Byrd: The Men’s Grooming Brand Inspired by Surfing
Byrd, a men’s grooming company founded by Chase Wilson, is all about surfing. (Photo: Canon Call)
Byrd is a combination of a few different things. Foremost, BYRD is a brand of men’s grooming products, but it’s also a barbershop, an event space, and a lifestyle, curated and founded by Chase Wilson in 2012. Harkening back to the romanticized ideals of surfing from the 50’s and 60’s, Wilson names a few early influencers such as Steve McQueen, Robert August, Bruce Brown, Mike Hynson, and of course the film Endless Summer, as being sources of inspiration for both himself, and BYRD Hair. Wilson set out to create a line of men’s grooming products for the gentlemen surfer.
“When I began, we were based out of Newport Beach, where we still have an office. Now we’re located in Los Angeles. As we grew, and as the product line expanded, we moved up to Culver City,” says Wilson. Today, the space includes a barbershop for private appointments, as well as an office and event space.
Founder Chase Wilson at the Byrd barbershop. (Photo: Dylan Goodale)
“We have a lot of global ambassadors that come stay with us as well. It’s great, because they can come and get haircuts and be closely involved with new product developments and marketing stuff. Vissla, a collaborative surf brand, recently showed their film here, which was also rad.”
Wilson started the brand to cater to his lifestyle as a surfer. After using a lot of different products that didn’t hold up in the water, he set out to create the ideal pomade. “My dad was the first person I told. I went to him initially with the idea of doing an underwear line, and somehow it grew into the concept of grooming,” he says. “My great grandfather was in the grooming business as well. He owned a barbershop in the Metropol Hotel in North Dakota. This is fully the family business; it’s in my DNA. He made his own hair tonic and would go around the country selling it.”
Pomades and a pocket comb by Byrd. (Photo: Dylan Goodale)
All products are wax-based and won’t rinse out in the water. Byrd’s classic pomade contains hydrating ingredients such as aloe and coconut oil. With constant exposure to sun and salt, it’s important to have a protective shield that can keep you well groomed, and with healthy hair. Byrd’s formulas work in tandem with natural elements, and after surfing serve as the perfect go-to for a full days’ worth of slick.
“We take our time coming up with scents that tie back to beaches we’ve visited, it’s a collaborative process,” says Wilson of the three different pomades. “Matte has an earthy-woodsy scent with vetiver, the Classic smells like clean laundry, and Light smells fresh, with a hint of bamboo.” The Byrd collection also includes Soap on a Rope (which can be used on hair, face, and body), a pocket comb made from recycled surfboard fins, and a waterproof dopp kit.
The Byrd crew hitting the beach. (Photo: Dylan Goodale)
“We work with a manufacture in San Clemente who helps develop the formula, the fill, and even the custom tins. It’s all made here in California,” says Wilson. “Being able to tell our story from California, and take it elsewhere in the world, and to then have it so well received, has been extremely rewarding.” Wilson is working to expand the Byrd line over the next six months. What comes after that? “World domination, that’s the goal.”
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