Each State’s Favorite Facial Hair (Warning: Some are objectively bad choices)

In the 1980s, facial hair fell out of fashion in the workplace.

In fact, a clean shaven face became synonymous with professional dress. Meanwhile a beard (no matter how cool) grew to be seen as untidy and unprofessional.

However, as workplaces grow more casual, so too does the stigma against facial hair.

Many professionals in all walks of life now have the freedom to do as they please with their facial hair.

It got us thinking, how many doctors are rocking the Dick Van Dyke? Any Mechanical Engineers proudly displaying their mutton chops? And where has a soft spot for each type of facial hair, no matter how absurd?

Analyzing search trends, we found the facial hair each state disproportionately favors. Warning: Some aren’t exactly great fashion choices.

Most Interesting Findings

• The classic beard reigns supreme with 22 states searching for beard pictures and tips the most.
• After beards, moustaches and soul patches are most popular.
• Arkansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin are oddly interested in mutton chops.
• North Dakota is most likely to rock the carefully careless, “oh, I forgot to shave” stubble look.
• One state is creating some regrettable photos with their interest in monkey tail beards (cough, Montana, cough).

How We Determined This

Using Google Trends, we determined what facial hair each state is displaying a disproportionate amount of. We examined just under 20 facial hair styles- ranging from the simple, classic beard and the more out there styles such as the questionable monkey tail. From there, we determined what facial hair is searched a disproportionately, high amount.

For example, while Massachusetts wears all the facial hair the rest of the country does, the search interest in chin strap beard is excessively higher than the remaining states- making chin strap beards more popular in Massachusetts than anywhere else.

Overall topic interest was selected when possible, covering image searches (for those looking for inspiration), maintenance advice, and other related searches.

We looked at a full year of search volume, giving each state ample time to consider making poor grooming choices like a peculiar monkey tail beard or growing a quarantine beard.

Is The workplace ready for the monkey tail?

While workplaces have grown, and continue to grow more casual, that doesn’t mean the world is quite ready for the monkey tail.

Sure, you can rock a monkey tail. However, it might not help you gain friends and influence people in the workplace.

However, if you are insisting upon wearing the bizarre facial hair of your choice, be certain to research company culture to find out what you’re getting yourself into.

While some workplaces have joined the casual workplace revolution, others are stuck in the 80s– And that means facial hair is still frowned upon.

Each State’s Favorite Facial Hair

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.