With beards becoming more and more popular, it's no surprise that facial hair is stealing the show in the NBA. Some of the most beloved players are rocking unique beard styles that make them stand out for reasons other than their basketball abilities.
If you're interested in growing out a beard but don't know where to start, you might be able to find some inspiration by looking at these five NBA players. Each of their facial hair styles is dramatically different from the rest. Yet, these players have found a look that complements their personal style perfectly while enhancing their overall image.
#5: Pau Gasol
Spanish-born Pau Gasol has what some may call a baby face. His youthful features and round face shape give him a boyish appearance. However, in the world of competitive sports, looking younger than your age can do more harm than good. We suspect that this is why Pau has been wearing his signature beard for some time. Without a doubt, Pau's beard makes him look more his age. His curly, fine hair complements his shortly trimmed yet mostly full beard. This effortless look is pretty easy for most men to emulate.
#4: Nikola Mirotic
Nikola Mirotic's full, thick beard helps slim his face and neck. With naturally wide features, this beard style complements his face shape perfectly. His beard is always impeccably groomed despite its massive size. If you have rectangular face and a wide neck, this beard style is an excellent way to go. Make sure to grow your beard evenly so that it becomes opaque.
#3: Tyson Chandler
Tyson Chandler's unapologetically full, natural beard is a force to be reckoned with. Surprisingly, this incredible player has boyish features beneath all of that facial hair. Perhaps that's why he's allowed his beard to grow so long. Without a doubt, it makes him look older and tougher. If you're a fan of Tyson's beard, allow your facial hair to grow out as long as it can. It's really that simple. Recently, retired and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant called him the Gandalf of the NBA because of his age (18 seasons) has a long beard just like that fictional character and stands just like him.
#2: Lebron James
Lebron James beard is always evolving, much like his stellar career. It seems like the more successful he becomes, the more he embraces his unique personal style. Currently, Lebron is rocking a full beard that's impressively shaped and structured. Thanks to him, this beard is one of the trendiest styles of the year. Copying Lebron's signature look requires quite a bit of maintenance. If you don't have the time to shape your beard each week, find a good barber.
#1: James Harden
James Harden's flamboyant beard makes him easy to spot in a crowd. In fact, his beard has become so legendary that it may have boosted his already-successful career. This beard is full and bushy yet flawlessly shaped. This type of beard isn't the easiest to pull off. For one thing, it requires a lot of confidence. Secondly, it takes quite a bit of time to shape and style. This is a look that's best left to a professional barber. His beard has its own moniker and its own investment and marketing strategies.
The Beards of the NBA
These five NBA players really stand out thanks to their epic beard styles. If you're interested in rocking one of these striking looks, take a picture with you the next time you visit your barber.