Get The Right Look For Work
Your workplace may have different requirements when it comes to facial hair. It could be an office setting that requires no facial hair whatsoever or a more relaxed workplace that allows for an occasional beard for days like Movember or beards for cold weather. But regardless of your workplace’s stance on facial hair, you can still hide your beard if the need arises. Here are some tips on how to disguise and manage a beard while at work.
The Right Haircut
If you’re looking to go completely clean-shaven in order to look professional while at work, it’s important to get a proper haircut. Choose a haircut that will emphasize your natural facial features, and one that will suit the style of the workplace you’re in. Consider if you work in a formal office, if you work in a creative field, or if you work in an outdoor setting.
A good barber will be able to advise you on a cut that’s appropriate for your workplace. Ask your barber for their professional recommendation, and remember to book regular appointments to keep your look neat.
Beard Length & Maintenance
If you want to maintain a professional look while keeping the beard, choose a length and shape that will flatter your style. If you’re wearing a uniform, keep it neat and clean – that includes trimming away any rogue hairs.
Longer beards require more maintenance, so keep in mind the requirements of your workplace when choosing a length for your beard. If you’re required to keep it neat and tidy or if you can grow it out longer, you’ll want to figure this out before you commit to any particular length. Keeping the beard growing and trimming it regularly will help keep its shape and maintain the look you’re going for.
Products & Tools
When it comes to maintaining a neat beard for work, finding the right products is key. Good quality wax, balm or crème will keep your beard moisturized, healthy and help you to control it when styling.
You will also want to invest in some good quality tools like scissors, a comb and a razor to groom your beard. Maintaining your tools is important as regular wear and tear can naturally dull the blades, which can lead to scratching and bad grooming habits. Investing in a good quality razor and blades, along with regular maintenance of your tools, will help you to achieve a sharp and crisp look.
Covering Up
If you’re working in a professional or outdoor setting, or if you just really don’t want to show off your facial hair, there are some ways to cover it up. Bandanas, scarves, surgical masks and other pieces of clothing can be used to cover your beard and keep it hidden.
Just make sure that you are wearing something that is appropriate for the workplace, and that it won’t impede your ability to work. Wearing a scarf at the office or a surgical mask outdoors may not be appropriate for all situations, so be aware of the workplace culture and environment before deciding to cover your beard up.
Be Additional Professional
Besides wearing the right haircut, maintaining a neat beard and covering up when needed, taking care of your skin is also important if you want to achieve an additional professional look. Clear up any existing skin issues like acne or throw away old grooming products if they’re expired. Be sure to replace them regularly with products that are best suited for your skin type.
In addition, keep your face clean by washing it regularly with a mild cleanser and moisturizing it with a hydrating product. It’s also important to exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and flaky residue.
Grooming Habits For Work
When preparing for work, groom your beard with a brush or comb and your grooming tools. Use a trimmer to keep your beard at a consistent length, and a razor to shape your beard and create the look you’re going for. If you use wax, balm or crème make sure you apply it before you leave the house and use a hairdryer to help style your beard.
When you arrive to work, use a brush or comb to ensure that your beard looks neat and tidy. If needed, apply some product to give it a little bit of shine. Again, use a hairdryer to lock in the shape you’ve created and make sure it’s looking crisp.
Alternative Grooming Products For Work
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative to traditional grooming products, there are plenty of non-toxic options available. Natural oils like jojoba, argan, coconut and almond oil are rich in Vitamin E, making them great for softening and nourishing hair.
You can also try using wax or balm with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter and cocoa butter. All of these ingredients help to soften, condition and style your beard without harsh chemicals.
Making The Most Of What You Have
It’s always important to present yourself in the best way possible for work, but it’s also important to make the most of what you have and work with your facial hair. Grow it out, shape it or simply wear it proudly. Little things like a well-groomed beard or a sharp haircut can go a long way in giving you a polished and professional look.
Using Alternatives To Trimming
Although trimming is the go-to method for keeping your beard neat and tidy, it isn’t always the best option. If your beard’s length is an issue, you can try using alternative methods to keep it under control. There are several different types of products available such as beard fibers, waxes, and balms that can help you shape and style your beard without having to trim it.
These products should be able to hold your beard in place, so you don’t have to worry about it coming loose during the day. If you’re looking for a more natural alternative, you can also try using natural oils like jojoba, argan, coconut, and almond oil. Just be sure to use a light hand, as these oils can weigh down your beard and make it look greasy.
Using Moderation In All Things
No matter how much you enjoy having a beard, you should always be mindful of the image you project in the workplace. Keeping moderation in mind while styling your beard will help you maintain a professional, yet stylish look.
Beards can help give you a more distinguished, mature look, but too much of anything can be detrimental. Make sure to keep your beard trimmed and groomed to help maintain the look you’re going for, and ensure that it won’t get in the way of your work.
Enhance Your Image With Accessories
If you don’t want to hide your beard but still need to project an appropriate image for work, you can try incorporating accessories into your look. Everyone’s tastes are different, but there are certain accessories available that would suit any workplace.
Try wearing a hat or a scarf to draw attention away from your hair, or add a pair of cufflinks to dress up your look. A pocket square or a tie clip can also add a bit of sophistication to your outfit, while a pocket watch provides an interesting element to your look.
Long Term Grooming Practices For Your Beard
Maintaining a professional look at work begins with proper grooming practices. Invest in the right tools and use the right products to achieve the look you’re going for.
Trim your beard regularly and use the appropriate products for your skin type to ensure that it stays healthy and hydrated. Gently comb or brush your beard often, this will not only help keep it tangle free, but will also help to train it to grow in the direction you want.
Use natural oils as an alternative to traditional grooming products, as they are typically gentler on your skin and beard. Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin regularly to keep it healthy and to prevent any skin issues.
Changing Your Look Through The Seasons
Different seasons call for different looks, and you can change the appearance of your beard accordingly. Grow it out in the winter and keep it neat and tidy in the summer.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can also try dyeing or bleaching your beard. This is a great way to change up your look to match the season and to express your personal style. Just remember to use a gentle colourant that’s free of harsh chemicals and to consult an experienced barber if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Long Term Solutions For Facial Hair
If your facial hair is causing too much of a hassle or is never quite long enough to style the way you want, you may want to consider more permanent solutions like electrolysis or laser hair removal. These treatments can help minimize the amount of time and effort you need to spend grooming your beard for work.
Just keep in mind that electrolysis and laser hair removal are both long-term solutions, so it’s best to consult a professional before committing to any particular method.
