It’s a common misconception that trimming your beard will magically make it thicker and bushier. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case. What trimming your beard will do is make it look more presentable and give it a neat look. It won’t actually make your beard thicker, but it will well define it. Professional beard groomers say that many a time, the biggest detriment to making a beard look thicker is just too much length. Trimming your beard neat and evenly can actually make it look fuller. But keep in mind, if you trim off too much, it will just look sparse.
Apart from using trimmers, stylists also suggest using beard oils to make it fuller and thicker. The oils penetrate into each hair follicle and act much like a nourishment product. It’s like a conditioner that your beard needs to keep its integrity from breaking and keeps it healthy from within. Its regular use helps maintain your facial hairs shiny, strong, and neat.
Further, outlining your beard with beard shaper is one of the most effective ways to counteracting a sparse beard. Simply use a heated beard shaper to take a bit from the neck and sides of the face, so it appears fuller and uniform. It will give a more uniform shape to your beard and these trims will make it easier for you to control when trimming your beard by yourself. But make sure that the trimmer is not too hot, otherwise, it will burn the facial hair and create patches.
Finally, another helpful step while growing your beard is to massage it daily with a facial scrub or a beard brush. This will not only make the hair saturated with oil but also help in exfoliating the skin and releasing natural oils. With time, this will result in a denser beard.
Care At Home
While trimming and using beard shaper is one of the ways to get a perfect beard, daily and weekly maintenance of the beard is also very important. You should aim for washing the beard at least two to three times a week with a beard wash or mild shampoo (depending upon the length). After washing, make it a routine to use conditioner or beard balm to condition your beard.
Additionally, brushing your beard on a daily basis will help the beard become more uniform and help it to look fuller. Furthermore, be sure to comb it with a wide-toothed comb in the morning and night to get rid of tangles and dead skin and make sure it looks neat.
Finally, use a boar bristle brush every night to redistribute the natural oils throughout the facial hair and also to promote healthy growth. This will also help to minimize flyaways and breakage of the hairs that might make your beard look stringy.
Diet And Nutrition
Apart from the daily and weekly care and trimming of the beard, it is also important to keep a healthy diet to make sure that the beard is getting enough nutrients.
A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, plant-based oils, and complex carbs will all contribute to a thicker beard. Include foods like nuts, walnuts, and avocados, all rich in proteins and vitamins essential for beard growth. Additionally, leafy greens like spinach are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins especially A, B, C, and E, which are necessary for healthy growth of the beard.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, they can make the facial hair brittle and prone to breakage. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also have a negative effect on the hair growth, so it is important to keep these activities to a minimum.
When To Trim
When it comes to trimming, its best to trim your beard according to its growth rather than a set schedule. You are likely to hear conflicting opinions on when and how to trim your beard – it is usually best to listen to your own instincts. But make sure that you are not overdue for a trim, otherwise it will just end up looking scraggly and making it look much less healthy than it should.
Watch for areas that grow faster, they might need a more frequent trim in order to keep it looking neat. Other areas may not need to be trimmed as often so that they can grow longer. But if you notice that any hairs are getting longer and stray hairs, its time to trim them.
Protection From The Sun
Protection from the sun is often overlooked when it comes to daily care of beards, yet it is essential to keep it looking healthy in the long run. If you are planning on going out in the sun, make sure to use a sunscreen specifically for the face. If possible, try to use a product that is specifically designed for use with facial hair.
Beards act as a filter to protect your face from the sun, but after prolonged exposure the facial hair can become dry and brittle, creating split ends and rough spots. Use products that contain vitamin E, as this helps to improve hydration after experiencing any sun damage.
Managing Strong Smells
Apart from the good looks of a beard, there can be strong smells that come with it. After a few days of not washing, strong odours like garlic, onions and coffee can be really difficult to manage. Therefore, washing your beard with beard soap every 1-2 days is essential.
The trick is to use a mild shampoo to cleanse the facial hair and skin, while not making it too dry. Facial hair can become really dry and delicate if washed too much, so make sure you are using the right products.
Additionally, washing the beard immediately after sweating or if you are out in the sun can help keep odours away. Finally, if the smell still persists, use a beard oil or balm that contains oil that can act as a natural scent. The fragrance oils found in these products will help mask any odours, providing a fresh and sweet smell.
