A great-looking beard doesn’t just happen. That is why most men give up and go back to being clean-shaven when their beards start to look straggly. It requires patience to get your beard to its perfect state and to maintain it. But the effort is well worth it when the compliments start rolling in. Here’s what you need to know.
Keeping Your Beard Clean
Beards attract food and dirt. Dead skin cells also get trapped and need to be removed. If you don’t wash it regularly, it is going to look and feel terrible. A clean beard is less likely to itch as it grows.
You wash your face daily, but soap and water won’t cut it for a beard. Only use products specifically for beards as your hair and skin on top of your head are very different from facial skin and hair. Ask your barber to recommend a good shampoo and conditioner and stick to the regime they give you. This is usually once or twice a week for a shampoo and once a month for conditioner, or more frequently in the dry winter months.
Use patting motions with a clean towel to dry your beard. Avoid rubbing and pulling it.
Beard Oil
Beard oil must be applied daily, directly after a shower, and combed through. Water from the shower will help to retain moisture. Use natural products, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Spread a few drops of oil on your hands and work it evenly through your moustache and beard. The longer or thicker your beard, the more oil you need to use. If you find that once a day leaves your beard too oily, you can cut back to every second day.
The application of beard oil will promote softer, fuller facial hair. It helps to keep your beard tangle-free and flowing in the right direction.
Choosing Your Style
It takes about four weeks before your beard is ready to be cut and shaped into the desired style. If you have been taking proper care of it, a professional cut will be shown to its best advantage. Get a good cut from a dedicated beard stylist, such as a men’s barber shop in Walsall. This will make all the difference to the result. Be sure to choose a style that complements the shape of your face.
Maintaining Your Style
You will need the right tools for the job. A shaping tool allows you to remove excess hair with a trimmer. Start with the biggest comb length and go shorter if you need to. You need to shave upwards against the grain. Remove stray hairs and trim your neckline. Comb your beard with a specially designed beard brush. Don’t forget to brush your moustache.
Watch some videos to help you with trimming and maintaining your beard. If you cannot get the hang of it, the only other way to have a good-looking beard is a weekly visit to your barber. So, it is worth mastering the techniques.
When styling your beard, beard balm can be applied. You shouldn’t use your beard oil on the days you use your beard balm. Beard balm helps prevent itching and dandruff.
Once you get into a routine, you will find taking care of your beard is a pleasurable task.