'My beard gets in the way when I throw' — Andreas Harrysson lifts the lid on darts’ most famous facial hair

In darts it’s usually all about precision, focus and the mental strength to perform at the right moment. But for Andreas Harrysson, his striking beard also plays a part in his career. The Swedish thrower is known not just for his ability on the oche, but also for his distinctive look – and that requires daily upkeep.

Where many athletes prefer a simple style, Harrysson puts remarkable care into his facial hair. Speaking to the Weekly Dartscast, he explained: “I usually wash it once or twice a day. I only use conditioner in it, not shampoo, because that keeps the hair soft and smooth without drying out.” For him, this is what works best, and it’s clear his beard has become something of a trademark in the darts world.

Trouble on the oche

Beard oil is a popular product among those who wear their beards long, and Harrysson has experimented with it too. But it didn’t prove ideal once he stepped up to throw. “I try to use beard oil, but when I’m throwing darts my hand always goes up into the beard and then I can’t throw properly,” he admitted. In a sport where every millimetre counts, even a small distraction can make a big difference.

Perhaps surprisingly, Harrysson has never been to a barber. “I haven’t been yet, but I’ve thought about it,” he said. All his maintenance is done by himself, which makes his routine all the more unusual – especially now, as he revealed: “I think this is the longest so far. We’ll see if it gets any longer.”