Growing a hardy, styled beard is growing in popularity among men who desire to feel distinguished, independent and assertive. Detailed care involves trimming and sculpting, which requires a patient and steady hand to ensure precision. For those who aren’t professional barbers, achieving (and maintaining) the desired shape of your beard can be tricky. Here are some key tips to help keep your beard looking its best.
Start With Proper Grooming Tools
Before you begin any shaping processes, ensure that you have the right tools. Many quality trimmers have adjustable settings, so you can choose the cutting length that’s right for you. Invest in a pair of quality trimmers and scissors, and always use a clean cloth and brush to groom your beard.
Begin by Mapping Out the Shape
When you’re trying to achieve a specific shape, a great way to get it right is to outline the shape before you start shaving or trimming. Begin by “mapping” out the shape you want by using a light-colored makeup pencil (like a grey or beige) that won’t show up on light-colored hair but will show up on darker beards. If it’s your first grooming session, start conservatively as it’s easier to take away more if you need to, than it is to add back in.
Use Defining Lines
Defining your lines is essential if you’re going to maintain a certain shape. To do this, use the trimmer attachment which creates the perfect line and blends in seamlessly with the rest of your beard. It’s important to note that the thicker your beard is, the more effort you’ll need to put in to ensure the lines blend in with the beard.
Don’t Skimp on Your Neck Line
Be sure to pay close attention to your neckline and make sure that it is properly defined. The top of your neckline should look over your Adam’s apple to just under where the chin meets the neck. If you’re hesitant to trim the neckline too close, you can mark it with a clean razor before you start cutting to make sure you don’t cut too low.
Trim in Natural Light
For the best shapes and definitive lines, trimming your beard in natural light will be your best bet. Sufficient lighting can make all the difference when you’re trying to sharpen and shape the perfect beard. Make sure you examine your progress in a bathroom mirror after every few cuts.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Lastly, once you’ve gotten your beard down to the desired shape, don’t forget to maintain it regularly. Shape your beard every 3 to 4 weeks and make sure to trim any new hairs that may be growing out of place. With the right maintenance, you can keep your beard looking sharp no matter what the occasion.
Beard Nutrition and Health
Growing a beard requires paying attention to more than just grooming. It’s essential that you nourish and hydrate your skin, hair and follicles. Good skincare products and a nutritious diet that includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, and vitamin A, B5 and C help promote healthy beard growth. Additionally, regular care like cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing can also help keep your beard looking and feeling healthy.
Experiment with Different Styles
One great way to keep your look fresh is to experiment with different styles. With the right trimming and styling tools, you can create and maintain virtually any look. You may prefer anything from a full beard or goatee to a chin strip or even a full circle beard. Don’t be afraid to try something new and see what works best for you.
Moisturizing for Maximum Manageability
In addition to nourishing your beard with good skincare and a healthy diet, regular moisturizing can help keep your facial hair looking and feeling great. Using an all-natural balm or beard oil can help your beard stay moisturized, making it easier to manage and style. In particular, beard oil helps to reduce the risk of itching and irritation while being free of parabens and chemicals.
Patience and Perfection Key to Perfection
The most important and consistent thing you can do to maintain your beard shape is to be patient. Styling your beard is all about precision, so take your time and get the perfect shape. You may need to make several passes with the trimmer or scissors to get the desired effect. Do a little research or even consider enlisting the help of a professional barber or stylist.
Protective Gear and Cleanliness
In order to get the best results when it comes to trimming your beard, you’ll want to make sure your tools and surroundings are as clean as possible. Wipe down any trimming tools with a cloth and alcohol solution after each use, and cover your face and neck with towels or protective wear. Additionally, washing your face and beard with shampoo and conditioner regularly will help maintain the health and appearance of your facial hair.
Tips on Shopping for Beard Grooming Supplies
One way you can ensure that you always have the right tools for grooming your beard is to shop consciously. Research companies selling high-quality grooming products and look into what they have to offer. Good products are essential to helping keep your beard looking great, so look for products that are free of dyes, synthetic ingredients, and parabens.
How to Choose the Right Beard Style for Your Face Shape
When choosing a beard style, it is important to take into consideration the shape of your face. Depending on your face shape, certain styles may look better than others. For example, if you have a round face shape, you may want to consider a beard with more length than width. This can help to create an illusion of length and bring some balance to your look. Conversely, if you have a square-shaped face, you may want to opt for a fuller beard that maintains width throughout.
Get the Right Cut for Your Specific Beard Type
Beard texture, density, and growth pattern all play a part in the shape and look of your beard. If you have thick, curly hair, you may need to use a larger trimmer guard and pay extra attention to trimming excess hair on the sides and the neck area. If you have thinner or finer hair, you may want to decrease the size of the guard used for a sharper look. Identifying and understanding your beard type can take some trial and error, but it’s an essential part of achieving the desired shape and look.
Beard Balm Helps Lay Down Rebellious Hairs
When you’re styling your beard, it’s important to use the right products and tools. For especially rebellious facial hair, beard balm works well to keep hair moisturized and in place. Applying a small amount of beard balm to your fingers, then running it through your beard will help keep your hair in check while styling to ensure the rest of your beard stays in the proper shape.
