A well-groomed beard isn’t a coincidence, but it’s worth working on. The importance of beard maintenance.
We’re here to share what we know, but don’t consider it medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Index
For many people, growing a healthy beard takes time and commitment, and that includes dedicating oneself to daily care. Taking care of facial hair – as it grows and once it’s fully grown – may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re aiming for full, thick coverage or a bit of stubble, a little maintenance can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. If your goal is to have a clean and healthy beard that highlights your masculine style, you’re in the right place. Here we’ll tell you everything you need to know about beard care for beginners.
Helping your beard grow
One thing is growing a beard. Another thing is growing a healthy beard. But if having the beard of your dreams is on your wish list, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated is essential. This doesn’t mean that your body’s genetics and natural hormone levels aren’t part of it, but you might be able to help boost your hormones simply by eating well. Testosterone plays a role in facial hair growth, and having too little can negatively affect the length and fullness of your beard. Eating a balanced diet is important for overall health – including hormone health and beard health!
There’s also a good reason to stay calm and practice self-care, which should always be a priority: research suggests that testosterone levels decrease when the body is stressed, whether it’s psychological, physical, or actual stress (like surgery). Anticipatory stress – stress caused by anticipating a difficult or unpredictable event – can also lower testosterone levels.
Good beards start with good skin care
Growing a beard is just the first step. Having a “good beard” requires effort that includes beard and skin care. Beard products are designed to enhance the appearance of your beard, but they’re also meant to help take care of the skin beneath it. Just like a house needs a solid foundation, so do your facial hairs!
Here’s what you need to know about maintaining both long and short beards and the skin that provides the base for your beard.
Wash it regularly
Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs to be washed with more than just any old bar of soap. If you want to present your best bearded face, use a cleanser formulated for facial hair.
Shave correctly
Most people who grow a beard still need to shave. Always shave a clean face! You should do your best to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, and one way to do that is by taking a hot shower before shaving. After showering, use shaving cream to moisturize the skin before shaving.
Use beard oil
This step is optional, but it can help improve the texture and shine of your beard. Beard oil moisturizes the beard and the underlying skin, and it can also help prevent beard dandruff. But start slowly – you don’t need to use beard maintenance oil every day to have a healthy beard. And if you notice oily buildup, reduce the amount and frequency of application. Balance is key!
Style with beard balm
This step is also optional, but for many, shaping the beard is part of creating a distinctive style. (You comb your hair every day, so why not your beard, right?) Beard balms add volume and can help deodorize and retain moisture.
Here’s what Jake Swanson, a medical assistant at Curology, says about beard care:
Men with a medium or short beard can benefit from hydrating the area. A light gel moisturizer (like Curology or Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel moisturizer) might be just what you need to give the skin under your beard as well as the facial hair a little quick and simple attention. The light texture allows it to disperse through the hairs as you work it into the skin. This can be used similarly to beard oil. I suggest doing this right after your shower when the skin is still damp or after a light pass with a warm washcloth.
How to maintain a growing beard
Millennial man with thick beard. Here are some quick tips for keeping your beard well-trimmed as it grows:
Outline the neckline in a “U” shape
If you’re not growing a beard on your neck, create a line where your beard ends and your neck begins. Place your index and middle fingers together at the center of your neck to get the right position for the bottom of your beard. Imagine a “U” shape from there that connects to the back of each ear.
Fade your beard
Some people prefer to go to the barber for this, but you can also fade your beard in three simple steps to achieve a well-groomed, thick beard look.
Use clippers with the highest guard you prefer, the longest setting, to trim your entire beard.
Choose a guard two sizes below that to trim from the neckline one or two inches towards the jawline.
Use the guard with the medium length to fade the neckline from the lowest setting to the highest setting.
Relax your face to trim your mustache
Relax your face when trimming your mustache. This will help maintain a uniform mustache with all facial expressions and ensure you trim any stray hairs. Use mustache scissors and a beard comb; electric razors are usually too bulky for precision work.
Some do’s and don’ts of beards
Beards require some work, but it doesn’t have to take all day. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts for beard maintenance.
Do’s:
- Regularly clean your beard using a beard wash or beard shampoo and conditioner
- Maintain its shape by trimming it regularly
- Use the right grooming tools – a beard trimmer, beard brush, and shaping tool
Don’ts:
- Pick at ingrown hairs
- Use old or dirty tools or razors
- Use dull razors (ouch!)
Remember, a good beard starts with good skincare. Differentiating between pimples, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps can be tricky, but luckily, acne-fighting ingredients can actually help treat inflammation caused by ingrown hairs!
