Any man who has a beard will tell you that they can be something of a mission to keep in order. Just growing a beard is not necessarily in itself a problem, but keeping it looking its best can often be much more challenging than you might suppose. If you have a beard, then you will probably be aware of this. And if you are thinking of growing one, it is helpful to know what might lie ahead for you. There is actually a lot to bear in mind when it comes to grooming a beard, and it is worth learning as much as you can as soon as you can. In this article, we are going to take you through the four main stages of beard care. Let’s take a look.
Trimming
First of all, you need to remember the importance of keeping on top of the length. An unruly beard is not quite so attractive as one which has been properly tamed, and that is why this first stage is so important. You need to make sure that you are trimming it on a regular basis. You might also want to consider shaving any areas where you don’t want hair at all – for example, around the bottom of the neck or above the cheekbones. In these cases, an electric shaver might be best. Take a look at Manly Matters for more on this subject.
Washing
You can often tell an unwashed beard from quite a distance, and needless to say it doesn’t often look very attractive. If you find yourself leaving your beard, or not washing it at all, you might end up with a beard which is slightly greasy or even unpleasantly itchy. To avoid this, make sure you wash it regularly. Basically, treat it the same as hair – that is, wash it just as often, and use shampoo and conditioner just the same. This will ensure that you keep your beard in the best condition possible.
Combing
You might not have thought of this side of things, but combing can prove to be surprisingly important in looking after a beard. After all, proper regular combing ensures that your beard hairs do not get too tangled, which in turn keeps it looking healthy and stops it from being itchy, one of the main annoyances of having a beard. Make sure to comb it once a day if necessary, otherwise at least twice a week. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.
Oils & Balms
Once all that is done, all that is left now is to use any oils and balms which you might find necessary to keep your beard hair in great condition. There are a great many oils and balms out there, and it is well worth spending some time trying them out and seeing if you can find a favourite. Once you find one which seems to work well with your own hair, make sure you stick with it. Finding the right oils and balms can really make a huge difference to how healthy your beard looks and feels.