This year’s red carpets are awash with facial hair as the film awards season unfolds. Male stars, from Andrew Garfield to Colman Domingo, are showcasing their impressive beards, with at least 17 spotted at the Golden Globes. Surprisingly, several solo moustaches also made an appearance, including those of Matty Matheson and Timothée Chalamet.

During the event, comedian Nikki Glaser humorously highlighted Chalamet’s moustache, noting, ‘Timothée Chalamet, you have the most gorgeous eyelashes — on your upper lip. That is such a good look.’ Chalamet’s delicate moustache, grown for his upcoming role as Marty Supreme, a 1950s ping-pong player, adds a youthful charm, reminiscent of other baby-faced men under 30 whose facial hair often appears undefined.

This trend doesn’t stop at the Oscars; even movie characters are embracing the hirsute look. For instance, Adrien Brody transforms from clean-shaven to having a full beard in The Brutalist, while Jeff Goldblum displays a dapper moustache in Wicked, portraying the Wizard of Oz. Additionally, the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown captures scenes from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival filled with rugged beards.

To accommodate this surge in facial hair, a thriving industry has emerged, providing products aimed at keeping beards and moustaches looking groomed and presentable. Contrast this with 1993, a time when beards were uncommon enough for me to don a fake one on the streets of London, eliciting less than enthusiastic responses. Now, visiting a Murdock Barbers location unveils an impressive selection of beard-care products, including shampoos, conditioners, balms, moisturizers, and oils. For those opting for stubble, however, oils may not be necessary; they can create excessive shine on the stubble itself.

As one delves into fuller beard territory, as Garfield has successfully done, attention to grooming becomes essential. Beard oils primarily serve to soften facial hair, giving it a less wiry texture and a shinier appearance. They also help manage stray hairs, presenting a well-groomed image.

Dan Rookwood, a veteran of men’s grooming with a beard for decades, shares insights on beard oils. A former executive at Men’s Health magazine and Mr. Porter, he has tried numerous products. He began with traditional brands like Truefitt & Hill and Geo F Trumper, but later discovered Tom Ford’s conditioning beard oils, which blend fragrance with essential oils. ‘They are just £48, less than the perfumes, but the scent in your beard lasts longer than on your skin,’ he notes.

Ford has made significant strides in the grooming world, having also purchased the most expensive house sold in London last year. He has two luxurious scented beard oils available: Oud Wood and Tobacco Vanille, each priced at £48 for 30ml.

After testing several beard oils recently, I recommend avoiding overly oily options to prevent an unkempt appearance. My favorite products come from brands like Horace (try patchouli and cedar, £13 for 30ml), Aesop (£27 for 25ml), and Le Labo (£56 for 60ml). I aim for a well-groomed look that strikes a balance between style and ease, reminiscent of figures like Hercule Poirot and Ernest Hemingway. A true haven for the hirsute.