HAIRY NO. 1: Justin Timberlake (above) and in his cleancut N'Sync days.

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The previously clean-cut fabulous four were suddenly sporting glorious handlebar moustaches which helped kickstart a revolution of a different kind - the freedom to grow facial hair.

A quick look at Billboard's current charts will reveal that, out of seven male artistes or bands in the top 20 album charts, four sport facial hair, including Radiohead, Garth Brooks and One Republic.

Then there are bands like synth rockers The Killers, who were clean shaven in their debut albums, but when mega-fame came a-calling, started growing out moustaches and goatees.

Since 2006, 'hipster moustaches', as they came to be known, have become cool in the indie and punk rock community, with members of bands like We Are Scientists, Eagles Of Death Metal and Gogol Bordello proudly showing off their whiskers.

What was once associated with male porn stars, biker gangs or macho cops is now deemed ironic cool.

And if you want to be like these rockers and start some facial follicle action, be prepared to lavish time and attention on your hair.

Stylist Dean Kamaruddin, who has groomed artistes for MediaCorp's Suria channel, says that men who want to keep facial hair should be prepared to work on it.

'Invest in a crimper and trim your moustache or goatee at least once every four days,' he advises.

'If you don't you'll just end up looking sloppy.'

So there you go. Rock stars can afford to look grungey because they are, well, rock stars and can get away with anything. But if you're thinking of raising a hair farm on your face, be ready to primp it.

dinohadi@sph.com.sg