Question 1

What do I need to compete?

Accepted Answer

All you need is facial hair (real or created) and to pay the registration fee. We have categories for everyone, with no experience necessary.

Question 2

How does the Judging Work?

Accepted Answer

Judges score competitors based on:
Grooming
Symmetry and shape
Fullness and health
Category accuracy
Presentation

Some categories reward natural growth. Others allow heavy styling or creative construction.
Always review category descriptions before choosing where to compete.

Question 3

Preparing for The Big Day

Accepted Answer

pro tips:
Wash and condition regularly.
Use beard oil daily.
Brush or comb to train shape.
Avoid drastic last-minute trimming.

For peak performance, you may choose to book a barber visit in the days before the event. Tell your barber you’re competing so they can shape accordingly.

Question 4

Presentation matters!

Accepted Answer

You’ll want to  display your fabulous facial hair to its best advantage. For example, it’s hard to see a black beard against a black shirt, so choose clothing colours that help your beard stand out.

When it’s your time to shine, stand tall, move slowly and take time to turn your head so the judges and the audience can see your facial hair from different angles.

Question 5

What Should I Bring?

Accepted Answer

Ticket / confirmation email (printed or on phone)

Cash for tickets/registration at door, and for raffle and 50/50 tix

Your personal grooming essentials for touch-up, such as:
Beard oil
Beard balm
Moustache wax
Small comb or brush
Hairspray (if allowed in your category)
Personal Mirror
Towel

Question 6

The Green Room

Accepted Answer

Before your category, competitors will be called to gather in the preparation area.

Mirrors and extension cords are provided, please bring any styling tools or product you may need for touch-ups

You may be able to get help with spraying or hard-to-reach areas, but bring your essentials.

Stay calm and give yourself time.

Question 7

What is the Event Format at Hero’s Welcome?

Accepted Answer

Check-In
Pre-register online or register at the door.
Competitors receive a lanyard with a number for each category entered.
Spectators check in or purchase tickets.

Venue Setup
Hero’s Welcome (3917 Main Street, Vancouver) provides a unique, community-focused setting, honouring the building’s roots as the home of ANAF 298 Taurus, a well-loved Canadian veterans’ club.

The venue will include:
A stage with MC and judges
Raffle table
Photographers taking free professional competitor portraits 
An adjacent games room with Pinball, pool, skee ball, darts, and an analog photobooth

How Categories Run
The competition is divided into two halves with an intermission.
Each category is called individually.
The MC will ask competitors to gather in the green room before their category.
One at a time, entrants are introduced by the MC.
You may be asked to say a few words about yourself.
You present to the audience, then to the judges.
After all entries are seen, judges score.

Awards
The top three competitors in each category receive prizes.
All First Place winners are eligible to win the coveted “Best in Show”.

Question 8

Additional events

Accepted Answer

Bearding creates community, and our competition offers additional events to get to meet other furry-faced folks

Meet’n’greet - a gathering the night before the comp to get to socialize with club members and out of towners.

Morning After brunch - a chance to relive the comp glories before heading back to the clean-shaven world.

Question 9

Parking Information

Accepted Answer

Metered parking on Main Street
Ticketed lot on 23rd, west of Hero's Welcome
Free street parking in the neighbourhood

Question 10

Final Thoughts

Accepted Answer

The Vancouver Facial Hair Club competition aims to apply our follicles for fun and philanthropy. Whether you compete or attend as a spectator, a comp is about having fun with facial hair, and supporting our community through raising funds for local charities.

Whether you leave with a trophy or not, you will leave having taken part in something positive and memorable.

If you’re unsure about competing, come once as a spectator. You’ll see quickly that new competitors are encouraged and supported.

Question 11

A Brief History of Beard Competition

Accepted Answer

Modern beard competitions began in Europe and grew into the World Beard and Moustache Championships, held every two years under the World Beard and Moustache Association.

Since the early 2000s, competitions have expanded across North America. Today, local clubs, including Vancouver Facial Hair Club, host charity competitions that bring together community, craftsmanship, and friendly competition.

VanFHC is proud to be part of the wider North American competitive beard and moustache community while maintaining a strong local, charitable focus.

What IS the Vancouver Facial Hair Club Annual Beard & Moustache Competition?

Frequently asked questions