I’ve been in the competitive beard world going on 9 years now, and have seen some crazy styles along the way. Everything from floor length to intricate “freestyle” dioramas made of facial hair.
One of my favorite freestyle beard artists is my long time beard brother, Eric Brooks from Boise, ID.
This week, his favorite baseball team, The Washington Nationals, is competing in the World Series. In honor and support of his team, Eric has been styling his beard this week in the shape of the Nationals “W” logo (and don’t you dare make a Walgreens joke at him. It will not get a good response). A look that has gone viral recently.
I wanted to chat with Eric, and see if he would show off some tricks of the styling trade as he prepped for this evening’s Game 6. So I hopped in my invisible low rider, George, and swung by Casa de Brooks to grab Eric, and chat while running a couple errands to pick up supplies for him to use during his Nats “W” demo.
Chops: “Hi, Eric! This is my car, George. You’re my first guest rider, sir! Welcome. Mind if I ask a few questions on our way to grab supplies?”
Eric: “Sure!”
Chops: “We’ve known each other for years, but I don’t think I know how long you’ve been freestyling.”
Eric: “I’ve been styling my beard for 6 years now and competing for 7 years. I first got the idea of styling when I was in Las Vegas at the National Beard and Moustache Championship (2012). I lost my category of full beard groomed so I went into the greenroom where everyone was styling up what they had with a bunch of hairspray and blow-dryers. I asked Alex LaRoche if he could show me how to style my beard, so he did a demo on my facial hair. It was a quick little 5 point star shape and it wasn’t anything crazy but I loved that I knew now how to practice and try new things to my facial hair.
Through a couple trials and errors I finally competed in Austin, Texas in the full beard freestyle category. I think I did pretty well so that gave me some more confidence to try it again.“
Chops: “What other sports designs have you created?”
Eric: “I’ve done a few sports themed styles for my DC sports teams. I styled an 8 in my beard for Ovechkin who wears number 8. I also spelled CAPS, and HAIL in the beard for Hail to the Redskins. I love going to sports arenas and stadiums with a style because I get a lot of people who want pictures and sometimes I’ll get noticed on TV or on the Jumbotron. It’s a lot of fun just seeing people’s reactions. “
Chops: “How long does it usually take you to style your beard into a design?”
Eric: “Most of the designs take me around an hour or 2 from start to finish but the curly W is relatively easy so that one is about 30 to 45 minutes. It’s a labor of love and I absolutely love doing it.”
Chops: “Being a beardsman myself that uses hairspray when I compete, I’m always curious about the different methods people use to wash it all out. How do you wash all that hairspray and paint out of your beard?”
Eric: “As far as washing it out it usually just takes a nice hot shower, shampoo and conditioner and a ton of beard oil and balm when I’m done my shower. After all that heat and spray it needs a lot of TLC. Freestylers are rough on their beards but we know that it’s worth it in the end.”
Chops: “Your beard has gone viral a couple times, and I’ve seen you featured in other media, tv, etc. Where all has your beard shown up?”
Eric: “These beard designs I’ve created have been featured on websites such as ESPN, NHL, Sports Illustrated, Huffington Post, Washington Post, USA Today, a lot of local news affiliates such as FOX and NBC sports and have been tweeted thousands of times. One of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do with my beard is being flown to LA to be a guest on the Steve Harvey Show. Definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. It’s kinda surreal to be honest and I’m so honored to be featured on such prestigious media outlets.”
Chops: “Well, we’re back at your place. Ready to set up shop and show some beard tips and tricks?”
Eric: “Yup. Let’s do it!”
Chops: “Thanks for the tips, dude! Might have to try it myself sometime. But I gotta get going back to LA. It’s a long drive LOL Good luck for game 7, brother!”
Eric: “We’re gonna FINISH THE FIGHT and put another curly “W” in the books!”
To follow Eric’s beard styling journey, he’s on Instagram @craftbeardo
