Research has found that 75% of men feel more confident with some facial hair. What nobody tells you is what it takes to grow a beard successfully. Apart from having the right genes, you will need discipline and patience. Here are top beard grooming tips to help you grow a healthier and thicker beard.
Wash Your Beard Regularly
Washing your beard is one of the most crucial beard grooming tips. It set up the stage for subsequent processes. As your beard grows, it begins to trap food particles and other debris. If left unwashed, it could start to smell, change color, or grow in patches. You don’t have to wash your beard daily. However, try to give it a thorough scrub twice a week.
How to Wash Your Beard Properly
The temperature of the water is critical. Warm water is preferred as it opens up the pores and improves blood circulation. If the water is on the hotter side, you risk drying up the hair follicles leading to a patchy growth. The next thing you will need to do is to build up the lather. Begin with small portions of your cleanser and add until it is nice and bubbly. The next step is the actual washing. Don’t just give it a light wash; use your fingertips to scrub the beard. Give it a good massage while rubbing.
After giving it a good scrub, rinse with warm water. Rinse at least twice to remove all the soap.
The final step is drying the beard. You can choose to let dry naturally or use a microfiber towel to slash the time in half. Other people use blow dries. I wouldn’t recommend this; very high temperatures could cause hair breakage.
Know When to Trim
Trimming your beard is what stops you from looking like a hobo. Just like washing, this should be done every few weeks. You will need to trim the neckline to avoid having neckbeards. Doing this also frames the beard making it pop. I would recommend you to get the first trim from a barbershop. After that, you can trim at home. When pruning, make sure to get the U-shape at the neck.
How to Trim at Home
The first thing you will have to do is comb out the beard to avoid getting uneven trims. You might want to begin with a sharp pair of scissors instead of a trimmer. Inspect the beard in the mirror and snip off any loose strands of hair. For the neckline, you will need a trimmer.
The simplest technique of obtaining your neckline is by putting two fingers above your Adam’s apple. You then trim the imaginary U-line. After that, you can cut everything below the line. When using the trimmer, start with a higher guard head and work your way down. Fine-tune the trim using a pair of scissors.
Style It Up
There are 15 Gillette certified beard styles available. The shape of your face should determine your style. A large number of guys forget the importance of this beard grooming tip. Styling requires specific products and tools to pull off. You will need a comb, dryer, styling balm, and a beard brush.
How to Style Your Beard
First, apply a conditioning agent such as beard oil, or a styling balm. These conditioners help protect the beard from the heat.
Use the hairdryer together with the brush to control the direction of the curls. The next step is to apply the styling balm. Make sure to apply it to the base of the beard. You can then use your comb to shape your beard accordingly. Use the styling balm to perform any final touches.
Invest in Beard Tools
You will need a full set of bearding tools for cleaning, drying, and styling. Although going to the barber is an option, half the fun is learning to do it at home.
Tools You Must Have
- A comb – A comb will help with the tangles and knots in longer beards
- Hairdryer – Look for one with a nozzle attachment to focus the heat
- Scissors – Useful when you need to trim with precision.
- Clippers/Trimmers – Clipper is for general use, but if you already have them, they can be used. However, trimmers are smaller and easier to use.
- Beard Products – In addition to the tools, you will also need conditioners, shampoo, styling balm, beard oils.
Beard Oil is Your Friend
Whenever you wash your beard, you also remove some of the body’s natural oils with the dirt. It can cause the beard and the skin to be itchy. Beard oil restores the oils and helps rehydrate the skin.
How to Apply Beard Oil
Use a towel to pat down the beard and remove the excess water. You then apply the beard oil while the beard is still damp. Apply beard oil and work it to the skin. The amount of oil you use depends on the size of the beard.
Take care of the Skin
Growing a long and dense beard can take a toll on the skin. It is worse when you forget to apply beard oil. As you take extra every morning to groom your beard, remember to show your skin some love.
Skin Care Hacks
When trimming or cutting your beard, follow the direction of hair growth to avoid skin irritation. Consider exfoliating to remove any inflammation that may have developed on your skin. Shampoos are known to dehydrate the skin, reduce the number of times you shampoo to maybe weekly. Use a conditioner for the rest of the days. Above all, remember always to moisturize using beard oil.
Remember the Moustache
Beard care and mustache care should go hand in hand. A well-sculpted stache only enhances a beautiful mane. Use a pair of grooming scissors to trim your mustache regularly. An unruly stache can also get in your way when eating. Applying mustache wax will give it a uniform appearance.
How to apply Moustache wax
Scrap a little mustache wax with fingertips. Spread between your fingers for easy application. Apply it in the center and work your way outwards using smooth and slow motions. Work it into the mustache until you achieve your desired look. Do not be too liberal with the wax, a little is enough.
Final Words
Growing a beard requires a lot of patience. The first few weeks are the hardest. If you are anything like me, you will be tempted to shave it off. After about four weeks, let a barber help you choose the right style for your face. It is the hardest stage but after that, you can easily maintain your beard at home. Stick to grooming routine, and you will be rocking a thick beautiful beard in no time.
Author: Alex Rogers
Alex is a beard aficionado who loves everything to do with men’s style and grooming. After discovering how much difference simple style and grooming made to his life; he started his blog and brand Norse Grooming to share valuable tips & products with others.