As your beard grows, keeping beard care it trimmed and free of tangles is essential. A good brush like our wooden beard comb helps remove tangles before they become major knots, and beard oil can help nourish facial hair and skin.
You may also want to consider using a beard shampoo and conditioner to banish beard dandruff and dry skin, as well as a beard balm that adds some shine to your whiskers.
How to Grow a Beard
Having the right genes is a big part of growing a full beard, but proper care and grooming is also important. Daily beard washing and conditioning with a leave-in conditioner like Beardbrand Beard Softener can help prevent itchiness and promote overall health and growth.
Shaving the face with a quality blade and shaving cream can stimulate hair follicles as well. Applying an oil or balm to your skin and beard can also help keep the facial hair hydrated, which can aid in growth.
It’s normal for the first month of growth to look patchy and sparse, but as you continue growing out your beard, it will start to fill in these areas and grow more evenly. Trimming stray hairs can help to maintain your beard shape and guide it in the direction you want it to go, but be careful not to over-trim! Check out our full guide on how to shape and trim a beard for all the details.
How to Shape a Beard
Getting the right shape for your beard can make all the difference. To start, you need to identify the natural line of your neck and cheek. Run your fingers through your beard and check if any hairs fall below your Adam’s apple or underneath the curve of your ear. If it does, you’ll need to trim this area.
Using a beard comb and hair fading combs can make this task a lot easier. However, it’s always advisable to consult an expert barber for advice and precision shaping. Whether you’re starting out with a short beard or managing a long one, a beard that’s shaped correctly will look full and sharp. It will also reflect your unique personality and brand of cool. A goatee or chinstrap works well for round faces, while a diamond-shaped beard looks best with a squared jawline. It’s a good idea to avoid narrow chin hairs, as this will draw attention to your chin and accentuate the prominent features on your face.
How to Trim a Beard
The beard neckline is a critical element to consider when trimming your facial hair. Tilt your head back and place a finger right above your Adam’s apple – this spot marks a natural dividing line between your beard and neck. Use this as a guide to trim a vertical strip downwards from the center of your beard, then work outwards towards one ear. Avoid going ear to ear as this will create an unnatural curve.
Next, comb and brush your beard to identify stray hairs that have grown longer than the rest of your whiskers. Using your Beard Trimming Scissors, make tiny snips to these hairs (no more than an inch) to help soften the bottom edge of your beard and give it a more natural look.
Finally, halve the guard of your clippers and continue to trim up an inch from the bottom of your beard – this helps create a taper effect without going too close to the skin. Once you’re done, comb and brush your beard once more to comb out any loose hairs.
How to Maintain a Beard
Whether your beard is trimmed or full, it needs a regular maintenance routine to stay healthy and looking sharp. The skin under a beard is often more prone to irritation and bacteria than the rest of the face, so you want to make sure you’re cleaning properly. Choose a cleanser that works best for your skin type and tone. For oily skin, try a gel cleanser that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help prevent ingrown hairs and clogged pores. For dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that’s designed to moisturize and soothe.
After washing, apply beard oil to balance your facial hair’s natural oils and keep it hydrated. For the best results, use it after you hop out of the shower and pat your beard and skin dry. This allows the beard oil to soak in faster than if you apply it while your beard is still wet.