How Many Presidents Had Facial Hair? Let’s Start with these 7.

  • Time to read: 5 min.
Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

How many presidents had facial hair? Well, it’s no secret that facial hair has made a big comeback in recent years. From hipsters to celebrities, more and more people are sporting beards, mustaches, and goatees. But did you know that this trend goes back to our nation’s earliest days? Many of our presidents have had facial hair. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Abraham Lincoln – The Most Famous Bearded President

Abraham Lincoln is often considered one of the most famous presidents in American history, and part of his iconic image is his beard. At the time, beards were not as common as they are today, and Lincoln was one of the first presidents to sport one. His beard quickly became part of his public persona, and he even used it to his advantage during his presidential campaign.

Lincoln’s beard helped him to appear more mature and statesmanlike, which was essential in winning over voters. In addition, it set him apart from other politicians, which made him more memorable. Today, Lincoln’s beard is widely considered to be one of the most iconic facial hairstyles in American history.

James A. Garfield – Mr. Beard and Mustache

In 1881, shortly after being sworn in as the 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield was the victim of an assassination. The bullet lodged in his spine and he languished for weeks, eventually succumbing to his injuries.

Rumor has it that as he lay in bed, slowly dying, his wife reportedly implored him to shave off his beard and mustache. She believed that it would make him look more dignified in death. Garfield refused, telling her that he had never liked the way he looked without facial hair. He also said that he wanted to be remembered “as he really was.”

In the end, Garfield got his wish: he was photographed in his casket with a full beard and mustache. And while some may question his appearance, there is no doubt that Garfield’s determination to be remembered “as he really was” has made him one of the most recognizable presidents in history.

Chester A. Arthur – Mustache and Matching Sideburns

Many people know Chester A. Arthur as the President with the impressive mustache. In fact, his facial hair was so iconic that it even had its own nickname: The combover. However, what many people don’t know is that Arthur didn’t just have a mustache – he also had matching sideburns. This distinctive look helped to make him one of the most recognizable presidents of his era.

In addition to his physical appearance, Arthur was also known for his dapper sense of style. He was often seen sporting a morning coat or a frock coat, and he was always impeccably groomed.

Thanks to his handsome looks and stylish wardrobe, Arthur was often referred to as “Elegant Arthur.” Even today, over a century after he left office, Arthur is still remembered for his fashion sense and striking facial hair.

Theodore Roosevelt – The Man in the Iconic Mustache

In a time when men were clean-shaven and sported top hats, Theodore Roosevelt stood out with his bushy mustache. But beyond his distinct appearance, Roosevelt was also a man of many accomplishments.

He was a celebrated author, naturalist, and explorer, as well as a gifted politician. Roosevelt served as the 26th president of the United States, and is credited with leading the country through some of its most difficult times. He helped to broker peace between Russia and Japan, and also launched the Panama Canal project.

Thanks to his bold leadership, Roosevelt is considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. So the next time you see a man with a mustache, remember that he may have more in common with Theodore Roosevelt than you think!

Benjamin Harrison – Another Bearded President

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a president, facial hair has actually been quite common among U.S. presidents. In fact, of the 45 presidents who have served so far, 13 of them have sported some form of facial hair.

One of the most famous presidential beards belonged to Benjamin Harrison, who was elected in 1888. Harrison’s beard was so iconic that it should have its own Wikipedia page. Harrison wasn’t the only president with facial hair though; other notable bearded presidents include Abraham Lincoln, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Chester A. Arthur.

While there are no current presidents with facial hair, it’s clear that it has been an integral part of American presidential history.

Grover Cleveland – Sweeb Baby Mustache

Many people are surprised to learn that Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, was known for his bushy mustache. In an era when most men were clean-shaven, Cleveland’s thick mustache set him apart from the crowd.

He was often teased about his facial hair, but he refused to shave it off. In fact, rumor has it that he once commented that he would rather lose the election than his mustache. We don’t know if this is true or not but it makes for a great story!

Cleveland was a skilled politician, and he was eventually able to use his mustache to his advantage. He became known as a man of the people, and his rugged appearance helped him to win over working-class voters. Today, Cleveland is remembered as one of America’s most successful presidents, and his iconic mustache has become a symbol of American masculinity.

Rutherford B. Hayes – The Longest Beard

Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th president of the United States, and he is also credited with having the longest beard of any president. While it is not clear exactly how long his beard was, estimates put it at around six inches. Hayes was known for being a fashionable man, and he often sported a well-groomed beard.

However, during his time in office, he decided to let his beard grow out to its full length. This caused quite a stir, as beards were not commonly seen on men in those days. Some people even joked that the president’s beard was so long that he could use it to mop the floor! Nevertheless, Hayes continued to wear his beard with pride, and it has since become one of his most iconic features.

Wrap Up

So there you have it, a brief history of presidential facial hair. From the iconic mustache of Theodore Roosevelt to the long beard of Rutherford B. Hayes, facial hair has been a part of American presidential history for centuries. While there are no current presidents with facial hair, who knows what the future may hold? After all, anything is possible in politics!

FAQ – How Many Presidents Had Facial Hair?

How many presidents have had facial hair?

13 of the 45 presidents have sported some form of facial hair.

Who was the first president with facial hair?

The first president with facial hair was John Quincy Adams (if you count his mega sideburns as facial hair).

Who was the most recent president with facial hair?

The most recent president with facial hair was William Howard Taft.

What types of facial hair have presidents had?

The types of facial hair presidents have had include beards, mustaches, and goatees.

Who are some other famous men with beards?

Here’s a great article on some of the bearded men of the Bible.