Beards are back! And with them comes a newfound curiosity in the topic of how to develop a beard. A thick, luscious beard is something that many men seek, with some going to great lengths to achieve the perfect look. Whilst some guys are naturally blessed with a full-length beard, others need a little extra help. Growing a beard is both an art and a science, so it helps to have a little understanding of both everyday grooming and the underlying biochemistry of your facial hair.
Stubble – that’s the key starting point to growing a beard. Stubble naturally appears on the face, and often grows at different rates all over your face. This is especially true as you move down your cheeks, which generally have less hair. Once you’re past the stubble stage, you need to invest in some decent beard care products and do some research into the best ways to grow a beard.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the makeup of beard hair. In essence, beard hair is no different from the hair on your scalp. However, it does grow at a different rate and is typically coarser, thicker and darker than scalp hair. With this knowledge, you can better understand the process of growing a beard and how to keep it healthy.
The most important element of a successful beard is the beard oil. It’s the holy grail of facial hair care and can keep beards looking and feeling their best. Quality beard oil softens beard hair and helps to keep it healthy due to its moisturizing ingredients. This oil is necessary to counteract the drying effects of your skin’s natural oils and the air, which can otherwise lead to dry and brittle hair.
Next, you need to consider the pros and cons of natural ingredients and store-bought products. Natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, almond oil and coconut oil are some of the best for beards and help to keep them nourished and looking their best. Store-bought products, on the other hand, are often full of chemicals and irritants that can damage your facial hair. Natural ingredients also tend to be much more affordable than their synthetic counterparts.
Finally, don’t forget to take good care of your beard itself. Many men, particularly those with naturally thick beards, tend to ignore the ropes of proper facial hair maintenance. If you’re serious about your beard, invest in a quality beard comb and brush, especially if you’ve got a particularly thick or unruly beard. Combing your beard on a regular basis can help you avoid split ends and promotes strong and healthy growth.
Trim and Style
Once you’ve got your beard to a respectable length, it’s time to think about trimming and styling it. To do this, you’ll need a good pair of scissors, a reliable razor and a quality beard trimmer. With these tools in hand, you can create your own personal style, whether you want a wild, unkempt look or a more refined and tidy beard. To keep your style looking sharp, it’s important to take the time to trim your beard regularly.
When it comes to trimming, start small. Don’t trim too much of your beard in one go, as it’s easy to get carried away and ruin the shape of your beard. Instead, step away from the bathroom mirror every now and then and take a few breaths. This will give you the time to assess your beard and make sure that the shape is balanced and symmetrical.
Lastly, it’s essential to keep up with your beard maintenance schedule. Regular trimming, combing and brushing will go a long way towards keeping your beard in good condition and looking its best. To ensure that your beard looks its best, ensure that you invest in the right kind of trimmer and comb, as these tools can make all the difference. Remember, healthy hair is always the goal!
Growth Products
Whilst there is no sure-fire way to boost beard growth, there are a number of products that can help to speed up the process. Natural supplements, like biotin, can help to promote healthy hair growth, as can topical creams and oils that contain ingredients like saw palmetto and jojoba oil. Make sure to research any supplements or growth products that you use, as some can have unwanted side effects.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is also a must. Vitamins A, B and E have all been linked with healthy hair growth, as have minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium. Consider adding plenty of avocados, nuts and leafy greens to your diet to ensure that you’re consuming enough of these essential vitamins and minerals.
Finally, there’s no need to invest in expensive salon treatments or beard treatments to promote healthy growth. Traditional methods such as hot oil treatments, deep conditioning and weekly exfoliation are all great ways to keep your beard looking and feeling its best.
Shaping and Forming
As your beard grows, you’ll need to think about shaping and forming it. To do this, you’ll need a quality beard shaper. This will help you precisely control the length of your beard, creating a uniform length that compliments your face shape. Be sure to treat your shaper as a precision tool and take your time when shaping your beard. Don’t try and rush, as this can quickly lead to mistakes and patches of uneven growth.
When it comes to the shape of your beard, it’s best to let your natural beard dictate the form that you go with. With that in mind, it’s important to pay attention to the way your beard grows and to observe your facial proportions. This will help you create a symmetrical and attractive beard that looks natural and suits your face.
Finally, form your beard gradually over the weeks and months. Treat it as a work of art and try not to be too hasty with your shaping efforts. Growing a beard is a process and can take a while, so it’s important to be patient and accept your beard for what it is.
Hygiene
Hygiene is a hugely important part of beard care. A dirty beard can quickly become greasy and smelly, which can make it an unpleasant experience for both you and those around you. To ensure your beard is in the best condition possible, follow a strict hygiene routine.
To begin with, when you’re in the shower, make sure to gently but thoroughly wash your beard with a mild beard shampoo or soap. Remember to use lukewarm water and to rinse extremely well, as any soap residue left behind can irritate the skin.
Next, apply a beard conditioner to your facial hair. Even if your beard is short and neat, it’s still important to use a conditioner. It will help to moisturize the hair and protect it from the elements. It can also help to make styling your beard much easier.
Finally, don’t forget about the neckline. This is an often-overlooked part of beard care, but an unkempt neckline can really ruin the look of a great beard. Trim your neckline every few weeks, or invest in a beard trimmer that has an attachable guard, such as a mini-trimmer or adjustable-comb trimmer.
Growth Enhancers
For those looking to boost their beard’s growth, there are some specialist products on the market that can help to speed up the process. Growth enhancers work by using natural ingredients to stimulate your beard’s follicles, encouraging faster and thicker growth. Common growth enhancers contain ingredients like caffeine, biotin and even minoxidil, all of which are thought to help with beard growth.
It’s important to note, however, that growth enhancers only work if you’re already following good facial hair hygiene rules and taking necessary steps to promote healthy growth. If you’re not already taking care of your beard, then spending money on growth enhancers won’t be very efficient.
Additionally, growth enhancers can come with side effects. For some, these tend to be minor and don’t cause any lasting damage, whereas for others they can be more serious. Before trying any kind of facial hair growth enhancer, be sure to do your research and make sure that it’s right for you.
Beard Freedom
Once you’ve mastered the art of beard maintenance and growth, you’ll experience the true freedom of being able to shape and style your beard however you like. From wild, untamed beards to neat and tidy trimmed styles, there are few looks that your beard won’t be able to pull off!
When it comes to ditching the razor and embracing your full beard, it’s important to remember to be patient. Beards take time and can experience different growth patterns. Be prepared for some hiccups along the way, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced bearded men if you need it.
Finally, the key thing to remember is that the best-looking beards are those that are kept in their natural form. Be gentle when it comes to styling and trimming and try to let your natural beard dictate the shape you choose. Doing this will ensure that your beard always looks its best, and people will notice.
