The ultimate in equality of the sexes as women join in annual Los Angeles BEARD championships

There was a frenzy of facial hair on display at one Los Angeles theatre as the city's annual beard and moustache competition took centre stage.

And this year there could be no accusations of sexism as even the ladies were invited to show off their fantastic fuzz.

With categories ranging from business beard to freestyle and sideburns/ mutton chops to goatee, there was something for all tastes.

Frenzy of facial fuzz: A female competitor sporting a rather fetching Union Jack beard glances at her male rival in the annual Los Angeles beard and moustache championships Hair's one I made earlier: Women were this year invited to enter the 'whiskerinas' category where they were challenged to come up with their own themed creations

Bristling with creativity: One female entrant shows off her flowing auburn number (left), while another fashioned this feathery interpretation of a beard



Not to be left out, the women were urged to make their own themed creations in the 'whiskerinas' section.

Backstage, the competitors, who had come from as far as Utah and Massachusetts, took time to groom before facing the crowd at the historic Belasco Theatre yesterday.

A barber was on hand to make any last-minute adjustments.

Beard bonanza: Competitors took to the stage at the Belasco Theatre for the second annual contest

All white on the night: A man poses for the camera as he is judged on the catwalk

Preened: A barber was on hand to make any last-minute adjustments before their entered the limelight



Fun with fuzz: The competition was run by the Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Club

The competition, run by the Los Angeles Beard and Mustache Club, was accompanied by live entertainment, DJ sets, a commemorative photobooth and plenty of cocktails.

The results were not currently available this morning.

Proceeds are going to the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, which assists families with sick and terminally ill children.

Hats off to you: One entrant (left) goes more 'au naturale' than his rival (right), who must have needed a lot of gel to sculpt his creation