How to Grow and Maintain Your Beard

A beard isn’t just a beard. It can be a man’s pride and joy and an excellent way for someone to express their personality. And anyone with glorious groomed facial hair will tell you that a good beard doesn’t happen by accident, it takes time, patience and a flawless regime to get it looking its best. So, whether you are starting with a clean-shaven canvas or looking for more helpful hints on how to maintain your current facial hair, keep on reading for some beard maintenance tips that every guy should know.

Consider your face shape

Before you start on your journey to growing a luscious long beard, you should consider your face shape. Take a step back and look at your face in the mirror; a round face with a beard may look longer and leaner, while if your face is squarer, then without proper maintenance, the angle of your face may look harsher. This isn’t to say a beard isn’t for everyone; it absolutely is. You just need to get clued up on how you’re going to plan it and look after it to keep your face looking angular and defined.

Mens Beard Guide-life-style-model-looking-into-mirror-grooming-beard-electric-razor-in-bathroom

Start a fresh and let it grow

To get your beard growth underway, many barbers suggest you start with a clean, close shave. This stimulates the hair follicles and could prevent ingrown hairs from appearing. Shave your face after a warm shower and use a thick, nourishing shaving cream and a new blade on your razer to ensure a smooth shave with minimal cuts and nicks.

Once you have completed your shave, say goodbye to your razer - at least for now. Be patient, let it grow and do its thing for around two months. Over this time, any patchy areas should fill out, and you’ll see a decent length start to appear.

Over this time, you can start to work on your beard lines. While your beard is growing, decide where you want your neckline to fall and use a razer or a beard trimmer to keep it in check. This goes for hairs on your cheeks, too; you can remove them, but avoid trimming the length all over.

Remember, beard care means skincare too

Maintaining a beard is not all about how the hairs look and feel; it’s about looking after the skin underneath it too. For example, using a beard wash while in the shower will not only keep your hairs well moisturised, but your skin will benefit from it too. Then follow your cleansing regime with beard oil or balm to soften the hairs and soothe any itching during the first phase of growth.

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L'Oreal Paris Men Expert LOreal Men Expert Barber Club Beard Face Wash 200ml £4.99

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King C. Gillette King C. Gillette Beard Balm for Men, 100 ml £4.99

How to trim your beard

After a few months, your clean-shaven face will be long gone. So when it is time to start trimming your beard, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Trim and cut your beard after you have showered and when your beard is dry.

Step 2: Using a comb, brush your beard to remove any knots or tangles.

Step 3: Using a beard trimmer, set it to its longest hair length and trim your beard all over, going against the direction of your hair. If you wish, repeat using a shorter setting, but remember you can’t undo a lousy beard trim if you go too short.

Step 4: Define your neckline by trimming a vertical line down from your Adam’s Apple and then working out towards your jawline from either side. Remove any further hairs below this point.

Step 5: For a crisper, cleaner look, shave your cheek line and sideburns.

Step 6: If you’re sporting a moustache, now is the time to clean it up. You can trim it to the same length as your beard or leave it longer to make it more prominent. Next, cut the hairs around your mouth, top and bottom, to create a precise line around your lips.

Making your beard cleansing and trimming routine part of your regular grooming regime is a great way to keep it maintained. After all, you’ll want it looking neat and well kept, not overgrown and unruly!