Mustaches/Moustaches

[Al Smitley]

I think sideburns were popular around the period of the War of 1812 but other facial hair, during the first half of the 19th C., were worn only by men on the fringes and perhaps other cultures outside of America.   Then, around the time of the Gold Rush, this changed and mustaches and beards, once again, became popular.

I have only been able to find generalities on this subject.  Can anyone give more specific information with a credible source or sources?  Also, what prompted the change?

I've read vague statements hinting that the fashion was prompted by Prince Albert.  I've also read that it came about during/after the Crimean War, but I thought it may have started a couple/few years earlier than that.  Does anyone have insights on this?

[Al Smitley]

Thanks, Dan.  I'll have a look.  I've read two accounts on the internet and another in a book of fashion that indicated that, and I will paraphrase here... Facial hair had long been out of fashion and though the trend was already beginning to recur, it had been banned by the British Army.  Freezing temperatures in the Crimea and lack of shaving soap created a necessary change.  Beards and mustaches on returning troops became a symbol of heroism and thus, the fashion entered into civilian life and made its way to America. 

I have no reason not to accept that explanation.  My question, then, would be....what had caused the fashion to already begin to recur, even if the Crimean War helped to push it along?