How To Flatten Beard
Growing a well-groomed beard can be one of the most rewarding improvements to any man’s look. If a man’s style preference is the look of a flat, neatly trimmed beard, then it is worth the effort and attention to perfect the look. Flattening the beard requires some skill, but it can be mastered with the right methods and tools.
Before attempting to flatten a beard, proper grooming is key for success. Start by washing the beard with a specialized beard wash. This is a gentle cleanser specifically designed to work with facial hair and will help to preserve the natural oils in the beard. Follow with a few drops of quality beard oil, gently massaged into the bristles. Once complete, apply some beard balm to condition the remaining beard hairs and to help shape the beard evenly.
Once the beard is properly groomed and soft to the touch, grab your razor. For a more precise cut, a straight razor is the preferred tool advised by beard enthusiasts. A straight razor operates like a knife with a detachable, replaceable blade and allows a smooth shave with a sharper finish and better angle control than the standard multi-blade disposable razors usually used. Be sure to safely use and store the razor; change blades often for the best results and practice caution when shaving.
For better control when shaving, cover the head with a cotton cloth and run your fingers over the surface of the dampened cloth. This helps to locate all the strands that may be difficult to detect and ensures no area is missed. If a longer look is desired, then use the razor to remove only the straggling outlying hairs. If a shorter look is preferred, then further trim by shaving off more of the beard.
When shaving around the cheeks and jawline, be sure to hold the skin firmly and move the razor with light, consistent strokes. Shave in upwards motions and trim with a downward stroke. Try to maintain angles close to the face and avoid potential ingrown hairs by allowing the razor to glide and not drag against the skin.
End your routine with a quality post-shave moisturizer, applied using upwards motions and massaged lightly into the skin and facial hair. This will help to soften the beard and add a healthy sheen. Always finish with a light spray of a beard oil which helps keep the beard in pace and ensure a groomed, polished look.
Rebuilding the Beard
If the beard has become damaged from years of neglect, it can be rebuilt. Start by trimming any unruly hairs and then wash the beard with a specialized beard wash. Once clean, use an all-natural beard serum, a product specifically designed to assist beard growth. Make sure to massage a few drops of the serum into the scalp as this will help promote blood circulation, feeding the scalp and promoting hair growth.
If the beard is really thin, a supplement such as fish oil capsules can be taken orally and works to boost hair growth. Nutritionally balanced meals and avoiding stress are also important factors in promoting healthy hair growth; vitamins A, C, B and E are amongst the vitamins known to give best results. If the problem is really severe, you may need to speak with a doctor or specialist.
Maintaining the Beard
Maintaining a new, working beard also requires effort. Start by brushing the beard each morning to help encourage the growth of the beard in the desired direction. When grooming, use a comb or boar’s brush for a smoother finish and avoid a wide-toothed comb or brush as this can damage the beards structure. Trim the beard every few weeks and apply beard balm after each trimming session.
To further protect from damage and encourage growth, add a few drops ofbeard oil daily. This will help keep the beard well hydrated and conditioned, but use in moderation to avoid globbing up the beard or adding excess weight to the hairs. Balancing moisture levels in the beard is essential for sustainable health and overall appearance.
Beard Colouring
For those with grey beards or patches, beard colouring can be an easy solution. There are many brands to choose from, and although a bit tricky to do yourself, help from a friend or barber can make the job easier. Be sure to take the time to select a dye that matches the natural shade of the beard in order to avoid an unnatural appearance.
Most beard dyes factors for easy application, with instructions allowing for a dyeing process within an hour. After the beard isdyed, use a beard oil and apply daily to maintain a healthy colour. This will also give the beard an added sheen and well-groomed look.
Beard Hair Styling
Given the desired shape of a beard, a range of styling tools can be used to help achieve the look. This includes everything from electric beard trimmers to wax-based creams. Each of these tools has its own purpose and should be used under the guidance of a professional stylist.
The electric beard trimmer is probably the most commonly used tool for styling facial hair and can be used for dry or wet shaving. Apply wax-based creams to help form the shape of the beard; these types of products help ensure a neat finish. Finally, finish with a styling pomade or serum to keep the beard looking tidy and to provide a decent amount of hold.
Hair Lengths and Lines
Depending on the shape of the face and the personal preference, some areas of the beard may need a different, more polished approach. When trimming the neckline, keep the cut in line with the slope of the neck and stop at the apex of the adam’s apple. At the sides of the face and chin, adjust the length of the beard, avoiding a extreme sideburn look.
For the mustache, the length and thickness should be varied to match the beard. To achieve this, trim and shape the hairs to down in a gradual line while using the scissors to thin out the ends and to keep the shape intact. Pay close attention when detailing the mustache, looking out for split and straggly mustache hairs.
Grooming Frequency
A well-chosen hairstyle requires attention but does not need to be a regular, aggressive endeavor. If the beard is maintained and balanced, it can last for weeks. Depending on the individual’s beard growth rate and desired look, a full razor shave may be needed every four weeks, with a light trim and beard re-balancing scheduled in between the larger shaves.
Having the right set-up can also help with time and ease of maintenance. Invest in a quality beard shave set, comprising of a razor, brush, balm and clippers. Make sure to clean the brush regularly and store the razor in a clean and dry place.
