There’s no denying it: beards are becoming an increasingly popular look for men. But if you’re going to sport a beard, you must take proper care of it. For some, this means daily maintenance, and proper beard grooming starts with knowing how to brush your beard.
It’s important to start with a good brush. A boar bristle brush is best as bristles penetrate even stubborn, thick beards and distribute natural oils evenly. If you’re looking for a wood or plastic handle brush, make sure it doesn’t have too many bristles as that will make for an uncomfortable brushing.
Then, apply beard oil. It helps soften and hydrate your beard, so it’s easier to brush and style. Put a few drops in your palms, rub it in your hands, then massage it through your beard.
Now, you can start brushing. Begin at the neck and move up, working your way out to the edges. Since most people’s beards grow in different directions and textures, work with yours. If it’s curly, brush with the grain and use a light hand. For more tamed beard types, brush different directions with a firm hold.
You may also want to consider combing your beard, depending on your personal preference. A beard comb helps train your beard to grow in the direction you want and tightens loose hairs, fluffing it up nicely. Start with the larger teeth, then move on to the smaller teeth to coat your beard and make it look sleek.
Of course, there are many other ways to groom your beard. However, brushing and combing should be done every day to keep it looking fresh. For a polished look, use a lightweight gel or styling cream, focusing on the areas that need the most help. These products help mold and shape your beard for a stylish and well-groomed finish.
If you’re looking for an even more defined finish, consider using a beard shaping tool. It gives your beard a perfect edge and forms different angles, helping you achieve the ideal facial hair shape. Plus, it has a built-in guard so you avoid accidentally cutting your beard.
Keeping Your Beard Clean
It’s also important to keep your beard clean. Investing in a beard wash is a good idea – it’s a specially formulated shampoo made to keep your facial hair feeling clean and looking great. After using a mild soap or beard wash in the shower, be sure to dry your beard with a quality microfiber towel for extra-gentle drying.
Be aware that going too long between shampoos can increase the chances of bacteria and oils settling in, leading to dandruff, itching and breakouts. Make sure you’re cleaning your beard at least twice a week!
A Word on Trimming
It’s important to trim your beard regularly for a neat and tidy look. Generally, beard trimmers come with adjustable settings that make it easier to get an even cut. But if you’re not familiar with using a trimmer, it’s best to first consult a barber or stylist. Bear in mind that you should never trim your beard too short, as it will take a while to grow back.
Conclusion
Finally, it’s important to remember that every beard is different. Different men require different grooming approaches. Once you’ve perfected your own beard-care routine, you’ll feel more confident and look smarter as well!
Alternative Grooming Routines
For an even more luxurious experience, consider going for a hot-towel beard treatment. Use a hot towel to soften the beard hair first and make it more pliable. This is helpful for those with very coarse and thick beards. You can also use a hot towel for applying balm or formulating cream, and it helps warm the skin and open up pores for a deeper cleansing effect.
Hot oil and conditioners can also be great works for softening and hydrating beards. A hot oil beard treatment involves heating up oil to a comfortable temperature, them massaged into the beard. Use a damp towel to remove the excess oil. Regular beard conditioning can also help keep beards softer and easier to manage.
Styling Products
For an extra-polished finish, styling products like beard balm and beard wax can be great. Balm helps shape and define a beard, while eliminating flyaways. Wax, on the other hand, helps hold a beard in place and provides more control and hold.
For a more textured look, consider sea salt spray, which provides a matte finish and helps you create natural styles. It also provides just the right amount of definition. Hair products like wax and clay are also wonderful for creating textured beards.
Maintenance
Don’t forget to brush your beard every day. Even if you don’t use any additional products, brushing your beard regularly helps redistribute oil and keep it looking healthy and groomed. If you’re looking for an extra shine, you can use a beard oil and brush the oil into your beard.
Once you’re done styling, take a look at all angles from the front, side, and back to make sure it looks polished. Of course, you’ll want to avoid over styling as too much product can make your hair look unnaturally stiff.
Scented Products
Finally, for an extra layer of decadence, use scented products. This includes beard oils, balms, scrubs and washes with either natural or synthetic scents. Some common scents are citrus, pine, sandalwood, lavender, tea tree and cedarwood.
If synthetic scents don’t appeal to you, use essential oils, as these are all-natural and offer a more subtle scent. Whatever you choose, choose a scent that will work with your body chemistry and preferences to ensure the best results.
