock, then the ‘80s said “nah,” and by the early 2000s, they were back in full force. These days? Guys are less about chasing one hot trend and more into growing something unique - healthy, wild, and totally their own.

So who’s been steering the beard ship lately? Let’s check out some major players from the past couple decades who’ve shaped the beard world.

Sporting Legends and Their Famous Fuzz

Rio Gavin Ferdinand OBE: English former professional footballer.He played as a centre-back for Manchester United. Currently a television pundit for TNT Sports.

Rio Ferdinand: The Barbershop Boss

Former England Football Captain and current boxing enthusiast Rio Ferdinand takes his grooming seriously. He's known for visiting a traditional Turkish barbers who offers the full experience - hot towel treatments, precision trims, and expert shaping. His neat short beard has sports fans everywhere sharpening their appearance, one trim at a time.

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David Beckham: The Beard Chameleon

If one guy’s owned male style forever, it’s David Beckham. This football icon and model’s been rocking some kind of facial hair - stubble, full-on fuzz, you name it - for like 25 years. When Becks switches up his beard, barbers worldwide brace for the “Gimme the Beckham” rush.

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Movie Stars Who Kicked Off Beard Mania

Russell Crowe: The Gladiator Groomer

When Russell Crowe rolled up as Maximus in “Gladiator” back in 2000, his soft, sculpted thin beard had dudes sprinting to their mirrors. Sure, the flick’s set in AD 180, but that look’s still killing it in 2025. Crowe’s since ditched the polished vibe for a rugged “forest man” beard - proof the journey never stops.

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Gerald Butler: The Spartan Swagger

In “300” (2006), Gerard Butler played King Leonidas with a thick, boxy beard—full on the chin, lighter on the cheeks. It hit hard, like a battle shout. The movie is set way back in 480 BC, but modern barbershops? Oh, they felt it. That “Spartan beard” got big thanks to Butler’s bold energy on screen.

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Travis Fimmel: The Reluctant Viking

Travis Fimmel brought Ragnar Lothbrok to life in “Vikings” and accidentally sparked the long-beard craze. Funny thing? He’s not even into it - calls them “too hipster” for his taste. Still, from “Vikings” to his “Warcraft” role as Lothar, his wild facial hair’s got guys growing it long and untamed.

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Jason Momoa: The Aquabeard

Jason Momoa turned the “Ducktail” beard - big on the chin, sharp everywhere else - into a global flex. It started with Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones,” rolled through his Aquaman era, and now it’s everywhere. Celebs, fans, and random dudes at the gym? All jumping on the Momoa train.

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Music and Modern Beard Icons

Rick Ross: The Boss Beard

Rick Ross and his massive, thick beard are basically a power duo. It’s so iconic it’s got its own fanbase - and even helped launch his “Rich by Rick Ross” grooming line. When your beard becomes part of your business empire, you know you've made an impact.

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Why Beards Matter

Whatever style you choose, a beard changes how you look - maybe sharper, wider, or just plain bolder. Famous bearded guys might kick things off, but every man tweaks it his own way, making it something totally his own.

Every beard needs care, whether you’re off to the barber, handling it yourself, or doing a bit of both. It’s your look, your stamp, your choice.

Want to try a style these trendsetters made famous? Explore our beard style guides for all the details. Got a celeb-inspired beard already? Share in the comments -which famous face got you growing?

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