Here is a mighty fine gent and the man I owe it all too, well I mean the hirsute journey as I’m pretty certain he is not my father or my guardian angel.  Some years back I joined The HandlebarClub Forum and it was there that a number of the member gently cajolled me into shaving off my beard and going sole-mo.  John was incredibly supportive and has continued to be throughout the facial hair journey, he is witty, charming his photoshop skills are famous throughout the land, take a moment to find out more about this charming man.

Name

John Satchell

Who are you?

I’m a retired medical research technician, married with no kids and living in north-west London. I work a day a week in the Immunology Department of one of the great London hospitals as a befriender….someone who helps new patients come to terms with their diagnosis…I get it ‘cos I got it!

Type of Facial Hair?

moustache

Years in Service?

since like forever!

Hirsute for Happiness believes that a hair face is a happy face, do you agree?

yes

Who inspired you to grow?

In the very early days it had to be the Beatles….latterly all those amazing chaps at the Handlebar Club!

Does having facial hair change you and it what way?

With the handlebar I now have tons more confidence, a pride in the way I present myself and an obsessive interest in all things vintage, especially clothing that “goes” with my moustache.

Does your facial hair draw attention and does that bother you?

Yes it does, and no, it doesn’t! In fact if I’ve taken the trouble to make the handlebar look smashing and no-one tells me how good it looks my feelings get quite hurt!

Would you change anything about your look?

Apart from knocking twenty years off my age and having the clout to shop in Saville Row, no, I’m a happy bunny!

Has anything happened to you because of your face?

Sometimes at the hospital patients think that I’m the consultant, because I “look” the part, whereas the real docs are all so young and scruffy!!! Also my face is now familiar because of the handlebar…they’re still a rarity, even in trendy north-west London!!

Is your face a champion?

No, never!! Never will!!

Does your beard/moustache have a name?

He’s always been called “Satchmo” by me and the missus!!

Do you have a specific routine of care and styling?

Lanolin every night, Argan oil every day! Wax, Bounder or Mr Natty for special occasions.

What’s the weirdest thing you have heard someone use on the hairs?

I did once try moulding the curls with a scrape of the soft wax from a scented candle and it worked surprisingly well…the smell let it down, but hey, there are countless scents to choose from!!!

Do you have any non bearding hobbies?

We travel by road and rail to explore this beautiful country.
I love london’s galleries and museums, being a bit of an amateur dauber myself.
We love our allotment and garden and visit public and private gardens here and abroad.
I run a self-help forum for people with immune deficiencies.
Hoping to get back to being an active member of the Soho Ramblers…once my medication is sorted!!!
Socialising with friends, both the real ones and the FB ones!!

Any tips for an aspiring beard or moustache grower?

Don’t respond to criticism….they’re only jealous!
Don’t think about trimming it until it has fully grown!
Don’t shave it of until there have been two weeks when you’ve looked in the mirror and hated it!

What is better; A unicorn with a moustache, penguins with beards, horses with chops?

unicorns with moustaches?

Favourite Famous beard/Moustache?

John Hurt the actor!

Is there anything missing from the questionnaire?

If you have enjoyed this feature and would like to nominate your own Hirsute Hero, then use the form found here. 

To see the gallery of the finest inspirational folk then head here