Why You Should Not Trim Your Beard
There are many benefits to growing a well-maintained beard. Not only does the beard protect against damaging UV rays, it is also a natural repellent for dust and other airborne particles. Yet one of the most popular advantages of growing a beard is that it reflects a man’s masculinity and maturity. As such, trimming your beard can be seen as an insult to your masculinity. It is best to leave your beard to grow wild, giving it the natural shape that adorns your face.
Most men realize that their beards require additional care than other parts of the body, so taking proper care of your beard should be a priority. This does not have to be time consuming. A few basic steps such as combing and cleaning your beard are recommended to ensure that you keep it in top condition. Unknown to many, trimming or shaping your beard can cause damage to the individual hairs and even causes them to split over time. It is therefore vital to allow the beard to grow without any intervention in order to maintain its health.
Trimming facial hair also eliminates the natural oils which provide protection and nourishment to the underlying skin. This can lead to premature wrinkles and even exacerbate skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. If a skin condition is already present, extra attention must be paid and a professional should be consulted as to the best steps to follow in maintaining facial hair and improving overall skin health.
In addition to being damaging, trimming your beard means to interfere with nature’s design. It is believed that the unique shape of each beard is tailored to the individual, to allow for optimal facial recognition. Allowing this shape to flourish without complicated trims and shaping results in a stronger personal identity, which many argue is crucial in developing individual confidence and self-esteem.
Whilst prolonged facial hair can be seen as uncivilised or unhygienic, this is a misconception. Many barbers and hair stylists today are highly skilled in managing longer beards and providing the tools required to maintain good hygiene. If a beard is properly managed, then common hygiene concerns are easily combatted.
All in all, there are many reasons why it is preferable to not trim your beard. Not only does it keep the hairs healthy and vibrant, it also ensures that the facial identity and character remains natural and intact. Therefore, it is best to allow the beard to grow and flourish in its own way.
Grooming
It is possible to keep the beard from getting too unruly and wild, without the need for frequent trimming. Regular brushing and combing will help keep the beard neat and tidy, without the need for a haircut. Along with tidy facial hair, one should also take into consideration their skin and the health of their beard.
To keep the facial hair healthy and striking, a moisturising balm should be used a few times a week to provide extra nourishment and give the beard a glossy shine. If desired, it is also possible to use styling waxes to keep the shape of the beard in check. However, this should be kept at minimal use as waxes contain harsh synthetic ingredients which can damage the hairs over time. The benefit of not trimming your beard means that the man in question will achieve a clean tame look without sacrificing the length of his beloved facial hair.
Most men strive for a meticulous and well-groomed beard which stands out from the crowd. It is important to note that even without trimming the individual can still style their beard in a certain way to create impressive looks. Creating prominent yet creative designs with the beard is popular with youngsters as it allows them to express individual style. With this in mind, it is wise to remember that flow, maintenance and health are the most crucial elements to achieving a truly unforgettable beard.
When it comes to trimming out any split ends, it is highly recommended to use special scissors or clippers. This is especially beneficial if the hairs are too thick creating a felt-like effect. These special tools are available in most barbershops and they are specifically designed to prevent any further damage to the hairs, making them good investments.
Beard Hygiene
Though not trimming the beard can seem more convenient in terms of time and cost-saving, personal hygiene cannot be forgotten. Depending on one’s lifestyle, the beard can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and can even cause bad breathe. It is therefore essential to regularly shampoo and condition the facial hair, ensuring that all dirt, oils and other impurities are washed away.
On top of that, regularly brushing and combing the beard help to distribute any natural oils across the hairs and hence helps prevent dandruff or beardruff. It is also beneficial to shampoo around the neck area, as this area is prone to perspiration and bacteria build-up. An antiseptic soap will help clear away any unwanted skin infection.
The moustache should also not be forgotten when it comes to hygiene, as the moustache is only a few millimetres away from the nose creating a potential entranceway for harmful organisms. In order to protect against this, a daily application of wax can help keep it in check. However, waxes are again best kept as minimal as possible, as they too can clog the pores and strip away much needed moisture.
Common Myths
With beards becoming increasingly popular, there are a number of myths which are unfortunately shared on the Internet. Firstly, many men believe that the beard is more susceptible to disease and viruses, however this is false as a beard is not more vulnerable than any other part of the body. Furthermore, many claim that hairs become too long and untamable if left to grow, however with the right products and techniques one can easily maintain a longer beard.
Another common belief is that a beard makes it harder to breathe, although studies have proven that a beard does not interfere with respiration. A beard also does not provide extra warmth in colder temperatures. Though the beard may cause slight discomfort in the summer months, this can be managed with a simple haircut.
Finally, it is thought that beards absorb smells and all kinds of dirt, although this is false. As previously stated, regular brushing and cleansing is essential to keeping any beard in good health.
Finding Professional Help
Though it is possible to style a beard without the assistance of a professional, it is strongly recommended to seek professional advice. A qualified specialist can provide personalised advice and use their professional tools and products to ensure a beard which is as stunning as it is striking. They may also be able to recommend additional treatments for individual skin types and conditions, avoiding any further damage to the skin and hairs.
It is also helpful to look for reviews and feedback when selecting a desired barbershop or beard specialist. Today, with the booming of Social Media and money-saving apps, there is an abundance of customer reviews to navigate. If the provided feedback is good, then the chosen barbershop must surely offer an excellent service.
Although fashionable trends come and go, it is recognised that the beard has become an iconic style which is not expected to cease anytime soon. As such, implementing proper care when allowing the beard to grow should be a top priority. With the right knowledge, products and attitude, any beard can remain healthy and looking its best, regardless of its individual shape or size.
Nutrition
Although common hygiene is crucial when caring for the facial hair and skin, one should not neglect their diet. A healthy and balanced diet is fundamental and provides the hair with the necessary minerals and vitamins for it to produce natural oils and shine. Fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial as they are packed with antioxidants which help keep the hair healthy from deep within.
Though some vitamins and minerals can be difficult to come by, there are a number of supplements available to provide quick and easy nutrition. Popular supplements such as fish oils, multivitamins, biotin and Vitamin E are known to be especially effective. As such, if a person feels that they are deficient in a certain area, then dieticians and nutritionists should be consulted to determine how to best optimise the diet.
In addition to diet, adequate sleep and a stress-free environment can make all the difference too. Sleep helps to boost immunity and hence prevents any unwanted infections, whilst also providing the body with much-needed rest. To reduce stress and achieve mental clarity, plenty of exercise and outdoor activities are required. All of this can help ensure a healthy and resilient beard, whilst also boosting overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
As demonstrated, the beard should be cared for in order to remain healthy, tidy and striking. Far from the outdated opinion that facial hair is a sign of uncivilised behaviour, it is now recognised as a testament of manliness and individual expression. In order to appropriately regulate the facial hair without the need for trimming, the individual should take into account a number of key factors, such as hygiene, diet and grooming. With the right knowledge and products, anyone can maintain the perfect facial canvas, allowing the beard to grow and be appreciated in all its glory.
