What started out as a dalliance — a few hipsters in L.A. and New York growing caveman facial hair to show just how much they don’t care about fashion — has exploded into a major trend. Beards are here, and they’re not budging.

Now I like the forest ranger look on other guys, but don’t love the feeling of a scratchy beard against my face. And if you’re going to have a beard, boys, please make sure it’s meticulously clean and trimmed. I’m not talking George Michael-style pruned, but keep things in check a bit when considering length and girth.

Check out the neat-and-clipped look on the model in Caulfield Preparatory‘s Spring 2010 look-book. It’s handsome and rugged, but doesn’t delve into Father Time territory. Let it be your guide.