Beard Genetics
Having a Gandalf-like beard is something that many men and some women wish to achieve but it requires more than just a passing fancy or an occasional stint of growth. The fact is that succeeding in growing a Gandalf beard is as much a matter of genetics as it is of self-discipline and maintenance. There’s no doubt that most people have the capacity to grow facial hair. The amount of facial hair growth and the shape of the beard are determined by the genetics of each individual.
Beard thickness and rate of growth can vary not only from person to person but also from area of the face to area of the face. Facial hair comes in different shapes and sizes, from thick to thin and from black to ginger. The genetics of one’s parents is an important factor which will affect the type of beard a person can grow as well as the thickness.
The face shape is also important to choosing a style of beard. A round face needs longer cheek hair to give the illusion of a more chiselled jaw, while a more angular face can accommodate a more defined beard. For those who are lucky enough to have a square jawline and a round face, they will be able to achieve the look of a Gandalf beard much easier than those with a different face shape.
Beard Care
Once the genetics are in place, the next step to achieving the desired look is to properly maintain the Gandalf-style facial hair. The most important part is to be disciplined in taking care of the beard. A Gandalf beard needs regular brushing and styling and should also be given the benefits of the many oils and balms specifically designed for beard maintenance.
Starting off, grab yourself a quality beard brush, like a boar bristle brush, and use this to comb the hair in the direction it should grow. Using a brush will help the beard to spread more evenly and it will also stimulate the production of natural oils in the hair follicles. This will help to keep the beard looking healthy and shiny, as well as reduce the risk of split ends.
The other essential tool to achieving the Gandalf look is to start applying beard oil. Beard oil helps to keep the beard moisturised and looking full, while also reducing the itchiness that comes with promoting growth. Many brands also offer specialised oils tailored to the different needs of each beard type and style. For example, a light oil is best suited to those with thinner beards, while something more intense may be needed to give a thicker, fuller Gandalf look.
Beard Styling
Once the maintenance is taken care of, styling the Gandalf beard is the next step. To get the look just right, you need to decide on the length and shape that you want your beard to take. Keeping the sides of the beard trimmed and neat is essential if you want to have a distinguished Gandalf-style look. This means that some minor, regular trimming and neatening will be needed to maintain the desired shape.
Depending on the length of your beard and the style you’re aiming for, you can use either a straight or a curved razor to help you achieve a precise shape while trimming. As a general guide, use a straight razor to shape the main beard line along the cheeks, while a curved razor is best for slightly more detailed works.
If you’re into more ‘creative’ styling, feel free to experiment! A beard wax or balm can also help you to style the beard and keep it looking fuller. Unlike beard oils, which are mainly used to nourish, beard wax gives the beard a more structured shape and can help you to hold your look all day long.
Beard Patches
For some, the aim of growing a Gandalf beard is hindered by areas of patchy growth. It may be that a person’s genetics works against them, but there are also some other possible causes; such as diet and lifestyle factors. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet which is rich in healthy fats, proteins and vitamins is likely to give the best chance of success when striving for the perfect Gandalf beard.
Vitamin A helps to increase the production of sebum, which is the natural oil needed to keep facial hair soft, shiny and healthy. Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair and helps foster strong and healthy hair growth. Iron helps to transport oxygen and haemoglobin to the roots of the hair and Vitamin E keeps the cells healthy and functioning normally.
It’s also important to get plenty of rest and relaxation when growing a beard. Stress has a direct impact on hair growth, as it can interfere with the natural hormones responsible for hair production. Getting enough sleep and exercise will help to create an environment more conducive to healthy facial hair growth.
Tools & Accessorizing
Finally, the right toolkit will help to give the Gandalf-style beard the perfect finishing touch. A stainless steel beard styling scissors or a trimmer will help to accurately shape the beard to the desired shape and can be used to shape the hair around the cheeks and eyebrows.
Incorporating some accessories into the beard can also give a unique edge to the look. Braided or beaded beard pieces are a great way to inject a touch of personality and style into the look. Different lengths and colours of beard beads can also be used to experiment with texture and tone. Whether it’s beads or wax, using accessories to add that personal touch can give the Gandalf-style beard an individual stamp of approval.
Colouring & Hair Treatments
As with any type of facial hair, colour is also something to consider when trying to achieve the Gandalf beard. For many, simply growing the beard is enough to perform the look, but for those who have thinning areas, colouring could be a great way to create the look of a fuller beard. Natural-looking semi-permanent dyes and tints are an effective way of covering thinning patches, while still allowing the natural colours to show through.
There are also treatments available which can further help to achieve the Gandalf-like look. Organic hair treatments are an effective way to condition and nourish the beard, helping to make it thicker and stronger while also reducing frizz. There are also specialised vitamins and supplements which can be taken to promote healthy hair growth and strengthen the existing follicles.
Oiling & Maintenance
Maintaining a Gandalf beard is more than just about styling and colouring. It’s also about regular oiling and deep conditioning. Regular oiling of the beard can keep it looking shiny and smooth and can even help to fight dandruff and split ends.
Using a beard oil for daily cleaning and maintenance is essential for those wanting to achieve a full, healthy Gandalf-style beard. The regular application of natural oils, either as part of a daily beard care routine or as part of an in-depth weekly conditioning treatment, will help to keep the hair looking seriously lush and gorgeous.
This oiling should also be followed up by the use of a deep conditioning treatment to keep the hair looking rich and healthy. This will help to nourish the hair follicles and strengthen the existing beard, while also helping to promote healthy new hair growth.
Cutting & Shaving
When it comes to trimming and cutting, a good pair of beard scissors and a comb or brush are essential to achieving the perfect Gandalf beard. Regular maintenance and trimming is necessary to ensure that the beard is kept at the desired length and shape.
The use of a safety razor is ideal for giving the beard an accurate and precise trim. For those who are more daring and adventurous, a straight razor can also be used if you fancy a more dramatic style. Both these methods provide a safer and more accurate alternative to traditional wet shaving.
To finish the look, a good quality shaving cream and after shave balm can help to give the beard a completed look. The cream can help to soften the bristles while the balm helps to soothe and nourish the skin. Traditional shaving products should always be used as opposed to more modern formulations, as these are best suited to the longer and thicker facial hair of a Gandalf beard.
