How To Know If Beard Looks Good
A beard is an iconic fashion statement for some men, and an integral part of many cultures for centuries. But apart from the traditional, aesthetic and spiritual reasons for having a beard, many modern men also enjoy sporting one for the sheer confidence and self-expression it provides. But how do you know if your beard is looking good? Here’s a helpful guide detailing the basics of successful beard maintenance.
Modern Trends
It’s important to remember that fashion trends come and go – when it comes to beards, what you and your peers have been doing might have been considered modern and stylish three years ago, but today, it’s quite possibly outdated. The best way to make sure you look good sport a beard is to keep up with the modern trends in facial hair, determined by what’s popular either in terms of celebrity styles, or broad societal preferences. A good guide is also to consider the fact that fashion evolves to become a more trimmed and less wild manifestation of the trend it was trying to convey, which usually takes hold in the decade that follows. Therefore, it might be prudent to watch what current trends are coming off of, and go for the tamer version of them.
The Right Length and Fit
After you’ve picked out a modern style, it’s important to make sure that your beard length and fit match your facial shape and features. Generally, you want to aim for snug angles and avoiding any straight lines that would create disproportion, like growing your beard down from your chin in a straight line when you have a round face. Different techniques, such as shaving an inch around your mouth line to give yourself a more pronounced jaw will also apply depending on your particular facial shape. Different shapes and lengths can also be accommodated with a trim, so it’s important to know what would work best for you.
Keep It Clean
It’s crucial to keep your beard exceptional if you want it to be something that looks good on you. This means washing it regularly (every day or every other day) with a quality mild beard shampoo. Make sure it’s something specifically designed for beards and not generic shampoo; it should be free from the caustic chemicals and detergents found in regular hair shampoo, as those can harsh on facial skin and leave the beard drying, brittle and uncomfortable. Keeping a good beard oil handy is also integral for keeping the hair soft and manageable, and we recommend avoiding any conditioners that contain silicones, as those can clog pores and irritate skin.
Styling 101
Finally, once you have the necessary hygiene routine down, it’s time to style your beard to make sure it looks the best it can. If you have a long beard, it’s best to make sure the ends are kept in check, so they don’t offer any sprawl; this can be achieved through regular trimming, just make sure you’re using quality sharp scissors, as well as a comb or the like to make sure everything is in order. Some beard styling products such as gels and waxes can also help create a more groomed look. For short beards, frequent trims often work well to keep it looking neat and healthy.
Be Confident
At the end of day, as with any hairstyle, your beard’s look comes down to how confident you are while wearing it. If you feel proud and emboldened when sporting it, chances are, you’ll be able to convey that in the way it looks. Rock it with a smile, and chances are you’ll have yourself a good looking beard.
Maintain The Right Diet
As much as hygiene and styling are important, diet also has a strong effect on how well your facial hair will look. Eating healthy and getting the right vitamins and minerals is essential for a healthy and thick beard, with B vitamins and good fats being particularly important. Keep an eye out for foods that help give your body what it needs, such as wild caught salmon, spinach, avocado, and olive oil.
Take Care Of The Skin Underneath
Your facial hair might be growing in and styling fine, but if you’re having itchy and annoying skin underneath, that might easily ruin the look of your beard. It’s important to make sure you’re keeping the skin clean and moisturized. There are a few method to do so. Invest in a good pre-shave oil as a first line of defence against dry skin. Once a week, use a gentle scrub on the face to eliminate dead skin cells. Finally, a generous dose of beard oil that has skin-soothing and moisturizing properties should keep any skin problems at bay.
Dress For The Occasion
Your beard might look the best it’s ever looked, but if you’re attending a formal event wearing formal attire, having a beard might give off the wrong vibe. The same goes for sporting any kind of facial hair if the dress code explicitly states to go clean shaven. In that sense, facial hair is just as much about the clothing you wear, as it is about how you look – so it might be best to keep that in the back of your head when attending formal or semi-formal events.
Do Not Over Look Modern Grooming Tools
In the past few years modern beard grooming tools have become increasingly popular with beard fashion enthusiasts of all levels. When choosing the right grooming tool for your beard, remember that shape and size really matter. Choose trimmers that come with several attachments to best accommodate your beard length and to keep it at a uniform length. When choosing a razor, pick one that is easy to grip and hold, and has interchangeable blades. Finally, make sure you have a set of scissors and neaten beard the edges and corners of your mustache and sideburns.
Choose The Right Prroducts
Lastly, the right products can go a long way when it comes to keeping your beard looking healthy and shiny. Look for good shampoos and oils that are specifically designed for beards, as well as moisturizers or serums to keep your hair from getting too brittle and dry. A quality comb can help detangle and style your beard, and give it a neat and groomed look. Finally, watch out for products that contain harsh chemicals, as those can easily irritate your skin.
