Loïc Papillon, from Dijon who won first prize in the British beard competition in 2022, puts his title back on the line this Saturday, October 12, 2024. He is on his way to Plymouth (England) with the firm intention of winning.
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Already crowned champion of France in 2018, and 7th in the 2023 world competition, Côte-d’Orien Loïc Papillon has an impressive track record. In 2022, he was crowned English beard and mustache champion in the “natural beard and stylized mustache” category, at Rugby. In this month of October 2024, he puts his title back on the line.
► ALSO READ: Côte-d’Orien Loïc Papillon wins first prize in the British beard competition (2022)
This Thursday, October 10, Loïc, a Dijon native from Marne, is on his way to the English town of Plymouth, to participate in the English beard and mustache championship which will take place this Saturday, October 12. This competition takes place every two years. Among the many categories, it participates in that of “natural beard and stylized mustache of less than 30 cm”.
A very codified category. On the day of the championships, competitors are not allowed to put any products in their beards: “No hairspray or wax on the beard, it should stand naturally. We are allowed to use oil to moisturize the hair, but I am not allowed to shape it with an accessory. For the mustache, it is stylized using wax“, specifies Loïc. The judges are there to ensure the settlement.
Loïc Papillon will have to face serious competitors. “I found all the bearded men that I met last year for the world championship in Germany. We meet at every international competition.”
In England, there are a lot of handsome bearded men!
A cult of the beautiful beard that we do not find in France, to his great regret: “In France, it is not anchored. There isn’t this beard culture, not like in England, Germany, Austria or the United States. There are clubs, federations, like in sport.”
But Loïc goes to these championships with a winning mentality. “If I fear them, they fear me too. It was the first time that the title had been awarded to a Frenchman in England. I am confident, I hope to keep my title. I know I’m eagerly awaited“.
Daily maintenance
Having such a beautiful fleece requires work and daily maintenance. “I put oil on the beard and balm on the mustache, special beard shampoo every 2 days. A mask once a week, on Sunday. And a hot oil treatment once a month.”
I spend 15 to 20 minutes there every morning.
For aesthetics, he trusts Julien, his Dijon barber since 2016. A visit every 8 weeks for trimming and shaping. His last visit was this Wednesday, the day before his departure for Plymouth.
