A beard is a symbol of maturity, strength and resilience and can give a man’s face an added degree of distinction. Growing and taking care of a perfect beard, however, requires a degree of patience and commitment. Here, we’ll explain how to go about taking care of a beard properly and how to nurture it to achieve the desired results.
Cleanse and Exfoliate
For a healthy beard, cleansing and exfoliating is a must. Cleansing rids the beard of dirt and bacteria that can accumulate on a daily basis. Regular use of a good beard cleanser will help keep a beard looking neat and well-maintained, whilst also helping to reduce irritation, acne, itch and other skin problems that can appear with an unkempt beard. Exfoliating should also be included in your beard care regimen – this will encourage new hair growth and prevent ingrown hairs.
Trim and Shape
After cleansing and exfoliating, a beard should also be trimmed and shaped. This is essential for ensuring that a beard looks neat and healthy. Overly long beards can often look wild and unkempt, and can also lead to uncomfortable chafing. Shaping a beard involves taking small amounts of hair away at a time, starting at the sides and bottom, to achieve a desired look. Trimming a beard is also important to get rid of split ends, which can ruin an otherwise good looking beard.
Use Oils and Balms
Beard oils and beard balms are great for helping to keep a beard looking well groomed and lustrous. Oils provide nourishment to the hair follicles, while also preventing the skin underneath from drying out. Beard balms in particular help to give a smoother, sleeker look and are often used to help tame unruly hairs. Both beard oils and beard balms should be applied regularly, but not too frequently – using them too often can lead to an overly greasy look.
Moisturize
Using a good moisturizing product is essential for a healthy beard. Not only will it help to keep the beard soft and manageable, but it will also help prevent irritation and skin problems that can occur when an unkempt beard is left untreated. Look for a moisturizer specifically designed for beards, as many products that are not will contain chemicals and fragrances that can be detrimental to a beard’s health.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
Eating the right foods can be essential for maintaining a healthy beard. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins can be beneficial for the growth of healthy hair. Foods such as avocados, nuts, eggs, salmon and blueberries are great for providing essential nutrients for a healthy beard. Additionally, avoiding unhealthy foods such as junk food and sugary drinks can go a long way in helping to maintain a strong, healthy beard.
Set a Schedule
The final step in taking care of a beard is to set a schedule. Investing some time into proper beard care can be beneficial in the long run and can make all the difference in the appearance of your beard. Choose a specific time each week and dedicate a few minutes to cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, trimming and styling your beard, and stick to that schedule.
Keep Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important, not just for beard growth, but for overall health. It helps to flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally. Additionally, water is essential for keeping skin and hair healthy, so make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
Comb and Brush
Using a good quality comb or brush to style your beard is important. Not only does it help to keep your beard looking neat and well-groomed, but it can also help to reduce tangles, mats and split ends. Invest in a good quality brush and always keep one in your bag – that way, your beard will be kept in top shape wherever you go.
Be Patient
Finally, it’s important to remember to be patient when it comes to growing a beard. It takes time, effort and dedication to cultivate the perfect beard and not everyone’s hair grows at the same rate. So, don’t expect to see results overnight – give it some time and you will soon be able to reap the rewards.
Ensure Hygiene
Beard hygiene is an important factor to consider when taking care of a beard. Make sure to shampoo and condition your beard regularly to help keep it clean and free of dirt and debris. Also, avoid using brushes and combs on wet hair, as this can cause breakage and split ends. Additionally, try to minimize the usage of styling products as these can clog up the pores in the skin, leading to acne and other skin problems.
Apply Heat
Heat styling is an important part of grooming a beard. A hairdryer can be used to soften unruly hairs, while also helping to shape and define the beard. Heat styling can help to make a beard look more manageable and give it a cleaner, sleeker look. When using a hairdryer, it’s important to make sure that it is set to the lowest possible temperature to avoid damaging the hair, and always make sure to use a heat-protecting product to prevent split ends.
Trim Regularly
It’s important to regularly trim a beard, as this helps to keep it looking well-groomed and neat. Trimming every few weeks is recommended to keep the length of the beard in check and to help prevent split ends. If you are growing a full beard, it’s a good idea to apply a trimmer guard to help create a uniform look and keep the hair at a consistent length. Additionally, regular trimming helps to prevent split ends and to keep the ends of the beard looking neat.
Keep Equipped
Having the right tools and products is essential for achieving the perfect beard. Investing in a good quality beard trimmer, comb and brush is important to help keep your beard looking well-kept. Additionally, make sure to have the right products on hand for cleansing and moisturizing – a good beard shampoo and conditioner with added nutrients and antioxidants can be beneficial for a healthy looking beard.
Be Gentle
Finally, it is important to be gentle when taking care of a beard. Make sure to avoid pulling and scratching at the hairs too much, as this can cause irritation and can even break off the hairs. Instead, use a gentle scrubbing motion when washing and brushing the beard and avoid pulling or tugging the hairs too harshly.
