Grooming and trimming experts: World Beard and Moustache Championships 2013

The competition for the best facial hair in a range of categories, including moustaches, chin beards, whiskers, full beards and trendy bears

Hundreds of competitors from 20 countries gathered in Germany for the World Beard and Moustache Championships.

Click here to see more pictures of the contestants

Entrants from around the globe travelled to the southern town of Leinfelden-Echterdingen, outside Stuttgart, to compete for the best facial hair in a range of four categories and 18 sub-categories, including moustaches, chin beards, whiskers, full beards and trendy bears.

The championships were officially watched by the German Association of Beard Clubs and all entrants were subject to a pre-screeing to determine their beard category by a separate jury.

American contestants proved to be the biggest beard fans as Beard Team USA scooped nine trophies.

Organiser Juergen Burkhardt said the turnout was much better than expected.

Just in time for Movember. These creative beard wearers can bring in some inspiration for your moustache grooming.

Click here to see notable beard wearers in pictures