If the dropping temperatures of fall and winter along with the irresistible opportunity to wear rugged boots and flannels have you feeling like it’s time to get scruffy, then look no further for your ultimate beard guide. Whether we’re talking about a face full of hair, or a five o’clock shadow, a beard is just about the most on-trend accessory you can rock this season.
A truly epic beard takes an average of four to six weeks to grow in. This allows the hairs on your face to grow in evenly and help you pick a style that suits their length and thickness. Your beard style should complement your face shape. If you have an oblong or oval face shape, trim your hairs closer on the underside of your chin, but leave a bit of length on your cheeks. If your face is round, create length by leaving more hair on your chin and less on your cheeks.
Sculpting and trimming are the essentials when it comes to keeping a well-groomed beard. If you want to sculpt super-close, there’s no alternative to a straight edge razor. A number of regular razors come with a single blade on the back for sculpting. Take a few extra seconds to add hot water to your shaving cream for an extra-smooth shave, and always go with the grain. Use a hot towel to open the pores before you sculpt and a cold towel—or a cold rinse—to close your pores after. This keeps ingrown hairs, redness, and nicks in check. Regular trimming will maintain your chosen shape. Using a quality trimmer with a number one guard, taper the hair on your neck starting just above your Adam’s apple. Trim near the top of your cheeks, if necessary, creating a line parallel to your jaw line. Lastly, comb down your mustache and trim any hairs that fall below your lip line using a pair of grooming scissors.
It’s important to maintain the appearance of your beard to keep it from looking grizzly and unruly. Make sure you scrub your beard several times each week, and gently pat it dry. An overzealous toweling can lead to frizz and split ends. And nothing tames a beard like the use of beard oil. Using Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Omega Repair & Moisture Daily Oil Elixir regularly will condition your facial hairs to make them softer and shinier. Wrangle any stubborn hairs with a daily rubdown using a comb or beard brush, training them to grow in a downward direction. Finally, to keep your mustache looking neat, trim the area above your lip with a pair of grooming scissors.
With the colder weather quickly approaching, a great beard will not only protect your face from the elements, but keep you looking totally on trend for the season. If you’re still a little un-sure if a beard is for you, remember that it doesn’t have to be permanent. It can be your favorite fall or winter accessory, or you might fall in love with it and keep it forever. Either way, a beard makes a definite statement and keeping it well-groomed will have you looking your best.