Beards have had a resurgence in recent years as more and more men decide to rock the look, but how long should your beard be? The answer isn’t necessarily straightforward, as beards come in all shapes and sizes, from the thin and sparse, to the thick and luxurious. Therefore, when it comes to deciding how long to grow your beard, there are a number of factors to consider such as your face shape, style, and personal preference.
When it comes to the appropriate length for a beard, the general rule of thumb is that the fuller the beard, the longer it should be. This means that if you have a full and thick beard, you can get away with growing it out longer than someone with a sparse and thin beard. This is where assessing your face shape comes in. Knowing your face shape will help you shape and groom your beard in a way that complements your overall look.
For example, if you have a round face, growing the facial hair longer down the sides and not so much on the bottom can help make your face appear slimmer. Alternatively, those with an oval shaped face should be looking for a beard that’s full and does not meet the chin. Square faces should focus on growing the beard longer up the sides and around the chin area, to help soften the angles associated with that shape. There are also more intricate beard shaping techniques for those looking for a tailored look.
If that wasn’t complicated enough, how you style and groom your beard is another factor when it comes to deciding how long it should be. For example, if you’re rocking a mustache and chin beard, it’s best to keep the beard slightly shorter than the mustache. If you prefer a short and neat stubble look, you’d want to keep it slightly longer than a light dusting. The same goes for the long and luxurious beard look. To keep it looking neat, it would need to be kept trimmed and to an appropriate length. In general, the longer you let it grow, the more grooming and maintenance it will need.
When it comes to styling and grooming your beard, the type of product you use is also important. The wrong product can leave your beard looking dry and dull, or overly greasy and sticky. For guys with a full and thick beard, using the right type of beard oil to keep it moisturized and smelling good can make a big difference. If you’re looking for a cleaner and tidier beard, a quality beard balm or wax can help. Those looking for a groomed look should use a beard brush or comb to keep the beard looking neat and tidy.
Ultimately, there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to deciding how long your beard should be. It’s important to take into account your face shape, as well as your styling and grooming preferences. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to determining how long a beard should be, taking the time to assess your individual needs and preferences can be beneficial in achieving the desired result.
Selecting the Right Facial Hair for Your Face
Finding the right facial hair for your face shape is key to having a well-groomed beard. Knowing your facial shape is essential as it will help to determine what style of beard will suit you best and enhance your overall look. There are five common facial shapes; round, oval, square, diamond and oblong.
Round Faces – For those with a round face, look for facial hair that adds length and this can often be a goatee paired with a moustache. This type of facial hair combo helps to elongate the face, creating a slightly more oval shape.
Oval Faces – Those with an oval face shape have it easier as they tend to suit any style of beard. Growing a full beard with well-defined lines and pairing with a moustache can help create an attractive look.
Square Faces – To soften the square lines on this face shape, growth should concentrate on the chin and letting the sides grow out thicker.
Diamond Faces – For those with a diamond-shaped face, a full, long beard helps to create an oval shape. However, it should be kept well-groomed to avoid looking unmanageable.
Oblong Faces – Those with an oblong face should look for facial hair that adds width and balances the face. For example, a short, rectangular moustache with a soul patch under the bottom lip.
Selecting the Right Beard Style
The right facial hair can have a huge impact on your look, but the right style is just as important. There are lots of different styles to choose from and the right look can help to enhance your appearance and draw attention to your best features. Common beard styles include the classic full beard, the chin strap and the goatee, but there are lots of others.
The classic full beard is ideal for those looking for a thick and luxurious look. It tends to work better for those with more facial hair and is great for those with round or square faces. For those looking for a neater, more groomed look, the chin strap beard can help to draw attention away from any chubby features.
Those who want to highlight their chin can opt for the goatee, which is a classic style that consists of a strip of facial hair from the chin down to the bottom of the lips. It can work with almost any face shape and can be easily trimmed and maintained. For those looking for something a bit bolder and more creative, there are plenty of other options to choose from, such as the Van Dyke, Balbo and anchor styles.
Purchasing the Right Beard Grooming Products
It’s also important to choose the right products when grooming your beard. The wrong choice can leave your beard dry and brittle, or overly greasy and shiny. For a beard of any length, it’s essential to use a good quality beard oil to keep it moisturized and looking its best. Additionally, there are a number of different beard balms and waxes to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
Using a beard brush or comb helps to detangle, style and groom the beard. A good quality brush also helps to exfoliate the skin, which helps to keep the beard from becoming dry and brittle. There are also a number of shampoo and conditioner products specifically designed for beards, which are great for washing and nourishing the beard, as well as preventing dryness and split ends.
Beard Maintenance and Care
Maintaining and taking care of your beard should be part of your regular grooming routine. Investing in the right grooming tools, such as a pair of scissors, a comb and a trimmer, can help to create a clean and neat look. Additionally, keeping the skin underneath the beard clean and moisturized is essential for a healthy and well-groomed beard.
Beard oils and balms are important for hydration and nourishment, as well as for taming flyaway hairs and adding shine. Additionally, regularly trimming any split ends will help to keep your beard looking neat and tidy. Using a trimmer with adjustable settings can help to create the desired length and can make styling easier.
Maximizing Beard Growth
Although there’s no quick fix when it comes to growing a fuller and thicker beard, there are a few tips that can help. Managing stress, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will all help with beard growth as this helps to keep hormone levels balanced. Additionally, vitamins and supplements specifically designed for beards can help to promote growth, as well as aiding with maintaining a healthy, well-conditioned beard.
For those looking to take their beard growth to the next level, laser therapy is an option. This involves using low intensity laser light to stimulate hair follicles, which can help to promote growth and increase the rate of hair production. Additionally, some medications such as Rogaine (minoxidil) can help to promote hair growth, although these should be used with caution as they can lead to side effects.
