Now that they've brought the World Series trophy back to Boston, the Red Sox can rest easy.

And oh, they can also bring out those electric razors while they're at it.

During their amazing MLB playoff run that culminated in Thursday's World Series victory, the Red Sox were one in not shaving any of their facial hair. That trend started with Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli while they were down in Fort Myers, Florida for spring training, and as the team progressed through the season, changing from one that merely sought to avoid a repeat of the previous season's league-worst finish to one that felt destiny owed them a championship, the rest of the team followed suit -- or hirsute, as it seemed.

All over America, Red Sox fans were also growing their own beards as the team steamrolled its way over all comers, silencing even their noisiest critics. Pretty soon, the beards became the symbol of a city rising from the ashes of a cowardly bombing attack. Must like the way people would tug at each other to express support, Red Sox players would tug at a teammate's beard whenever he would score an important home run.

Fans also identified better with the blue-collar, workman-like Red Sox than the more star-studded teams such as the Yankees down the Atlantic coast, and the new, scruffy look meshed very well with their work ethic and image.

However, all good things must pass. Spouses complain, beards become unwieldy, Major League seasons end.

Clay Buchholz started the post-World Series shaving party shortly after the celebrations. On Monday evening, Gillette headquarters hosted a shave-off among World Series MVP David Ortiz, outfielder Shane Victorino, bullpen policeman Steve Horgan, and a fan chosen through social media.

It's safe to say that the beards won't be coming back soon, at least until maybe the Boston Bruins make a trip to the Stanley Cup finals. After all, it brings a new dimension into the slogan "Boston Strong."