Growing a beard for the first time seems so simple, right? All you need to do is stop shaving, and let the facial hair over time. But for some men, growing their beard is one of the toughest challenges in life. So if you’re growing a beard for the first time, it can be helpful to keep in mind some things. Here are our best tips & tricks to help you get everything done right from the get-go.
1. Consider the shape of your face when growing a beard.
Beards won’t only change the shape of your face but will also help you achieve a highly-desired look. With a good, clean beard, you could easily stand out from the crowd. But before doing anything, see if you have the shape of a face that can benefit from a long and thick beard.
One thing to remember is that a beard could make your chin look leaner and longer. If your cheeks are a bit too round, aim for a beard that is long and structured to create defined jawlines. A pretty skinny guy? It’s better to grow a beard that involves balanced growth on the face, including the cheeks. That can make your face look more oval—the most desirable face shape.
2. Determine your beard goal, but be realistic.
There are plenty of different beard styles to choose from. As mentioned, one thing you can aim for is a beard length or style that best suits your face shape. Sure, you can go for a beard look that you want, but keep in mind that facial hairs don’t always grow out in certain directions.
If your beard is patchy and has a unique growth pattern, then you’ll want to lower your expectations. And you might need to learn to trim it intentionally as it grows to keep it structured.
3. Be patient and let it grow for at least 60 days.
Patience is a virtue—even when it comes to growing a beard for the first time. You might think that it’s never going to happen or that you haven’t met your goal yet. But if you keep at it, you might one day wake up and realise that the outcome has been worthwhile.
Just a heads-up: When your whiskers grow out, it might feel uncomfortable as it starts to itch. Use a stubble balm to soothe the itch and soften the shorter hairs. Also, you can apply the balm to ensure the skin under the beard is moisturised as dryness is also common with new beards.
4. Plan your beard lines for a more defined appearance.
Yes, you should just let your beard grow. Still, you need to keep the beard lines crisp as your facial hair grows out to start creating its final form. Remember that there’s a fine line between an intentionally long beard and just a bunch of wild growth—and it all comes down to the neck. Some men prefer a higher neckline, which can be about an inch above their Adam’s apple. Others, however, like a slightly lower neckline.
Imagine a “U” from ear to ear, with the bottom part hitting where you want the neckline to fall. Then, use a reliable trimmer or razor to shave below it. Pro tip: when you look straight at the mirror, you shouldn’t see any untrimmed hair below your chin. You should do the same for your cheeks. Keep them free of unsightly hairs creeping up from the middle section of your beard.
5. Don’t forget to apply a few nourishing products.
If you’re the type of person who wants to take their beard seriously, then you should pick up a few proper beard care products. For instance, high-quality beard oil can give your hair the right nutrients (plus a pinch of shine) while making your facial hair easier to tame. You can also apply beard balm or cream, especially for coarse areas.
You’ll want to do your beard maintenance routine every day, even if you’re not trimming your beard (which you might have to do every two weeks or so). That way, you can keep your beard looking good and healthy—as if you didn’t grow it for the first time.