Growing a shadow beard is a type of facial hair style which means more maintenance than just growing a standard beard. It requires paying attention to trimming, styling and has a specific look that is unique and requires more effort than just maintaining a standard beard. Shadow beards may take longer to obtain, but with the right maintenance can really help bring your face to life with pizzazz.
Consulting a professional barber when initially growing out the beard and to learn the basics of how to properly maintain the facial hair, is the first step to achieving a shadow beard. It’s important to get the right length and to understand the technique necessary to trimming in order to achieve the desired shadow.
A typical shadow beard needs to have a short beard on the cheeks, while having a thinner growth on the chin and neck. This type of facial hair should taper from thick to thin in order to create the desired shadow look. Some barbers may use special clippers for shadow beards, as it allows for more precise trimming. It’s also important to remember to shave off the extra hair once the desired shadow is achieved.
Apply a good moisturizing beard oil or balm to the facial hair to keep it conditioned regularly. Not only will this keep the beard looking and feeling healthy, but it will help to keep the facial hair growing in the desired direction while keeping the desired taper. The oil or beard balm can also help moisturize the skin underneath the facial hair to help tame any type of itchiness that may arise due to hair growth.
Maintaining the desired taper of the facial hair is key in order to successfully style and maintain the shadow beard. This involves continuing to go to the barber for regular trims every month and also ensuring proper grooming and care of the beard. In between professional cuts, use a razor and a good beard trimmer kit to shape and cut back the hair to ensure that the desired shape remain intact.
To complete the look, it is recommended to use a good styler or wax to tame and maintain the shape of the beard. This will help to lock in the styling of the beard and help to give it a neat and polished look. To ensure that the styling is even, slowly comb the beard throughout the day to help keep the beard looking neat and to maintain the desired shape.
Tools For The Job
To fully achieve the shadow beard look, one must have the right tools. Having good quality tools such as scissors, clippers and razors will get the job done faster and with better results. It’s recommended to invest in clippers with adjustable guards, instead of standard trimmers, which can leave the face patched with lines. Get a good comb to evenly spread the oil or balm throughout the beard and a thick nub of wax to maintain the styling of the shadow beard.
When looking for the right tools, it’s important to read reviews prior to making any purchase. Many men find that brands such as Wahl and Andis offer great quality and variety of products, both for professional and home use. It’s also important to focus on what features are offered for the given product and how it will best suit the individual. A good set of tools is the way to take care of a shadow beard properly.
Staying On Track with Maintenance
Trimming a shadow beard is an ongoing process, which means that regular maintenance is essential. Going to the barber once a month helps to keep the overall styling of the shadow beard in check and resolves any inconsistencies that may have occurred in between trims. It helps to keep the beard at the right length and allows for a more precise cut.
Once the shadow beard has been trimmed, it’s important to make sure to comb the beard through when applying oil or balm and to use a wax to hold the styling in place. This will help maintain the desired look and make the shadow beard look neater. An extra tip is to not style the beard when it’s still wet, as it can misshape the overall look.
Lastly, hygiene for the shadow beard is key. It’s important to wash the facial hair every so often to ensure that the skin underneath remains healthy. An easy way to do this is to use a mild beard shampoo and to follow up with a few drops of oil or balm. This will not only keep the beard looking great, but will help to maintain the styling and make sure that the overall shadow look is not lost.
Proper Storing Of Tools
Having all the right tools when it comes to styling a shadow beard is only beneficial if they are properly stored. It’s best to have a designated area in the home to store the tools which should be a dry and secure area. Storing in the bathroom, due to humidity, is not recommended. Additionally, the tools should be cleaned off regularly to ensure that they stay in top condition.
Keeping all scissors, trimmers, and razors in a designated location helps and ensures that it’s easy to find when needed for styling. This also ensures that the tools stay in top shape, as not keeping them with the rest of the supplies can cause them to rust and become unusable.
Tools should be wiped off after every use to help eliminate bacteria and dirt buildup on the blades and to make sure that they last as long as possible. Additionally, it’s important to not drop the tools as this can cause them to chip and disrupt the cutting performance of the blade or motor.
Proper Hair and Face Care
In order to maintain a healthy shadow beard and facial hair, proper care is essential. A good beard wash and conditioner can help keep the facial hair clean and allow for an easier styling experience. It’s also important to use a beard oil or balm to condition the facial hair and help keep it moisturized.
It’s also important to exfoliate the face regularly and to apply a moisturizer to keep the skin underneath healthy. Not only does this help to keep the beard clean, but can also help to reduce itchiness when the facial hair grows in, as it eliminates dead skin cells which can cause beard dandruff.
When going to the barber it’s important to build a good relationship in order to keep the facial hair looking the way it was intended. Communication with the barber is essential in order to keep the same styling achieved and to avoid bad surprises. Most good barbers can also provide helpful styling advice or tips to make sure the shadow beard looks as best as possible.
Achieving The Desired Look
To achieve the desired look from a shadow beard, one must be willing to commit to a routine maintenance schedule. This includes regular trips to the barber, using the right products for the beard and making sure to use the right tools for trimming and styling. Properly conditioning the facial hair and keeping it clean is also important for maintaining the desired shape of the beard.
Although growing a shadow beard may require more effort, with patience, commitment and the right maintenance schedule it’s achievable. Taking care of a shadow beard is an art form as it requires precision and gentle sculpting of the facial hair. It’s important to focus on the details of the facial hair and to take the time to make sure that the desired look is achieved and maintained.
Tips To Improve Your Shadow Beard
When trying to improve the shadow beard, a few helpful tips can help along the way. One tip is to follow a regular maintenance schedule which includes regular trips to the barber, even during the event of a pandemic. If a barber can’t visit, then having the right tools on hand to do it oneself is essential.
Using a good quality beard shampoo and conditioner and applying beard oil or balm for added conditioning is key for keeping the shadow beard in check. This helps with keeping the styling and desired shape in place and prevents any unruly facial hair from showing up.It’s also necessary to keep the beard trimmed, styled and neatly combed regularly to help maintain the desired look.
Another way to keep the beard looking its best is to trim it with story and needle scissors instead of electric clippers, which can give a more natural look. Combining this with the use of a good wax will help to keep the shaping of the beard intact and prevent any wild hairs from appearing.
Lastly, drinking lots of water and exercising regularly can help keep the facial hair looking full and healthy. This helps to keep the skin underneath properly moisturized, while also helping to reduce any itchiness and beard dandruff that may occur. Additionally, it introduces vital nutrients and vitamins that help to promote healthy facial hair growth.
