As the old adage goes, “a beard is a sign of renewed strength.” Growing a beard can boost self-confidence, give you a sense of accomplishment, and noticeably improve your overall look. Nonetheless, many first-time beard growers are intimidated by the process and are unsure of where to start. With the help of some expert tips, cultivating a full and healthy beard for beginners can be much easier than you think.
Choose the Right Style
Before you even begin growing a beard, you should have an idea of what kind of style you’ll be going for. Think about what face shape you have, what compliments your facial features, and how you want people to perceive your new look. Research which beard styles look best on each type of face shape. Experts recommend shorter styles to oval faces as they tend to accentuate jawlines, while rounder faces can pull off longer ones. You can also look up pictures of celebrities and try to replicate the beard they have.
Prep Your Skin
Once you’ve figured out the style of your beard, you can embark upon your journey. However, before any hairs appear, it’s important to prep your skin. Since your beard won’t look its best when grown on dry and irritated skin, rely on products specifically manufactured for men’s beards. Facial scrubs and purifying masks can exfoliate the skin, removing any dead cells. Furthermore, choose a beard wash with ingredients like aloe vera that are hydrating and have a calming effect on the skin. It’s also recommended to keep your face moisturized with beard oils or serums, so your facial hair stays hydrated and healthy.
Be Patient Now
Growing an impeccable beard takes some time, and you may feel tempted to trim the area before any significant growth has occurred. However, experts advise patience here. Allowing your beard to take at least a few weeks of growth before seeking to shape it encourages thicker and fuller hair. Establish a habit of combing your beard every day and keep it tangle-free; it may also help stimulate growth. Aspects such as genetics also come into play as some men’s beards grow faster than others.
Time to Trim
Now comes the most challenging part for first-time beard growers: the trimming. It is recommended to invest in a good-quality trimmer with adjustable settings, as it provides greater control over the look you want. When you start to trim, do it slowly and use a comb to give an even result. Even though cutting off a piece may be scary, don’t be afraid to try it; if it doesn’t turn out the way you wanted, hair always grows back. Therefore, look in the mirror and adjust your trim slightly each session – until you find the exact style you were hoping for!
Maintaining Your Beard
Beard upkeep requires time, effort and care. Use beard wax to condition and style your facial hair. This product contains expensive ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and shea butter. It goes on more smoothly and can be used to shape and separate the hairs for a more tidied look. You can also use shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for beards, as this helps maintain the pH balance and adds a clean, polished look. Lastly, you’ll need to visit a barbershop every once in awhile for maintenance, especially as your beard grows longer.
Is Beard Fad Here to Stay
From the 1990s onwards, facial hair has been gaining traction as an accessory on the global fashion landscape. Corporations and startups alike have been noticing the trend and have subsequently begun offering special beard care products. More national and local facial hair competitions have been popping up as a result of this sudden surge in popularity, and experts believe the momentum isn’t going to dissipate anytime soon. Therefore, it’s safe to say that beards are definitely here to stay!
How to Care For Your Beard
Apart from stocking up on the right grooming tools, particular aspects of taking care of a beard are of the utmost importance. Eating healthy and exercising help not only with hair growth but also with keeping your skin and beard in the best possible shape. Keeping your beard free of dirt and grime is especially critical for overall beard health. While washing with a foam or shampoo is important, you should also massage the skin with a warm towel for circulation and exfoliate it once a week.
Feed Your Beard Properly
Beard growth is largely determined by genetics, but there are some foods that may help improve your beard’s texture and density. The key is consuming nutrient-dense foods that contain essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as magnesium and zinc. Examples of food that can increase beard health include salmon, sardines, eggs, nuts and seeds, avocados, and citrus fruits. You can also include supplements in your diet such as fish oil capsules or biotin to help maintain your facial hair’s health.
Trust the Process
In the end, growing a beard isn’t an exact science and it can be a long and tedious process. Nevertheless, don’t give up at the first sign of irritation or the first patchy area. As your beard grows longer, it is completely normal for hairs to curl in different directions and for it to have a slightly messy look – with time, the beard will become denser and more even. Instead of questioning the process, trust it and do your best to maintain healthy habits and use proper products.
