Van Dyke Beard

Brothers and Sisters

What is the Brothers of the Brush? It's a beard contest. Fifteen categories will judged, as follows: Curliest, Best mustache, Best VanDyke, Best goatee, Best "Halo," Mutton chops, Abe Lincoln, Best sideburns, Best all around beard, Fullest beard, Robert T. Lee, Longest beard, Best burnsides, Fanciest, "Charles Evan Hughes"

It costs one dollar to enter. Forms are available at the Manchester Town Clerk's office. If you are not going to participate you run the risk of being convicted in a "kangaroo court" for not having a beard. You may, however, purchase a Brothers of the Brush "Shaving Permit" pin from the Town Clerk's office for $2, which will grant an exemption. The pin must be visible at all times.

The judging will be held on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Harned-Fowler VFW.

Sisters of Swish are encouraged to dress in period attire. This requires a "swishy" dress, skirt or bonnet. 1920s and 1930s attire is acceptable as well. Again, forms are available at the Manchester Town Clerk's office. It is also one dollar to enter. If you are not going to participate, you also run the chance of being convicted by the "kangaroo court." "Modern day attire" pins willl be available from the Town Clerk's office for $2. Judging will also be on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Harned-Fowlers VFW.

Van Dyke Beard | Facial Hair Types

The Van Dyke beard was named after the 17th century painter Sir Anthony Van Dyck who was one of the first to incorporate a goatee with a mustache. During the early times of the Van Dyke style, people wear it with elaborately curled mustaches. Today, the Van Dyke is worn with a thin to a moderately thick mustache. It is not considered a full beard because there should be no facial hair on the cheeks. The most notable Hollywood celebrity to sport a Van Dyke is Johnny Depp.

Here are the basic steps on how you can grow a Van Dyke beard of your own.

The first step is to completely stop shaving. Let your beard and mustache grow because the longer you wait, the more you will know the characteristics of your beard as to its hair direction, volume and density.

Look at the mirror and if you think that the growth of your facial hair is sufficient for you to go for a Van Dyke then it time to shave. You have to start shaving the cheeks, away from your supposed Van Dyke beard.

Continue shaving until you have formed a circle beard. The hair that must be left on your face is the mustache, the hair on the sides and below your mouth.

Now try to imagine what your Van Dyke beard should look like and then shave off or remove the connection of the mustache and the goatee.

For the finishing touches, carefully trim, shave or remove the hair that is not included in your envisioned Van Dyke style.

Men who do not grow facial hair that connects the mustache and the goatee are the ones ideal to grow a Van Dyke beard.

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