With a great beard, comes great responsibility. -Anonymous
A good beard doesn’t just happen. If you see a guy whose facial hair is well groomed and looks healthy, it’s because he’s putting in the time to make it look that way. Growing a beard is one thing, but how he cares for it determines its outcome. You either get a second look and some compliment or scare people away. Achieving this on your own comes down to execution. Here are some tips.
Be patient:
A truly epic beard is a result of self-restraint. In its first stage of growth, resist the urge to trim or style for the first 4-6 weeks. This will allow the hairs to grow evenly and help you pick a style that suits its length and thickness.
Match your beard to the shape of your face:
First of all, if you don’t know the shape of your face, please look in the mirror. Your beard should take the shape of your face so it doesn’t look awkward.
Fade Your Beard Neckline:
Blend your bare neckline into your beard the same way a barber fades the sides of your haircut into the fuller top. This will create a soft contrast and the result is graduation from bare neck to full beard over the course of one inch.
Your beard neckline should take the shape of a “U”:
Beard maintenance requires skincare:
Even if you’re just maintaining facial hair and shaving around certain patterns, be sure your skin is clean. A well-trimmed beard on a rough skin is absolutely unattractive. You need to make sure the pores are open beforehand and properly sealed after to avoid irritation.
Know how and when to trim:
Pruning is important to a well-groomed beard. Even if you plan on growing it out, invest in a quality trimmer, and find the right technique to give you your desired look.
Wash it regularly:
This is especially important in the early stages of growth, as trapped food and skin cells can worsen itchiness. Scrub your beard several times each week with a cleanser, and then gently pat it dry. A forceful towelling can lead to frizz and split ends.
Apply oil:
Nothing tames a beard like regular use of beard oil. It makes your beard softer and shinier.
Boost your body:
The beard is made from protein and fat, but it’s also heavily reliant on Vitamins B5, B3, and B9 which means lean meats, nuts, egg yolks, milk, and plenty of leafy greens.
Don’t forget that your beard is the gift you give your face. Make it worth a second look.
