Growing a beard is not just about leaving your face alone for a few weeks – it requires some careful grooming and nutrients and a lot of patience.
A scraggly and unkempt beard can be an eyesore to look at and feel irritated for anyone in close contact. However, there are a few simple steps and easy tips on how to turn a scraggly beard into an alluring, neat, and enviable look. The secret to achieving a full-coverage and well-groomed beard is to work regularly on it.
Choose The Right Length For Your Face Shape
Selecting the right length for your beard is important. The shape of your face should be a determining factor in the length of your beard. Choose a length that complements your face shape – this will improve the overall look of your beard. If you have an oval face shape, you can opt for a slightly longer style, while a round face shape will look better with a shorter beard. Medium length beards are a good choice for guys with an oblong or a square face shape.
Trim Properly
It’s very important to maintain its length. A good trim is essential for any type of beard – it removes any split-ends, covers the grey areas and tackles the bald patches. It is best to use a trimmer with adjustable settings to maintain the desired length. For a clean look, use a comb and trimmer in the same direction.
For a neat, well-defined shape, shave the jawline, neckline and mustache area as required. Make sure not to trim too close to the jawline or neckline, otherwise you could end up with an unnatural-looking result.
Clean and Exfoliate Regularly
Regular cleaning of the beard is necessary to limit the growth of bacteria that tends to accumulate around facial hair. Using a beard shampoo regularly will help remove dirt and excess oil. It’s a good idea to exfoliate once a week with a facial scrub or a beard oil. This will soften the hair and improve its overall texture.
Beard oils also add shine and smoothness and will protect the hair from harsh weather conditions. Keep the skin beneath the facial hair well-moisturized to avoid any flakiness or dryness. Use a beard brush or comb to get rid of any tangles and neatly distribute the balm or oil.
Keep It Balanced
The key to a well-maintained beard is to keep it balanced. Make sure not to let the sides grow too long, otherwise it can make the beard appear uneven and unkempt. Likewise, you should also avoid over-trimming the chin area, to keep the bottom of the beard full and structured.
Invest in a pair of scissors and use it to trim stray, uneven hairs. This will create a symmetrical shape and will make the beard look fuller and more presentable. Avoid over-trimming, as it can cause the beard to look patchy and weak.
Eat Right for the Health of Your Beard
A well-nourished beard starts with eating the right foods. A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins will ensure healthy, strong and full facial hair. Drinking lots of water and eating foods full of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and zinc will also help to keep the beard healthy and soft.
Maintain It Regularly
Regular maintenance is needed to keep a manageable, tidy looking beard. Trim it regularly, use the right products, such as beard oil and balm, and comb it to distribute the product evenly. Investing in some good tools like a quality trimmer, scissors and combs will help keep the beard looking neat and tidy and well-groomed.
Be Patient and Enjoy The Process
Growing a beard takes effort and patience. Everyone’s beard grows at different rates, so it is important to be patient with yourself. Don’t be tempted to rush or cut it shorter than it should be at any point. Enjoy the process and have faith that it will turn out looking great in the end. This is especially important for those with scraggly beards, since it takes time for the hair to take the desired shape and for the bald patches to fill in.
Be Bold and Experiment With Different Styles
Once you’ve reached the desired length and achieved a balanced look, you can start getting more creative and bold with your styling. There are many different styles to choose from, ranging from full, thick beards to shorter, trimmed styles. Experiment with different styles and determine which one looks best on your face shape. A good rule of thumb is to start conservative and work your way up.
Use Quality Products Wisely
Using the best quality beard care products available is key to maintaining a well-groomed beard. Look for natural ingredients, such as organic oils, which nourish and condition the hair, keeping it healthy and hydrated. It’s also important to use the products in moderation, too much product can make the beard greasy and weigh it down.
Be Confident In Your Look
Confidence is the most important grooming tool of all. If you have put in the effort to take care of your beard, don’t let anxiety or self-doubt about your appearance get the best of you. A good attitude will make your beard look even better.
Find a Barber You Can Trust
Having a barber you trust will go a long way when it comes to keeping your beard looking great. Go to the same barber whenever you need a touch-up, they will become familiar with your tools, products and preferences and they will be able to give you better advice. It is essential to find someone you can trust and communicate well with to get the right look.
Shampoo and Condition Regularly
Beard hair needs to be washed and conditioned regularly, just like the hair on your head. Shampooing helps to remove dirt and build up, while conditioning helps to keep it soft and healthy. Cleaning your beard regularly also helps to make it look fuller and healthier, so it’s a good idea to shampoo and condition your beard at least once a week.
See A Professional
If all of your own attempts at trimming and styling don’t work out, it’s a good idea to see a professional barber or stylist. They will be able to provide advice on the best tools and products to use and they can also help to trim and shape your beard to give it the desired look.