Jason Momoa, James Harden Shocked Fans After Shaving Beards — See Other Celebs Who Did the Same

Jason Momoa and James Harden have made headlines in recent days for appearing drastically different after shaving their iconic beards. While Momoa's transformation was confirmed in an Instagram video, Harden's beardless look sparked confusion online.

The topic has since gone viral, with fans debating how much facial hair impacts public perception. But Momoa and Harden are not the only ones. Several celebrities have surprised audiences by going clean-shaven, raising questions about how beards shape celebrity identity.

Jason Momoa Shaves Beard for First Time in Six Years

In July 2025, Aquaman star Jason Momoa shaved off his signature beard for the first time in six years. The actor shared the transformation in an Instagram video, tying the move to both personal and professional reasons. The most immediate cause was his upcoming role in Dune: Part Three, where he will reprise his role as Duncan Idaho, now appearing in clone form.

Momoa admitted he felt uncomfortable without the beard, stating: 'I hate it,' while showing off his new look. Fans quickly took to social media expressing their shock, with many saying he looked 'unrecognisable'. The post has since attracted millions of views and widespread commentary.

James Harden's Viral Image Sparks Beard Rumours

Unlike Momoa, NBA star James Harden has not actually shaved his beard. A digitally altered image of the Los Angeles Clippers player began circulating on social media, sparking debate and disbelief. According to Essentially Sports, the image appeared to be AI-generated or heavily photoshopped.

Harden, known for his signature full beard since his college days, has become synonymous with the 'Fear the Beard' slogan. Despite the viral speculation, there has been no confirmed sighting of Harden without facial hair. In fact, recent team appearances and interviews show him sporting his usual look.

Harden has previously stated that shaving his beard would require either a $10 million offer or an NBA championship win, underlining how integral it has become to his public persona.

The Power of Beards in Celebrity Branding

Facial hair often becomes a defining feature of celebrity image. For stars like Momoa and Harden, beards are not just personal style choices but part of their brand identity. The public's intense reaction to their real or rumoured transformations underscores how audiences often associate facial hair with character, masculinity, or familiarity.

Other Celebrities Who Shocked Fans After Going Clean-Shaven

Jason Momoa and James Harden join a long list of public figures who surprised fans by removing their facial hair:

Jake Gyllenhaal: Known for growing a beard for various roles, he stunned fans by appearing clean-shaven during promotional events.

David Beckham: The footballer's occasional returns to a clean-shaven look have generated social media buzz.

Chris Evans: Post-Avengers, Evans shocked fans by shaving off his beard, instantly altering his look.

Drake: The rapper briefly shaved in 2020, sparking viral memes and fan confusion online.

Social Media Reactions Amplify the Shock Factor

Online platforms have amplified public reactions to these celebrity transformations. Fans often post side-by-side photos, memes, and even AI renderings comparing bearded and clean-shaven appearances. In many cases, the conversation shifts from personal style to how facial hair contributes to recognition and cultural image.

Whether genuine or digitally altered, these celebrity 'shave-offs' continue to stir public interest and fuel viral conversations.