Growing a beard takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get past that awkward stage, but once you have gotten there, taking good care of your beard is what matters most. Here we look at eight grooming tips for first-time beard growers, to achieve the beard of your dreams.
Patience is a Virtue
The first step in growing an awesome beard is simply leaving it alone. First-time beard growers often make the mistake of trying to groom their beard way before it is ready. When first starting out, leave it well alone for around 4-6 weeks. This will allow your beard hairs to grow evenly, as you may notice some grow faster than others. This is an awkward stage and one that can feel uncomfortable to leave, but it will be worth it once it has grown. The better you eat and the faster your general hair growth, the sooner you can begin grooming.
Matching Your Face Shape
Everyone has a different face shape and different styles of beard suit different faces. If you want to make the best of your beard and looks, choosing a beard that goes well with your face shape is an automatic win. If you are struggling to know where to go next, styling for your face shape will provide an effortlessly groomed look every time.
Wash Regularly
Your beard should be treated just like your hair and should be washed regularly to keep the hairs healthy and free from dirt. Your beard is close to where you eat, meaning it can get plenty dirty with crumbs and bacteria that you simply can’t see with the naked eye. Trapped dirt and food will cause further itchiness, which is already exacerbated when growing a beard for the first time. Washing your beard is about the hair itself, but also the skin underneath. Failing to wash the skin could increase the risk of ingrowing hairs and spots. Use a special beard shampoo and conditioner then pat dry with a towel. Don’t rub your beard dry unless you want split ends and frizzy, uncontrollable hair.
Trimming
If you have a beard, you need a beard trimmer in your life (even if you are going for a full Khal Drogo look). You should invest in a high-quality beard trimmer that will leave your beard fresh after trimming. When to trim depends on when your beard looks untamed and what style you are going for. There are plenty of online tutorials if you are struggling to know how to trim. Mostly, it takes time and practice to get it 100% perfect. Ask your male friends for advice on trimming and styling.
Train Your Beard
You should be combing your beard every day, just as you comb your hair. You can find both beard combs and brushes, depending on the thickness of your hair. Regularly trimming is just one way to keep your beard to remain in shape. Brushing the hair down daily will also promote hair growth in the direction you want it, rather than growing upwards and outwards. If you have unruly hairs, try using a beard styling product that works much like a hairspray for your beard. Training your beard to grow downwards will cause it to look much more even and, therefore, it will require less styling.
Use Beard Oil
This is an essential bit of kit you need in your bathroom if you want a luscious and well-kempt beard. Look for premium and distinct beard products, including beard oil to prevent itch and dandruff and promote hydrated skin. Using beard oil from urbanbeard.ca will keep your beard fresh and in good condition.
Don’t Neglect the Moustache
Those new to facial hair often neglect their moustache. Just because there is not as much hair here, it doesn’t mean it should be neglected. A good moustache should be trimmed twice a week to keep those stray hairs from ruining your look. Use grooming scissors and wax to help keep your moustache in check and to prevent too much overgrowth on the top lip.
Eating Well
Whilst sustaining a great beard starts with the outside, what we put in our bodies will also influence how well our hairs grow. If you have a poor diet and limited exercise, chances are your beard isn’t as healthy as it could be. Facial hair is made from fat and protein and is largely reliant on a number of vitamins including B3, B5, and B9. You can either choose to take them as a supplement or incorporate more nuts, eggs, milk, lean meats, and leafy greens into your diet.
For a healthy, well looked after beard, trimming, combing and washing are all essential. Following the 8 tips above will leave you with a beard you are happy with and one that looks good.
