Knowing how to properly look after a beard is tricky, let the ultimate guide to beards put your mind at ease with in-depth hints and tips.
How should a man take care of his beard at home?
Beard hair is often neglected, but just like the hair on your head, it requires a degree of care and attention to keep it looking and feeling its best. In fact, given the proximity to your mouth, it’s not unusual for food debris to find its way in there, so it’s as essential that you keep it clean for hygiene reasons as for aesthetic ones.
Wash your beard as often as necessary using a mild shampoo – a couple of times a week is a minimum. Once finished, pat dry with a towel. We also recommend investing in a good beard comb and oil. Brush through a few times per week to keep any knots and tangles at bay – the longer your beard, the more often you should do it. Afterwards, massage a few drops of oil through the hair and into the skin beneath it to moisturise, soften and condition.
What is the difference when we go to a barber? (massages, better professional products, etc).
Nowadays, you can get hold of all of the professional products you might need from the comfort of your own home. However, this doesn’t negate the need for a trip to the barber shop. A good, old-fashioned wet shave yields great results, and whatever the type of beard you choose to wear, you’re going to need regular tidy-ups around the edges to keep it looking sharp. While many men have now mastered the art of wet shaving, a large percentage still prefer to leave it to the professionals, and there’s a lot to be said for lying back and letting someone else do the work every once in a while. A good pampering session is good for the soul.
What should a man never do with his beard?
There’s not a lot that you can’t try, but we definitely wouldn’t advise dyeing your beard hair! It’s very important to give it the care and attention it needs, and you should never neglect the skin underneath, as doing so can result in flakiness and spots.`
If a man wants to grow his beard, what should he take into account (any special product recommended for the growing, brushing, etc.)?
As mentioned, the best type of beard for a man to grow will depend somewhat on his face shape, but even so, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. It’s worth noting, however, that not everyone is cut out to grow a beard, so if you find that your stubble is sparse then it might not be the right choice for you. Many men grow only a small amount of facial hair, while others suffer from patchy growth, and realistically, it’s better to go clean-shaven than to grow a bad beard.
Are there different kinds of beard? Do any of them require caring for differently (curly beards, weak beards, etc)?
The thicker and longer your beard, the more time you will need to spend on caring from it. It’ll need combing and conditioning more often, as well as tidying around the edges. Those with curlier beards might find it useful to use a pomade to style, as this is a good way to tame any frizz and flyaways.
