Struggling to get your beard hairs to lie flat? It’s a problem many men struggle with at some point in their lives. Whether it’s due to genetics, too much product, or a lack of nourishing hair care, hairs can go wild and turn into a rat’s nest instead of a neat and tidy beard. Fortunately, there are several easy steps you can take to tame unruly beard hairs.
To begin, you must make sure your beard is clean and conditioned. Washing your beard on a regular basis with a quality beard wash is essential for keeping it healthy and manageable. A good beard wash should have natural cleansers and some kind of oil, such as jojoba or argan. After washing, gently comb your beard with a wide toothed comb to remove any tangles and to keep hairs from clumping together. Finally, hydrate your beard with a quality beard balm or oil. It’s important to avoid over-conditioning, as this can result in heavy, greasy looking strands.
One of the most important steps in taming unruly beard hairs is to choose the right hairstyle. Not all beard styles work for every face shape. To find the look that’s right for you, consider your face shape and hair type, then choose a style that compliments them. For thick, wiry hairs, a full beard or box cut style may be best. For finer hairs, on the other hand, a nice, long and full goatee can help to add volume without being too bulky.
The next step is to choose the right styling product. If you’re using a wax or paste, start with a small amount and work it through your hairs with a comb. The goal is to find the right balance between hold and shine. Too much product will make your beard look greasy and weigh it down, while too little may make your hairs fly away. Be sure to adjust the amount of product to fit your beard type and what styling you want to achieve. As a general rule, the finer your hairs, the less product you need.
Finally, it’s important to use an extra bit of patience when styling your beard. Be sure to use slow and steady strokes, running the comb or brush through your hairs multiple times. This will help to evenly distribute product, while also making sure that stray hairs are re-directed into place. Additionally, resist the urge to overdo it with heat and hairdryers. The heat from these tools can dry out the hairs, leaving them brittle and dull.
The Right Trimming
Another helpful tip for getting your beard to lay flat is to have it trimmed regularly. This ensures all the hairs are the same length and prevents any wild, unruly hairs from sticking out and ruining the look. Trimming should be done every few weeks and can be done at home with the proper tools. For a long beard, a pair of scissors may be in order, while a trimmer is good for keeping a short beard in check. As with styling products, the finer your hairs, the less trimming is likely needed.
When trimming, allow your hairs to dry completely before starting. This way, you can see exactly how much length needs to be taken off to achieve the desired look. Be sure to use slow, careful strokes and to pay attention to the symmetry of your beard. If you’re unsure of how to trim yourself, consider visiting a professional barber.
Finally, maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. Eating foods like salmon, avocados, and walnuts can help keep your beard healthy and shiny, while cutting back on processed foods and sugary drinks can have a positive effect. Additionally, be sure to get plenty of exercise and relaxation. This will help to reduce stress and allow your body to produce all the necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy growth.
Proper Washing
Washing your beard is another important step to get it to lay flat. For starters, a quality beard wash should always be used. This will help to keep your beard clean and free of debris, while also maintaining the natural oils that help keep it healthy. After washing, gently comb the hairs with a wide toothed comb to remove tangles and increase manageability.
When it comes to how often you should wash your beard, it’s important to take into consideration your lifestyle. If you live in a desert climate, you may need to wash it more often than if you live in a humid one. Additionally, consider how often you expose your beard to dirt and sweat. If you tend to work out or come in contact with pollutants, you’ll need to wash it more often. However, be sure not to overdo it, as too much washing can strip away the natural oils, leaving the hairs dry and brittle.
Finally, use a quality moisturizer to keep your beard hydrated and looking its best. A good opening oil should do the trick, as it’ll keep the hairs nourished from root to tip. Additionally, avoid using styling products on your damp beard, as this can lead to a build-up of product, resulting in flat and lifeless hairs.
Air Drying
When it comes to drying your beard, air drying is always the best option. Using a hairdryer can strip away the natural oils and leave the hairs frizzy and unruly. If you find that your hairs are still a bit damp after drying, use some light heat and a comb or brush to finish the job. Just be sure not to go overboard, as this could damage the hairs.
When air drying, be sure to start by using a cotton towel to gently pat dry the hairs. Start from the root and work your way to the tips. Make sure to avoid rubbing, as this can lead to tangles and unwanted frizz. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment. This will help to disperse the heat more evenly and can reduce the amount of damage to your hairs.
Finally, use some anti-frizz serum to keep the hairs smooth and manageable. This will help to keep the hairs looking neat and presentable, while also reducing the amount of time you’ll need to spend styling. Be sure to avoid anything that is overly greasy, as this could lead to a build-up of product.
Best Practices for Taming Unruly Beard Hairs
By incorporating a few simple steps into your regular grooming routine, you can easily get your unmanageable beard hairs to lay flat. Start by washing and conditioning your beard on a regular basis, using the right products for your hair type. Then, choose the right hairstyle for your face shape and hair type and use the right amount of product for your desired look. Additionally, be sure to trim your hairs regularly and take a look at your lifestyle to make sure everything is balanced. Finally, remember to air dry rather than using heat and to use a light oil or serum to keep the hairs looking neat and presentable.
Alternative Treatments
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still find yourself struggling to tame those unruly beard hairs, there are a couple of other treatments you can try. One option is to use a hair relaxer. This is a chemical solution that helps to break down the bonds in your hairs, resulting in a smoother and more controlled look. It’s important to note, however, that this might cause some mild irritation, so always weigh your options before making a decision.
Another option is to use an anti-frizz cream. This contains ingredients that help to add moisture and seal the cuticles of the hairs. This helps to prevent the hairs from sticking out, resulting in a neat and tidy finish. Choose a cream that’s suited to your hair type and apply evenly to damp or dry hairs.
Finally, if your hairs are particularly stubborn, you may want to consider investing in a brush with flexible bristles. These brushes help to separate hairs and reach even the toughest tangles. Use these brushes on damp hair after working in a styling product and brush in the direction of the grain. This will help to trap the product in the hairs, while also keeping you looking dapper.
Combs vs. Brushes
When it comes to taming unruly beard hairs, you may find yourself wondering whether to use a comb or a brush. The best option depends on the type of hairs you have. For thicker, more stubborn hairs, a wide toothed comb is the way to go. This will help to separate the strands and remove any tangles. A brush, on the other hand, is better for finer hairs. It helps to evenly distribute the product and keep the hairs in line. When using either a comb or a brush, be sure to use light, gentle strokes and to avoid over-brushing.
Whichever tool you choose, be sure to keep it clean and in good condition. This will help to prevent any build-up of product, which can weigh your hairs down and lead to a greasy look. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of light heat. This can help to set the product in your hairs, while also helping to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Conclusion
Taming unruly beard hairs doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With the right steps and products, you’ll be well on your way to having a neat and tidy looking beard. From cleanliness, to styling, to the right trim and product, the process can be relatively uncomplicated and easy to manage. When all else fails, however, keep in mind there are alternative treatments that may help to tame unruly hairs. Whatever you choose, be sure to take your time and keep your hair healthy in the process.
