Whenever facial hair is discussed, the topic of grooming invariably follows. Regardless of what style you choose – from balbo to circle beard, or even a mutton chops – proper beard grooming is essential for any man wanting to look, feel, and smell his best. But for those new to beards, understanding the basics of how to groom them can be intimidating. This article will help guide readers through the basics of beard care – from trimming and shaping, to choosing the right products.
Shaping & Trimming
A common mistake many first-time beard growers make is going too long with the beard. While a longer beard may look better in the long run, one needs to consider the shape of their face when deciding how long to grow their beard. It’s also important to remember not to trim it too short as this will lead to stunted growth. When it comes to shaping, different styles – and desired length – should be achieved using a reputable pair of clippers. Pay attention to the angles of the cheeks and chin when trimming, as the last thing you want is an uneven beard. If the beard is too wide or long, tie it into a ponytail and slowly trim it until you reach your desired length. However, it’s worth noting that shorter beards are far easier to maintain than longer ones and are generally easier to keep in shape.
Products & Tools
Once you’ve achieved the desired length and shape, the next step is to maintain and care for the new beard. To do this properly, one should invest in quality beard care products such as oils, balms, and shampoos. These products – particularly oils – should be applied daily to keep skin underneath the beard moisturized and prevent itchiness. Styling and sculpting tools are also necessary for maintenance. Quality tools such as beard combs, brushes and waxes can help keep the beard looking good and provide a more polished finish. Finally, a good razor is essential for trimming the beard regularly.
Health & Maintenance
As with any other part of the body, the beard requires proper care and attention. Remember to wash it regularly to remove any dirt and bacteria that could lead to infection. One should also pay attention to their diet, as this will have a direct effect on the overall health of the beard. Eating a balanced diet will help ensure the beard is getting the nutrients it needs in order to grow strong and healthy. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the beard doesn’t like too much heat – whether it’s from the sun or heated tools such as hair dryers. Additionally, using a good beard oil daily can help prevent split ends and keep the beard looking fuller for longer.
Unexpected Benefits
Having a well-groomed beard not only makes a person look more attractive, but it can also have some unexpected benefits. Studies have shown that those with beards are seen as more assertive, trustworthy, and mature. This can be a great advantage in both social and professional situations. In addition, growing a beard is great for self-confidence because it’s a confidence booster. It can turn a man into an object of desire and an inspiration to others, making them feel more attractive and powerful.
How to Style a Beard
Beards come in a variety of shapes and styles, so it’s important to understand how to correctly style one. Start by shampooing and conditioning the beard and the skin underneath. Once this is done, use a quality beard balm or oil to achieve the desired level of hold, hydration, and conditioning. Finally use a brush or comb to shape and sculpt the beard as desired. For more detailed instructions on how to style a beard, it’s important to seek out advice from a professional hairstylist.
Alternative Styles
If a full beard isn’t for you, there are plenty of alternatives to try. For those who don’t want to commit to a full beard, stubble or scruffy beards are a great option. These are essentially shorter versions of a full beard and are ideal for men who don’t want any full-blown facial hair. Additionally, there are several shorter beard options such as, Chin Puff and Long stubble to name a few, that still allow the face to look masculine while keeping the beard low-maintenance and easy to groom.
Grooming Tips & Tricks
Whether you decide to go for a full beard, scruffy beard, or just some light stubble, there are several grooming tips and tricks you should keep in mind. First and foremost, begin with a clean, moisturized face and gently massage the beard oil into the beard and moustache. Secondly, it’s important to choose the right tools, as the right set of brushes, combs and scissors can make all the difference. Finally, practice makes perfect, so find a routine that works for you and stick to it. With time and patience, you will find it easier to keep your beard looking good.
Preventing Beard Discoloration
Discoloration of the beard is a common issue among men, as some naturally have lighter colored beards than others. In order to avoid discoloration, one should avoid going outside in extreme temperatures, as this can cause the hair to become brittle and weak. Additionally, when engaging in physical activities, it’s important to use a high-quality beard oil to keep the hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming brittle. Finally, using a good shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for beards can help reduce discoloration.
Managing Maneuverability and Versatility
Beard styling is a great way to manage your facial hair and tailor it to your specific style. To do this properly, you will need quality styling tools such as wax, pomade, and scissors. You can also use these tools to experiment with different styles throughout the week – such as adding texture or sculpting your look with a razor. With the right tools and knowledge of the science of beard styling, you can easily manoeuvre and tailor your beard to your desired look.
Beard Maintenance Habits
Having a beard isn’t just a style choice, it’s also a commitment. If you are planning on growing a beard, it’s important to realise that there will be maintenance routines in order for it to look and feel its best. This includes a daily regime of brushing and combing, applying the right products, keeping it hydrated, and frequent trims. A good daily beard maintenance habit will help keep you looking sharp and help prevent skin irritation, break-outs, and split ends. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of underlying health issues such as skin infections as these can disrupt the growth of the beard.
Know When to Take a Break
Sometimes it’s important to take a break from facial hair styling. This allows time for certain parts of the beard to catch up with one another and helps create a more even and symmetrical look. It’s also important to maintain the length of the beard periodically to manage the hair growth. Lastly, it’s important to take a break from styling if you’re prone to skin irritation from using certain products, as this can lead to discomfort several hours later.
