Manage the Length
Growing a beard is about so much more than a decision to do so. There are many characteristics of a long beard that can remain constant, regardless of the style of facial hair being grown. One of the most important aspects of keeping your beard down is managing the length of the beard on the face. This can be done in various ways, including trimming and using various creams and oils.
Trimming is one of the most important ways to maintain the length of your facial hair and keep it looking neat and styled. It is important to understand the growth of facial hair and recognize the right time to trim. Generally the hair should be trimmed to a desired length every two weeks. For example, if you are aiming to create a bandholz beard, you will need to trim different areas of the beard as it grows in order to achieve the desired shape and length.
Often neglected, applying beard oil and balm can also be crucial for hair growth. These help to keep the hair nourished and hydrated, promoting growth and helping to give the beard a fuller look. The ideal beard routine involves washing, setting, and conditioning the beard regularly. This should be done with a beard shampoo and conditioner, which are specifically formulated for facial hair health and growth.
Beard oils contain essential oils, which are beneficial for skin and hair growth. Oils such as jojoba, argan, and marula are all influential in promoting hair growth and help to nourish the skin at the same time. Beard balms are also incredibly useful as they help to soften and style the hair, create a denser look and help counter dryness and itchiness that can be prevalent with longer, thicker beards.
There are some key styling tips that should also be taken into consideration for unruly beards. Combing and brushing your beard every day is essential for reducing split ends and helping the hair lay down. This will help to reduce the chances of hairs getting tangled or creased. It is important to use a wide-toothed comb or brush made specifically for facial hair, as these will help to evenly distribute the oils and balms.
Finally, it is important to invest in quality products made specifically for beard care, as this will help to keep the beard healthy and looking glossy. Investing in good scissors and a comb is also an important step, as it allows for greater precision when trimming and styling the beard.
Change up your Routine
Changing up the beard care routine can be an effective way of managing and maintaining the length of your beard. Every two to three weeks, switch out the products you use to maintain your beard. For example, rather than the same beard oil, vary the types and switch to a different one every month. This will help prevent the hair follicles from getting used to one product, and help give the hair a lift and a healthier look.
Investing in a quality beard styling brush is crucial for those wishing to maintain their beard’s length and shape. Using a grooming tool which can detangle facial hair and even distribute natural hair oils is essential for longer beards as it will help give the beard a smoother and sleeker look. It is also important to note that it is best to opt for boar bristle brushes in order to maintain a well-groomed and glossy beard.
Managing your beard’s length also involves following a sensible diet. Eating a diet rich in protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats will help to promote beard growth. Vitamin A, B6, C, E, and Biotin are also crucial for healthy hair growth and should be included in your diet plan. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated as this helps beard hair maintain its strength and shine.
It is also helpful to regular check-in with a professional barber who can advise on the length and shape of the beard and take into account factors such as face shape and skin type. This is particularly important for those looking to mastering a signature look or those looking for a more detailed approach to beard grooming.
Switch out the Products
Switching out the products used for beard grooming is essential for keeping a long beard in check. Different products should be rotated, such as balms, oils and gels that can help to shape and soften the hair. Standard shampoos and conditioners are often too harsh, so it is best to opt for those formulated specifically for facial hair.
Beard products are often made up of natural oils and waxes which help to moisturize and protect the beard. A good beard oil will often contain a blend of several high-quality carrier oils such as grape seed, jojoba and argan oils. In addition to these, essential oils such as cedarwood, lavender and rosemary are often incorporated as they help to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
Those who want to keep their beard length sleek and manageable should opt for a beard balm that contains wax which will help to create a denser, fuller look. Additionally, it is important to note that beard butters are another essential product for those looking for a thicker and longer beard, as they often contain a blend of oils and waxes that can help to add volume and nourish the skin underneath.
Distribute Natural Oils
Everyday brushing and combing can help to evenly distribute natural oils throughout the hair and stimulate growth from the root. This is essential for those with longer beards, as it will reduce split ends, tangles and creases which can all result in an undesired unkempt look.
Brushing and combing regularly is also beneficial for the health of the hair follicles, as it helps to create a cleaner environment in which the hair can grow and flourish. It is important to note that it is best to brush and comb before applying the balm or oil, as this will help to ensure the product is evenly distributed throughout the hair.
The type of brush or comb used is crucial for managing the length of a long beard, therefore opting for good quality tools will ensure careful grooming and styling of the beard. Quality boar bristle brushes are usually considered the best as they help to evenly distribute natural oils and balms throughout the hair and make the beard look healthy and glossy.
Massage for a Sleeker Look
Massaging the beard is an important part of the grooming routine. This helps to maintain softness and shape the beard in order to achieve a desired look. It is important to remember to use a light touch while massaging the beard, as using too much pressure can lead to damage and make the beard look unruly.
In addition to brushing and combing, lightly massaging the beard with a quality oil helps to condition the hair and produce a sleek shape. Massaging with oil is particularly important for those with beards that are long and wiry, as these tend to be more prone to becoming tangled and matted.
Frequent massaging can also be helpful when it comes to minimizing ingrown hairs, as this helps to promote blood circulation, allowing the hairs to naturally exit the pores and grow freely. Follicular bacteria can also build up quite quickly in longer beard due to inadequate maintenance, therefore massaging the beard regularly is essential for helping to keep it clean and free from potentially harmful impurities.
Apply an Exfoliating Mask
Treating the skin underneath the beard is also integral for maintaining length and shape. Unlike the hair, which is relatively easy to keep clean, the skin underneath the beard can often become flaky and dry, leading to an undesired unkempt look.
Applying an exfoliating mask to the skin can help to cleanse the skin and remove impurities, promoting skin health and in turn helping to keep the facial hair looking full and glossy. Exfoliating masks are also incredibly beneficial for relieving itchiness and dryness often associated with longer beards.
Moisturizers are also great for those with longer beards, as they can help to maintain elasticity and suppleness of the beard hair, reducing the appearance of split ends. Many moisturizers and conditioners also have additional benefits such as offering sun protection, which is essential for facial hair health and growth.
Use Anti-Frizz Solutions
Anti-frizz solutions are particularly useful for all types of facial hair, but can be especially helpful for those with longer beards. These products often contain proteins and ceramides which help to seal split ends and smooth the hair, resulting in a longer, thicker, and more manageable beard.
Many anti-frizz solutions are made using natural, lightweight ingredients such as panthenol, which help to lightly coat the hair and keep it looking glossy. Furthermore, many of these products also contain vitamins, minerals, and natural oils which are excellently nurturing and protective for facial hair health and growth.
Using anti-frizz serums and oils regularly will help to keep the hair looking healthy, supple and glossy. It is important to remember, however, to only use a small amount at a time, as using too much can leave the hair feeling greasy and weighed down.
Look After the Hair Underneath
Neglecting to look after the hair beneath the beard can have damaging consequences. Doing proper maintenance on the facial hair, including washing and conditioning, brushing and combing, applying masks and moisturizers, and using styling tools and products can be essential for keeping the beard looking sleek and the skin hydrated.
One should also avoid brushing against the hair grain, as this will create a matted, unkempt look. As a general rule, brushing the beard from the sideburns to the cheeks and from the chin to the neck will help to keep it looking neat and reduce the chances of any unwanted creases.
Finally, using warm water when washing helps to open the pores and release built-up dirt which can impede growth and create an undesired unkempt look. It is important to note, however, that using hot water can cause dryness and discomfort, so it is best to opt for lukewarm temperatures.
