You woke up, looked at yourself in the mirror, and decided to take a journey that would change your appearance completely, from a guy to a mature man. Yes, you decided to grow a beard.
If this is your first time growing a beard, it will be exciting, but it will take a lot of patience and work.
Growing a beard for the first time can be very difficult, you are testing yourself: are you looking better mature or as a clean shaven guy?
This article is specifically made for guys who are growing a beard for the first time, by the end of this article you will understand the inside science of beard growth and what are common rookie mistakes you should avoid.
Why Should I Grow a Beard?
Growing a beard is more than just following a fashion trend or the latest style. It’s a way of making a statement and showing patience. Some people even consider it a special achievement (Why shouldn’t it be?!).
A beard can completely change how you look – Just look at picture above. Want to look older? – A beard can help with that.
Want to stand out? – A beard can make you unique.
For many guys with beards, having one boosts their confidence. But let’s be clear: Growing a beard isn’t easy, especially if it’s your first time, so get ready to learn and face the challenges.
Starting Your First Beard: What You Should Know
Growing a beard is like embarking on a journey, and like any journey, there might be a few bumps along the way. Here are some typical challenges that people new to beard-growing often run into:
- Impatience: Keep in mind that great things take time. Just like Eiffel tower wasn’t built in a day, a fantastic beard needs time to flourish. Avoid the temptation to trim or shape it too early. Let it grow for at least a month before you start shaping it seriously.
- Caring for Your Skin: Don’t forget about the skin beneath your beard. While you’re excited about your new facial hair, your skin still needs attention. Regularly clean and moisturize the skin under your beard to keep it healthy.
- Choosing the Right Products: Not all products are suitable for your beard. Hair shampoos, for instance, might not be good for your beard’s natural oils, and hair conditioners could be too heavy. Opt for products designed specifically for beards.
- Trimming Caution: Many beginners trim their beards too much, fearing they’ll look unkempt. Be patient and let your beard grow a bit before shaping and trimming. A single wrong cut could set your progress back. If you’re unsure about trimming, seek help from a professional barber.
How to Properly Trim a Beard
Trim your Fast-Growing Hairs
Trim your fast-growing hairs to allow space for slower-growing ones. This helps remove split or damaged hairs, making your beard look healthier early on. Even with a mostly bare beard, you’ll appear well-groomed.
Start with a Good Beard Trimmer
It’s the only way to shape your beard correctly! Despite purists’ objections, trimming and shaving are essential for a decent beard.
To grow a full beard: clean up your cheekbones and lower neck
Shave patchy areas on the cheekbones to enhance their appearance, just like makeup highlights accentuate a woman’s cheekbones.
Consider classic shaving for your neck and cheeks.
It provides a better shave and is more cost-effective than cartridge shaving once you have the equipment.
Facial Hygiene: Tips For Healthy Beard
Taking care of your beard means looking after the skin beneath it too. This skin plays a big role in how your beard grows and stays healthy. Good facial hygiene can give you a thicker, better beard, stop skin irritation, and prevent bad smells.
Here’s how to keep your facial skin healthy:
Beard Grooming : Tips And Tricks For Healthy And Attractive Beard
Clean Regularly
Washing your face often gets rid of dirt and oil that can block your pores and slow down beard growth. Use a Beard & Face Wash to keep your skin’s natural oils balanced.
Exfoliate
This step is important but sometimes forgotten. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, helping your pores stay clear and your beard grow better. Try a gentle scrub or an exfoliating tool once or twice a week.
Moisturize
Your skin needs moisture just like your beard does. Using a light moisturizer keeps your skin healthy and helps your beard grow well. Make sure the moisturizer won’t clog your pores.
Healthy Lifestyle
What you eat and how you live affects your beard too. Eating a balanced diet with vitamins and proteins helps hair grow. Regular exercise helps blood flow, which gives your hair what it needs to grow.
Other Factors That Affect Beard Growth
Genetics: Family traits determine hair growth, including facial hair. Genetics also influence hair texture. Some people may not grow much facial hair due to genetic inheritance.
Ethnicity: Origin plays a role in physical appearance. Certain ethnicities tend to have thicker facial hair, while others, like Chinese men, may have less facial hair growth.
Age: Facial hair usually starts growing around 18, but timing varies. Some get a full beard early, while others might take until around 30 to achieve full growth.
Hormones: Testosterone drives facial hair growth. Low testosterone can hinder beard growth, while excessive levels can lead to increased facial and body hair growth.
Diet Impact: Adequate calorie intake and proper nutrition are vital for beard growth. Inadequate calories or a lacking nutritious diet can hinder the beard growth process.
Products For Maintaining Beard
- Beard Oil: Beard oil moisturizes both your facial hair and the skin underneath, reducing itching and promoting healthy growth. It also adds a pleasant scent and a subtle sheen to your beard.
- Beard Balm: Beard balm provides more hold than oil and helps tame unruly facial hair.
- It also offers moisture and can help style your beard while keeping it manageable.
- Beard Shampoo: Regular shampoo can be harsh on facial hair and the sensitive skin beneath.
- A specialized beard shampoo cleanses without stripping natural oils, preventing dryness and irritation.
- Beard Conditioner: Beard conditioner helps soften and detangle your facial hair, making it more manageable.
- It also adds moisture and prevents beard hair from becoming too coarse.
- Beard Comb and Brush: A beard comb or brush helps distribute products evenly, detangles hair, and trains your beard to grow in the desired direction. It also gives your beard a neater appearance.
Regularly wash and condition your beard, trim it to maintain shape, and use a comb or brush to prevent tangles.
Yes, you can dye your beard to change its color. Choose a dye specifically designed for facial hair.
It’s better to use clippers designed for beards, as they offer finer control and prevent uneven trimming.
Not always; beard hair can be slightly different in color than your head hair.
Related Article: Hair Gel On A Beard
