Some of you might read this and think growing a beard is just as easy as growing our hair. Surely it just comes naturally? Well, this isn’t always the case. Many of us have attempted to grow the perfect beard and found that it just didn’t work out.
Maybe it just didn’t suit you, or it was just a little bit too patchy to class as a ‘proper’ beard. Do not worry, the second time round will be a breeze with our guide on how to grow a beard (properly).
Step 1: Start fresh
If you are looking to start growing a new beard, you need to start from nothing. So dig out your razor and take the time to have a good shave, and ensure your skin is treated well before you start to grow your beard.
We recommend that you prep your skin before you shave. You should wash your face with a cleansing face wash and exfoliate to cleanse skin and soften the hairs.
Applying pre-shave oil can soften the facial hair further and nourish the skin. Finally apply shaving cream and lather before going in with your blade. This pre shave routine will ensure you have the best possible shave and prep your skin perfectly for your beard.
Step 2: Fight the itch
Growing a beard can be quite annoying for the first few weeks, mainly because your beard can become a little itchy. The main cause of this is due to the daily accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells and dehydration of the skin.
It is important to remember, no matter how clean you keep your facial hair, natural irritation will occur but this will not last forever, so be patient and fight the itch.
We advise that you use a beard moisturiser and beard oil to reduce the itchiness and to keep the skin hydrated, but the main thing to remember is that the itchiness will leave.
Some people love the benefit of beard oils, but do not like how they can leave the beard looking slightly shiny and, well, oily. If this is the case, we would advise you apply some before bed, to let it soak in overnight. This way you will get the benefit from the oil but your beard will look great.
Step 3: Find the perfect shape
It is very tempting when you see someone on the street with the perfect beard shape to go home and hack away at your beard. But it is important to remember not everyone has the same face shape, so that style of beard might not look the same on you.
Have a look though some photos of different beard styles and then talk to a barber about what they think will suit you best. After you’ve done that, you’ll know exactly where you need to go from there and how much longer you need to grow your beard for.
Once you feel your beard is long enough its time to run back to the your barber and get it groomed into the perfect shape for you.
Step 5: Keep the good work up
Once you have your beard in the perfect shape, try and remember that it will keep growing, so you need to make sure you keep on top of it. We recommend you visit your favourite barber for regular beard trims. This way you can maintain your beard and keep it looking perfect.
Maintain your beard at home by using specialist shampoos and conditioners to cleanse and soften the hair. Keep it well groomed with a beard comb and the use of beard oil.