“Are you too lazy to shave?” Whether your facial hair is unruly peach fuzz or a finely polished beard, chances are you’ve heard this question. “The assumption that having a beard is just a sign of laziness is misleading; maintaining a beard requires considerable effort,” states Ian Daburn, owner of Vancouver’s Barber & Co.
Growing
As you embark on your beard-growing journey, patience is key. After about two weeks, you may feel some itchiness, which is a good sign! Shaving creates sharp edges at the ends of hair, and as they grow out, they can irritate the skin. This discomfort will subside as your beard lengthens and moves away from your face.
To foster healthy beard growth, start your mornings by washing your stubble with a quality cleanser or natural soap to eliminate dirt and oils. It is best to avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, like sodium lauryl sulphate, as they can contribute to skin irritation.
Grooming
“Beards develop at the same pace as your hair, so trimming is vital for maintaining a healthy appearance,” Daburn asserts. If you’re daring enough to embrace the full “Yeard”—the untrimmed beard—then you can forgo regular shaping.
Approximately a month in, or when your beard reaches about an inch (2.5 cm), start shaping it with quality clippers or scissors. Since individual facial hair growth patterns vary, the amount of trimming needed at the cheeks, neckline, and moustache will differ for everyone.
For the cheek line, just trim the stray hairs above the main growth.
When addressing the neckline, begin just above the Adam’s apple, creating a natural line behind the jawbone.
For the moustache, if it impedes eating, use scissors to trim it along your lip’s natural line, carefully removing just the overgrown bits.
Taming
Employing the right products and combs to manage your growing beard is what differentiates the casual wearer from the dedicated beard aficionado.
Soaps
Regularly washing your beard is essential, as it can trap impurities. Opt for beard soaps enriched with natural oils, kaolin clay, and botanicals, like lavender and anise, for effective cleansing and protection.
Oils
Similar to your scalp, facial hair can also suffer from dandruff. Natural beard oils made from ingredients like hempseed and organic sesame help to soothe the skin beneath the beard and offer a pleasant scent.
Balms and Waxes
These products assist in managing and styling your facial hair. Beard balm is typically milder than wax, so opt for one with a high argan oil content for added strength and softness. For firmer control, use a natural wax composed of beeswax, nut butters, and botanical ingredients.
Combing
Choose a comb crafted from natural horn or wood instead of plastic. For shorter beards, select combs with narrow teeth, while those with longer beards should use wider-teethed combs, especially when applying wax or balm. Always remember to comb gently, as your beard is delicate.
With countless styles to choose from, determine which beard look complements you best. Whether your pride lies in a pointed goatee, charming muttonchops, or a full yeard, the key is to meticulously care for, groom, and tame your facial companion. After all, it’s front and center on your face.
As your beard grows, so do the number of barbershops. Research and treat yourself to a professional trim to learn how to properly shape your burgeoning masterpiece.
Movember Moustaches
As November arrives, the Movember Foundation encourages men to cultivate moustaches to start conversations and fundraise for men’s health initiatives, notably prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues. To put a fun twist on these serious matters, consider sporting one of these popular moustache styles:
For more information or to get involved, visit ca.movember.com
