Study: Los Angeles is second-most facial-hair friendly city in U.S.

According to grooming gear maker Wahl, Los Angeles is the second-most facial-hair friendly city in these United States -- ranking just behind Boston and a whisker ahead of Miami.

Rounding out the top 10 were Chicago; Salt Lake City; Minneapolis; Austin, Texas; Seattle; Denver; and Nashville. (New York City charted at No. 16, though we’re guessing if the hipster enclaves of Brooklyn or Park Slope were rated separately they might rank far higher.)

The rankings are the result of a study done in partnership with Opinion Research Corp. and, according to Wahl, included “in-depth analysis of the online universe over the past two years for beard and mustache positivity. Conversations and searches surrounding facial hair were measured, and cities were ranked based on overall interest and positive sentiment.”

Wednesday’s announcement cited Boston’s ascension to baseball glory on the backs of the bearded Red Sox in 2013 as one reason it took top honors.

The results were announced to highlight awareness of Wahl’s “Man of the Year” contest. One bearded or mustachioed gent from each stop on Wahl’s Face the Day Tour (along with one online entrant) will compete for bragging rights, with the ultimate winner from among 12 finalists chosen through online voting.

The contest runs through Oct. 12, and additional information, including the full tour stop schedule, can be found online.

Although the tour doesn’t physically roll into L.A. (the closest it gets is Salt Lake City on Sept. 5-7), Angelenos in pursuit of the hirsute can submit an online entry.

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