Have you been thinking about letting your facial hair run wild and free? If you're used to going clean-shaven, the idea of growing a beard might be intriguing, as well as intimidating.
The journey from fresh-faced to perfectly scruffy can be filled with a few twists and turns, but if you know the right steps to follow, you can get there in no time. It all starts with laying the proper foundation and following the basic steps of proper beard care.
Not sure where to start? Today, we're sharing how to take great care of your beard at any stage, so you can take it where you want it to go.
Invest in a Skincare Routine
Great beards start at the root. If you're not taking good care of your complexion, it's time to start. The more nourished and healthy your facial skin is, the easier and faster your beard will grow.
In most cases, haircare and skincare aren't usually related. However, this is the exception to the rule. You don't have to run out and buy every expensive lotion and potion on the shelf, but you do need to follow these basic steps.
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate
- Moisturize
Remember to wash your face and beard morning and night, and after working out. Use a gentle cleanser made for your skin type, and grab a fresh towel each time.
While you might be tempted to skip the moisturizer once your beard grows in, don't do it! This is the key to keeping the skin beneath your beard soft and smooth. Otherwise, it can become dry, itchy, and flaky.
Use a gentle moisturizer with at least SPF 30 and use it twice a day, after cleansing. If you tend to develop ingrown facial hairs, you can also use a mild exfoliating scrub a few times a week to keep them at bay. Exfoliation should occur after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Sculpt to Your Face Shape
When trimming your beard, it's important to think about the way your face is shaped. Have you noticed that certain beard styles look fine on someone else, but don't seem to fall right on you? If so, you might be sculpting in the wrong direction.
Beards have the power to enhance and complement your face shape, but you need to know what you're working with. While there are countless variations, the three main face shapes include:
- Round
- Oval
- Square
If your face is round, you can trim the sides of your beard shorter and leave it longer at your chin to create a thinner and leaner appearance. If it's oval-shaped, leave the sides longer for a wider, more angled look. Men with square faces can trim their beards into soft, rounded curves to smooth the harsher angles near their chins.
Before you start tackling a beard trim or ask your barber to take the reins, think about the look you want to achieve. Then, keep the faith!
While your beard is still growing, it might not look exactly like you thought it would at first. Give it time to grow all the way out, and then start sculpting and shaping it.
Groom Well and Often
Once your beard is full, strong, and mighty, it's time to keep it in good shape! There are a few products that can help you get there.
These include:
- Beard wash
- Beard oil
- Beard cream
- Beard comb
Here's a quick breakdown that covers how to use each one.
Beard Wash
Ideally, you should try to wash your beard two to three times each week. Note that this is separate from your skincare routine, which you should be doing every night.
Washing too often can strip your beard of its natural oils, leaving it brittle and dry. Yet, not washing it enough can leave icky germs and bacteria on your skin, which can lead to a greasy appearance, not to mention breakouts.
After washing your beard, you can also use a small amount of beard softener or conditioner to enhance your results. You can also use the conditioner on its own, even if it's not time to wash your beard just yet.
Beard Oil
Beard oil is a great way to smooth flyaway hairs and keep your beard well-moisturized. Apply it right after you get out of the shower, when your pores are still open and ready to accept all the nourishing ingredients it contains. You can also add a few drops to your beard after each trim to keep it nice and smooth.
Our Organic Beard Oil will keep your beard healthy and manageable, preventing dryness, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Its clean, fresh scent is invigorating and its ingredients (including argan, jojoba, and grapeseed oils) are proven to replenish moisture levels, improve scalp circulation, and stimulate hair follicles.
Beard Cream
Beard cream (or balm) helps you control and shape your facial hair. Use this when you're ready to style it for the day and remember that a little bit goes a long way.
Beard Comb
Every time you comb your beard, you're helping to spread and distribute its natural oils. Not only does this step keep those wiry hairs well-moisturized, but it also gently exfoliates the skin underneath. Try to brush your beard every day after you shower, and any time you need to detangle and smooth it down.
When you're ready to take your beard care seriously, toss the tiny plastic combs and get our Wooden Beard Comb instead. Crafted to glide smoothly throughout your beard, it evenly distributes oils without snagging or tangling.
Put These Beard Care Tips Into Practice
Rockstar beards don't happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and the right regimen to grow yours out and keep it looking its best. Proper beard care requires products and tools that are meant to nourish and protect your beard from the inside out.
Take the time to clean, moisturize, brush, and pamper your beard on a daily basis. It might add a few extra minutes to your morning and evening routine, but the results will be more than worth it.
Looking for tools, tips, and products to keep your beard in great shape? Check out the rest of our beard care collections today!