A full beard requires more upkeep than your average clean-shaven look, but the task isn't as difficult as you might think. In fact, all it takes is some patience and proper beard grooming products to keep your mane looking great at all times. It doesn't hurt to have some helpful tips on how to take care of your beard either, so here are 8 tried-and-true beard grooming tips you can use to put your best face forward.
The best way to trim your beard is with beard scissors, which are designed specifically for men's facial hair. They're small and easy to carry around, too. Remember that you can always take off more length but not more thickness — the key is to taper your beard instead of cutting it off suddenly, so you don't have an awkward stage where your facial hair just looks different for a few days.
Beard brushes are a great way to remove tangles and smooth out your beard. They come in several shapes and sizes, so you should shop around to find one that fits your needs. A wide-toothed comb will also help you get rid of knots and other problem areas.
There are several ingredients that can be found in most beard grooming products which you should avoid. First of all, there is alcohol. While some companies do use it as a way to kill bacteria on your face, too much of it can dry out your skin as well as cause a dry beard and make you look older than you actually are. If possible, try to find a product that doesn't contain any alcohol at all. Another ingredient to avoid is fragrance. This can cause irritation if you have an allergy or sensitive skin type. Usually, fragrances are added for their scent, so they aren't necessarily needed to get rid of dandruff or beardruff.If you notice that your beard feels itchy after using beard grooming products with fragrances, then you might want to switch over to one without them right away.
Keeping your beard hydrated will lead to faster beard growth . While a nice, thick beard looks great, it takes work to maintain. For starters, you'll want to make sure that it gets plenty of hydration. If you have a dry skin condition or otherwise tend to be prone to flaking and chapping, look for a moisturizing beard oil with added benefits like SPF protection. That way, not only will your beard stay looking healthy and free of dandruff or irritations, but it'll also help protect your face from sun damage while enhancing its overall appearance.
Make sure you comb your beard before showering. Tangles in a beard have a tendency to tighten up when wet, which can cause damage to hair and skin. You'll want to use a boar bristle brush if possible, which is a brush made from a type of hair that's very coarse and stands up on its own. Boar bristles also have natural disinfectant properties, so by combing through your beard with one after you wake up in the morning or after you've been out all night partying, you're killing two birds with one stone: making sure it looks good and cleaning it at the same time.
As you're growing your beard, remember that grooming starts with a proper shape. Without that foundation, all your efforts to keep it well-groomed will be in vain. It might take some trial and error to get it exactly right (we recommend taking before and after photos as you go), but once you do, make sure you maintain what you've created by following these tips: avoid over-styling; use proper maintenance products; and stay on top of tangles and split ends.
While some people can get away with using bar soap or a drugstore brand of shampoo, if you're interested in grooming a beard, it's crucial to invest in products specifically designed for facial hair. In addition to providing a more thorough cleanse, they also contain moisturizers and conditioners that will help keep your skin from drying out and itching. When picking products, pay attention to labels. Ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate can be harsh on skin and may actually cause damage over time. Opt for products that are alcohol-free or paraben-free, which will keep your face looking healthy and feeling great.
It's too easy to forget these fine points when it comes to trimming your beard. After all, you're focused on your face — not your neck or cheeks. That's why it's important to check yourself every now and then for stray whiskers that may be poking out somewhere they shouldn't. Take a few minutes once a week to make sure everything is tidy, and your grooming routine will be complete.