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Growing a beard can be an expression of freedom, but it’s also a commitment. Beards don’t take care of themselves any more than your lawn or your nails. They need a bit of upkeep.
If you don’t pay any attention to your beard, pretty soon, you’re going to look like a Yogi from the Himalayas…
Whether you’re just past the stubble stage or trying to tame a 2-foot mass, here are some beard care tips –
Grow It Better ~ Fight through the itch. This is the point where the faint-hearted give up. If you stick with it, it gets better after a few weeks.
Let it grow ~ Wait a few months before trying to shape a beard. Even if you plan to keep it short and close to the face in the long run, shaping and trimming a beard too early is a common rookie mistake — a mistake that can take weeks or months to fix.
“Let it get a little wild at first, Once you have about an inch or an inch and a half, then let your imagination flow, to shape it, that is.”
Know when to give up ~ It’s a hard truth, but not all guys can grow a beard. It’s just a matter of genetics. If it’s been two or three months, and it’s still patchy and scraggly, it’s not going to get better. Let it go!! Shave it off, and move on.
Anyway, now you’ve got your beard. How do you take care of it??
Shampoo ~ Lots of guys don’t wash their beards — or if they do, they use the bar soap they’d use on their armpits. Really bad idea. You’ll dry out your beard and the skin beneath. Rather, shampoo at least a few times a week. Use a moisturizing shampoo to prevent the hair from getting brittle and pokey (think broomstick).
Condition your beard ~A thick, heavy-duty conditioner to keep your beard from getting too wiry. Let the conditioner sit there. Consider the leave-in kind that you don’t have to rinse out. Use products ~ (if you want). Whatever you rub into your beard is bound to get on your skin too. Use products that are non-comedogenic. That means they won’t clog your pores and cause eruptions. Trim it ~ Even if you grow your beard long, trim every two months. It’s like getting rid of split ends in your hair. If you’re keeping it short, trim your beard every few weeks or so.
Have the right tools ~ an electric trimmer is fine for the edge of your beard on your face. But for shaping the bulk, scissors and a comb are recommended. If you’re using scissors, you’re not as likely to cut off too much by accident.
Keep It Healthy What else can help your beard look and feel good?
Eat a healthy diet ~ There are no special foods that will improve beard growth. A balanced, healthy diet is good in general for hair and skin. What about supplements? Some people say that biotin, a B complex vitamin, strengthens hair. However, there’s no strong evidence showing it helps. Always check with a doctor before starting any daily supplement. Sleep ~ One study found that losing sleep could slow down beard growth. So if you want a healthy, full beard, go get your ZZZs. Eat with care ~ How do you keep your lunch out of your beard? Small bites, wiping your face after each one. Always ask for extra napkins at restaurants.
Of course, some of this beard-grooming advice might seem too fussy. Maybe the very idea of beard care contradicts your manly man ideal?
You have to take care of your beard. Beards have a strong presence. They’re the first thing that any person sees when they meet you. Grooming the beard is worth the effort!!
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