Q&A With Beard Master Justin Kelcourse

Portsmouth's Justin Kelcourse competes in the World Beard and Moustache Championships

Portsmouth's Juston Kelcourse competed in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany.

Justin Kelcourse of Portsmouth is just your average realtor, sailboat captain, Bikram yoga practitioner, former ice cream truck driver and Memorial Bridge Gate Tender, but in November he did something truly remarkable. He flew to Germany to compete in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. We were still awaiting the decision of the judges when this issue went to press, but to a part of the world that’s in the throws of “beard fever” with the Red Sox winning the World Series, to us he’s already a winner. We asked him a few questions before he left.

How long since you’ve shaved?
The beard will be exactly 4 years old on October 31. I haven’t trimmed it for the last three years.

Grooming regimen?
I wash it with regular shampoo, and I use a leave-in conditioner. That’s it!

Have you calculated weight or volume? Does it have a name?
I have not calculated the weight or the volume, although it’s at least 21 or 22 inches long. It doesn’t have a name, but I often refer to my beard in the third person. Sometimes I will voice my beard’s opinion on things.

What do you think of your chances for bringing home a prize back to NH? 
I think my chances are good. The real wild card is the Germans are very passionate about their facial hair, and there may be a few unknown German competitors that come to the competition just because it’s on their home turf. We may see beards that have never been on the Internet before.

Is the beard an asset to your real estate career? 
Yes, it makes me very recognizable. People remember me and that I am a real estate agent; my picture is on my card and people keep it.

Do you ever frighten small children?
Sometimes. Kids are funny; they either fixate on the beard or don’t even notice it at all. I tell them it’s OK to stare. Sometimes I need to tell that to adults as well!

When and why would you shave? 
If I win, I think I’m going to shave it off; it’s been getting in my way. If I don’t win, I’m going to keep growing it and compete again next year.

What does your significant other think of the beard?
She likes it; she knows it’s a money maker.