Brian Gionta

“… he was never one to bask in the limelight, congratulate himself or take things for granted. Instead, he was quick to congratulate his teammates, bestow success upon them and speak from the heart.”—Jeff Seide, The Hockey Writers.

Captain of the United States hockey team for the Winter Olympics in 2018,

Brian Gionta started his professional career with the New Jersey Devils in 2001. While a member of the Devils he attained a record number of goals in a season—48 in 2005-6. He went on to play with the Montreal Canadiens, the Buffalo Sabres, and, finally the Boston Bruins, before retiring.

Born in Rochester, New York in 1979, Gionta revealed his talent for hockey at Boston College where he scored 30 goals and 62 points in his freshman year, and won a national championship as captain of the Eagles in 2001.

Gionta’s slight stature made him nimble and deadly on the ice, and his signature neatly-trimmed beard has marked him as a trend-setter for the sport.

In retirement, Brian Gionta serves as a development coach for his hometown team, the Sabres, and remains a resident of Rochester with his extended family.

Rocking the Whiskers Within

Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Producer & Beard Advocate

If you have survived the itching from Movember, plowed through the growing of Deshember, and find yourself in Januhairy wondering what to do about this whisker growth that seemed like a good idea gone haywire...take a break, get out of your head and look at what we’ve prepared for you. Even the seasoned forever beardo that know November, December and January lingo might appreciate a refresher in discovering what you got from DNA and pointers for how your hair grows and reacts. [PS: All three of the ‘beardified’ versions of the months speak to competing, fundraising and awareness.]

When you are serious about your beard, two concepts matter. First, you’ve vowed not to shave it for at least 6 months to see what patience brings to your effort [or for those who keep their whiskers and want to venture past close cropped facial hair, you’ve committed to a growth marker]. That means as whiskers grow in you’ll find bare spots, odd curls or twists, or density so thick it may be a challenge to shape. Wherever you’re at you will notice something to help accentuate your growth and style.

Concept #2 concerns pictures of some styles of facial hair which fit the growth patterns of just about every male, found right here at Beardsley. Guys like you have been submitting photos which can be viewed in our archive. If you’re trying to figure out a look that works for you, be realistic; a similar face to yours can give a hint toward a goal; then, get bold and find a similar feature to yours that matches. However, do not force yourself to grow it like a dense covering if your follicles contain no growth zones. Time and age, along with some handy tips, may eventually get you to the full-on beard of your desire; if your DNA is not geared that way, use what you have to perfect your manly style.

Champions of the Beard: January’s Start of a Year Long Series

by Bill Alley, Broadcast Host, Wordsmith and Beard Advocate

We at Beardsley came to a realization of late: we thrive on themes. From the shampoos featuring renderings of famous beards of history to year-long showcasing aspects of bearding we keep our mission alive while discovering amazing people, events and their whiskered journeys. As 2018 was closing, new opportunities were springing up that are taking the Beardsley brand and presence to places we didn’t see coming; fans of the products who have opened doors to serve our bearded brothers right where they work, play and serve. At the heart of it all the Beardsley Gazette has been the printed word of record and our persuasive footprint in the Beard movement.

In the two-plus years the Gazette has shared experiences, photography and research we have become a trusted ‘heavyweight’ in the beard’s phenomenal rise and strong staying power. The bearded around us—though a common thing wherever one travels—each have their reasons for remaining hirsute, happy and harmonious to the environs they occupy and own. The ‘beard nod’, that ‘hey brother, great beard’ unspoken gesture never gets old, and it is a communal sign of brotherhood.

But things were not always so. One only needs to look back to the 18th century Elizabethan standards of shorn men (and for the nobles, powdered wigs) and the 20th century demand of industry that men confirm to a business model tailored and packaged to ‘youthful uniformity’—aka, “Clean” shaved. Men like myself have rejected the very notion that shaving is ‘clean’; science reveals mounting evidence proving beards can and do ward off disease and are a natural protector of male skin. New research emerged several months ago reinforcing the beard attributing to improving health, and we will be showcasing this and other collaborative studies.

Every bearded man who shuns the razor, or educates the masses as to the benefits of facial hair, or just says plainly ‘this is my beard, my face, and my business—not yours’ exercises Beard Champion behavior. He knows the whisker is not grotesque or sinful or sinister; he’s not fooled by fashion or conned into a transformation into someone else’s image. He is aware of his individualism as a strength and of his brotherhood with others as mutual respect and dignity. It does not make him less of a person; on the contrary, bearded men have the inner vitality, virility, attractiveness and determination to live in defiance to whims, joyfully being themselves.

History is always on the side of endurance, and like every cycle, the naysayers only have so much sway. This movement has enjoyed 14 years of unstoppable growth; real men are back and masculinity is not self-examining anymore. The Bearded are championing life as steadfast to themselves, their families and friends, and each other. It’s a perfect launch into a full and bright year of showcasing the outstanding finds and stories these men carry.

If you have a beard journey to share we encourage you to do so; reach out to us at media@beardshampoo.com—Bill