Growing a smooth beard is intimidating. Many men don’t know where to start, or understand the different techniques and products required to keep a beard healthy, manageable and smooth. Keeping a beard in optimal condition requires taking care of the hair and skin. Here is a guide on how to have a smooth and healthy beard.
Choose the Right Products
Beard care starts with choosing products that are suitable for facial hair and skin. Avoid products with harsh chemicals and be sure to read the ingredients and research the brand. Even if you have to splurge a bit and explore less common product lines, it pays off in long run. Beard care products like balms, oils, waxes and conditioners can help maintain a soft, smooth beard. Do not skimp on beard shampoo as it helps fight dandruff, bacteria and other pollutants which can corrode your beard.
Moisturize
One of the most important steps for a smooth beard is knowing the power of moisturizing. A moisturizing beard oil can help prevent the skin from becoming too dry and brittle. This can also help create a healthy environment for your beard to grow. Before you apply the oil, make sure to brush and clean it to avoid clumping, then apply a liberal amount throughout the beard. If you’re looking for an extra hydration boost, try a light beard cream. It will help immensely with frizz and tangles.
Comb and Brush It Out
Combing and brushing is the next step in achieving a smooth beard. For best results, use a wide-toothed comb. Lightly brush your beard in the direction of hair growth to detangle it. If you’re using a beard oil or balm, make sure to apply it first and brush afterwards. A natural boar-bristle brush will help evenly spread the oil/balm, distributing nutrients to the skin and roots. It will also help remove any loose hairs and encourages thicker hair growth.
Trim Regularly
Trimming your beard regularly is important for keeping it neat. Trimming your beard helps keep it neat, healthy, and full-looking. When trimming, use sharp scissors and beard trimmers. If you’re growing a short beard, stay away from shaving cream and use beard oil instead. It helps keep skin hydrated and smooth, while avoiding razor burns and rashes. If you find it hard to trim at home, it’s best to go to a professional barber.
Your Diet Matters
Your diet is essential to the growth and maintenance of a smooth beard. Your body needs certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids to produce sebum — the oil made in the sebaceous glands. This helps keep your beard soft and healthy. Healthy foods such as fish, greens and legumes should be included in your diet to help stimulate the sebaceous glands. Hydration also plays a role in maintaining a healthy beard. Drinking plenty of water and eating hydrating foods help prevent dandruff, which can make your beard feel rough.
Protection from the Elements
Be mindful of the elements and keep your beard shielded from weather, dust and pollutants. Even in milder climates, wind, sun and pollution can damage your beard. Protect it with a wide scarf, specifically designed beard shields or hat when you’re out. Keeping your beard away from extreme temperatures, dust and wind helps keep it smooth and healthy.
Avoid Overwashing
As important as it is to clean your beard, avoid overwashing it. Overwashing strips away natural oils produced by your skin, which can make it dryer, brittle and more prone to breakage. Wash your beard twice a week with water and quality beard shampoo. Avoid excessive exfoliation as it could lead to excessive dryness and beard frizz that’s prone to tangling.
Clean Up the Edges
Keeping your beard neat is easy with a pair of quality scissors or a trimmer. You can take a few minutes to clean up edges around your neck, chin and jawline. This step can make a huge difference in defining your style and keeping your beard looking neat.
Be Patient
Lastly, be patient. Growing and grooming a smooth beard is no walk in the park, but getting your beard to a manageable length and state can be achieved with patience, dedication and a routine. Even if the facial hair growth is patchy and slow, don’t give up and start over with a new style. Stay consistent with your care routine and know that practice makes perfect.
Filling Your Beard
Another way to have a smooth, full beard is to fill in gaps and patchy spots with a conditioning 3-in-1 beard serum. This serum provideshydration and shine, as well as fill in any gaps and patchy spots. It is also a great way to reduce the appearance of fly-away hairs and split ends. It works best if the beard is already adequately moisturized. Use a small amount of the product, just enough to cover the sparse areas.
Try a Boar-Bristle Brush
A boar-bristle brush is ideal for keeping a smooth, well-groomed beard. This type of brush is effective in distributing skin oils, stimulating the follicles, and removing dirt and grime. By brushing daily with a boar-bristle brush, you can keep your facial hair healthy, strong and full-looking. Make sure to use the brush in the direction of the hair growth to avoid damaging the follicles.
Maintain It the Right Way
To ensure your beard is soft and healthy, be sure to maintain it the right way. Clean it daily with a gentle shampoo and natural oils. Apply a light balm or conditioner if needed. Detangle knots and brush out debris. Use a beard trimmer or scissors for a clean finish. Keep away from extreme temperatures, dust and wind. Lastly, be sure to get regular trims and fill in any gaps with a 3-in-1 conditioning serum.
Grow Out the Beard
Finally, if you are serious about having a smooth, well-groomed beard, it is important to give it time to grow out. This can take weeks or even months, depending on how fast your hair grows and how often you trim it. Be patient and avoid over-trimming. When it’s long enough, you can start styling and find a look that suits you. Keep in mind that a longer beard requires more care and maintenance.
