Unlike the bald head, a full, bushy beard is one of the manliest attributes you can cultivate. Depending on the type, facial hair can be sleek, rugged, highly groomed, or a totally unkempt look. Beards come in various shapes and sizes and can add a handsome edge to your look. But before you go ahead and grow yours out, here are a few important factors to consider.
Size
The size of your face will certainly play a role in the type and look of the beard that suits you. If you have a bigger face, you need to balance the shape with a beard that’s fuller in size. If you have a smaller face, to maintain the proportions your beard should be shorter. However, even if you have a smaller face, you can still have a fuller beard as long as you groom it well.
Texture of Hair
Your facial hair texture is another important factor. If you have thin or very fine facial hair, it can be hard to achieve a fuller look with your beard. In such cases, a full beard may look sparse and patchy. If you want to go with a fuller beard, then doing so with thicker hair that can be better groomed is your best bet. Trimming excess hair around the edges is especially important to achieve desired shape and volume.
Beard Maintenance
Growing and maintaining a beard isn’t free of costs and effort. In addition to buying special beard care products, daily grooming is also involved depending on how long and full your beard is. Use the right products and avoid harsh soaps or shampoos, as these can dry out your facial hair and leads to split ends.
Style of Facial Hair
The style of facial hair is another important consideration, as different beard styles can serve a unique purpose. If you’re looking to appear more serious or mature, then consider keeping a longer beard that can add character to your face. However, if you’re wanting to appear younger and sharper for a certain occasion, then opt for a goatee or stubble look, which can be achieved by shortening the hairs on the sides and taming the unruliness.
Beard Colour
Your beard colour should be in the same colour family as the colour of your hair on your head. If you have dark hair, then a darker beard is recommended, and if you have light hair, then go for a lighter coloured beard to keep it within the same colour palette. If your beard lacks any natural pigments, use hair dye in order to match it with the colour of your hair.
Maintenance of Skin Beneath the Beard
Maintaining healthy skin beneath the beard is essential for an overall healthy look. Proper hydration and moisturizing are essential for a good beard. Invest in a quality beard oil and use consistently to keep your facial hairs hydrated and soft. Invest also in a good cleanser for your face, but make sure it’s suitable for your skin type.
Beard Oils
Beard oils are a necessity for healthy facial hair growth, as well as keeping the hairs soft and manageable. The oil absorbs easily into the hair shaft and helps to improve the sheen and luster of your beard. They also work by providing nourishment and hydration to the hair, thus preventing split ends and frizziness. So, always make sure you’re using the right beard oil for your hairs as per the recommendations of the experts.
Types of Clipper Blades For Shaping a Beard
Whether you choose to shape your beard yourself or you prefer to visit the barbershop, having the right tools is essential. The right clipper blades are essential for styling and shaping your facial hair. There are basically five types of blades that are often used for creating and maintaining different types of beards – adjustable blades, ceramic blades, adjustable fine blades, curved blades, and T-blade trimmers. Depending on the type of beard and look you’re trying to achieve, pick the blade that suits your purpose the best.
Brushing For the Best Results
Proper brushing of the facial hair is equally important for achieving a well-groomed beard. A boar-bristle brush is a good option for brushing your facial hair, as it helps to disperse natural oils (sebum oil) around your beard. This helps to improve circulation and promotes faster beard growth. The brush also works by detangling and straightening the hairs, thereby preventing them from becoming frizzy.
Trimming Frequency
Trimming is an integral part of beard styling, and it helps to keep your beard looking neat and tidy. If you keep a longer beard, it’s important to trim it every few weeks to avoid split ends, and to keep the length even. This will help to maintain a tidy and polished look. Short beards, on the other hand, will need to be trimmed more often to keep them looking sharp and neat.
Grooming Comb
Besides a good boar-bristle brush, it’s also important to invest in a quality beard comb to achieve a well-groomed look. The right comb helps to remove knots and detangle facial hairs. A comb also helps to train the hairs to grow down in a certain direction, as some of them naturally grow in the opposite direction. For the best results, always use a beard comb made with natural materials like wood.
Exfoliating and Moisturising For Healthy Skin
Exfoliating and moisturising are essential for keeping the skin beneath your beard healthy. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and grime from the skin, thereby preventing any infections. Moisturising helps to keep the skin soft and supple by providing necessary hydration. Make sure you invest in a quality moisturiser and exfoliator, and use them every few days or as required as per experts’ advice.
Beard Balm For Softening
Shaving can cause split ends and itching, which can be annoying. To reduce such irritations and to keep the skin soft and moisturised, it’s recommended to use a good quality beard balm. The balm helps to soften the hair and hydrate the skin, thus providing a neat and polished look. It can also be used to shape and style the beard to give it a well-groomed look.
