If you’re thinking of growing a beard but are unsure which style to choose, you’ve come to the right place! While there is no definitive right or wrong choice when deciding on an appropriate facial hairstyle, there is some general advice that may help you make the best decision to suit your face and lifestyle.
First and foremost, you need to think about how much time and maintenance you’re willing to put into your chosen beard style. Grooming a beard on a regular basis is key to ensuring it looks neat and tidy. Maintaining your beard will require a certain amount of work to keep it looking fresh and even – a task that is wholly dependent on the style you go for.
Mason, a professional barber, emphasizes that it’s best to experiment with different beard lengths and textures to see which one suits you best. “The rules have changed,” he says. “Gone are the days of just one standard style for all faces; today, experimentation is key in finding the right look for each individual.” He adds that a certain beard style combined with the right cut, can vastly improve a person’s facial features and overall look.
Barry, a specialist beard trimmer who regularly works with models and actors, recommends considering the shape of your face when deciding on a style. This is especially true, he says, as some facial profiles are more suited to certain looks. Box shaped faces tend to work better with a full range of beard styles, while round faces benefit from a goatee to provide more definition.
Ultimately, the best advice is to experiment. Try out different beard styles, lengths and textures and you’ll soon find the perfect look to suit your individual face.
Selecting the Right Beard Color
Clothing, hats, and shoes are all elements of a sharp, sophisticated look, but one of the most important pieces of style advice often goes overlooked: Coloring your facial hair. Most men find that their facial hair looks darker and more full when given a subtle tint. This subtle change can make a significant difference in a man’s visual appearance.
Beard coloring comes in many forms, such as beard and mustache dye and spray dyes. Beard dye is the strongest form and essentially involves using a very similar process to coloring your hair. With the right care, beard and mustaches dye can last up to 4-6 weeks. spray dye acts like a series of touch-ups that last generally 2 days and often comes in various shades of brown and black.
When it comes to selecting the right color for your facial hair, the key advice is to keep it natural. Although rose gold and candy-floss may be trends at the moment for women, for men, it’s best to choose a color that best compliments your natural hair color and skin tone. Doing a test patch on the underside of your beard or near the ears is a great idea before you fully commit.
If dyeing your beard sets of the alarm bells, fear not! There are natural alternatives that can help deepen and add texture to your facial hair. Thickening and depth can be added through meticolous beard care. Options include balms, oils, shampoos and conditioners. All men should be using these products regardless of the length and color of their beard.
Matching Hair and Facial Hair
Whilst it isn’t necessary to match your beard to your hairstyle, connecting the two can lead to a well put together and coordinated look. It all depends on what sort of look you’re hoping to achieve – whether that’s a classic cut or a contemporary style. It’s recommended to match the texture of your hair to the texture of your facial hair, and a good rule of thumb is to go for a shorter facial style with a short cut. If you have longer hair, a medium to long full beard is a great option.
As with the beard style, consider the shape of your face when selecting your hair style as certain cuts work better for some profiles. For example, a man with a square shaped face may find that longer faces with side parts can add balance and proportion, whereas someone with an oval shaped face would look best with medium length hair. Admittedly, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all hairstyle.
Ultimately, creating a great look is all down to personal preference – so feel free to find a style that expresses who you are, and be confident! Talk to a professional stylist or barber and they will be able to advise you on what will work and what won’t.
Grow Out Process
Growin a beard can be a long, drawn-out and somewhat tedious process. Depending on the style and length you are looking for, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your beard to reach the desired length. It is also important to note that not every person’s facial hair grows at the same rate, so times can vary significantly.
A general rule of thumb is to allow your beard to grow out fully before attempting to shape and style it, so that you have a full understanding of what you are working with. This will ensure that the finished product is exactly what you are looking for. During this stage, be mindful of how to keep your beard healthy – using a beard wash, moisturizer and beard oil to keep it fresh and clean.
In the initial stages of your beard growth, you’ll likely need to trim it every few days to ensure it remains neat and even. And if you feel you need to, shape the neckline with a trimmer and razor, as this will help keep its lines crisp and sharp.
In the final stage of your beard growth, you should remove any split ends and go for regular trims and trims. This will help remove any dead hair and keep it in better condition. It will take time, patience and dedication to achieve the desired facial hairstyle, but it will be worth it in the end.
Maintaining A Beard
With a beard that’s ready to show off, it’s important to know how to maintain it moving forward. Properly maintaining your beard requires regular grooming and trimming to rid it of stray or dead hairs and also to keep facial lines. A good rule of thumb is to brush your beard daily with a bristled brush, as this will help distribute the natural oils and leave it smoother and more manageable.
It’s also important to remember to wash your beard regularly to ensure that it’s kept free from dirt and impurities. Be sure to use a dedicated beard wash rather than a regular shampoo, as this will leave it better hydrated and nourished. You may also want to include a beard oil or balm in your grooming routine, as this can help soothe any potentially dry skin and give it natural shine.
In conclusion, it’s essential to bear in mind that everybody’s facial hair is different and so the ideal look and length will vary from person to person. With experimentation, determination and timely maintenance, you can craft a style that’s perfect for your face.
Eyebrow Care
Although its easy to forget, eyebrows are an important part of the facial styling journey, and often require just as much attention as the beard itself. The type of eyebrow style you should go for will depend largely on the shape of your face, as well as the style of your beard.
For round faces, thin horizontal-arched eyebrows will provide the best definition and draw attention to the eyes rather than the cheeks. For square faces, curved brows can soften sharp angles and minimize any facial features, whilst wide eyes and a strong jaw line can be balanced out with a slight arch.
When it comes to grooming, remembering to trim and shape the eyebrows is crucial. Avoid over-plucking and instead create a subtle arch from the outer to the inner corner of the brows. Gently brushing the brows upwards with a brow brush and tweezing out any strays is also important.
Alternatively, you may want to consider using products to keep your brows neat and tidy. There are a range of treatments, such as waxing, threading and tinting, available, with most lasting between 4-6 weeks. Again, it comes down to personal preference and what suits your individual facial features.
Choosing the Right Styling Accessories
As with hair styling, there is an array of products available to help you perfect your facial hair look. It’s important to choose the right products for your beard to ensure you keep it looking great, even after the shower.
Beard wax or pomade can be an incredibly useful item for styling a shorter beard, whilst a beard oil or balm works better for those with medium or longer facial hair. A quality comb or brush should also feature heavily in your beard-care arsenal, as this will help straighten out tangles and create a balanced appearance.
Finally, a cool-mist sprays bottle is also an essential tool to ensure you keep your beard hydrated and supple. The opposite of a hot-air hairdryer, the gentle mist will enable you to style and shape your facial hair without drying it out or risking any breakage.
