8 Tips for Beard Growth
Thinking of growing a beard? Read these top 8 tips. Although the basics of beard growing are fairly simple (just stop shaving the hair off) in reality it is a more involving process. This guide will get you started growing and caring for your own beard.
As for the profit part - well - you will profit from the way people respond to you. You will profit from linking back to your inner man (I can't believe I just typed that!)
As for the profit part - well - you will profit from the way people respond to you. You will profit from linking back to your inner man (I can't believe I just typed that!)
Tip #1
Don't shave
Although it seems obvious, this is the big one. Some time during the second week your skin will feel itchy, uncomfortable and your friends will be teasing your down and out look. Don't give up and start shaving; it does get easier, the itching will stop, your friends will get over it and grow to love the new bearded you.
Although it seems obvious, this is the big one. Some time during the second week your skin will feel itchy, uncomfortable and your friends will be teasing your down and out look. Don't give up and start shaving; it does get easier, the itching will stop, your friends will get over it and grow to love the new bearded you.
Tip #2
Choose a style you can live withLook in magazines and on beard websites to find a style that suits you. Load a picture of yourself, un-bearded, into a graphics or photograph program like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or GIMP and use the spray tool to add a beard style to your face.
Tip #3
I can't grow a beard
Most men can grow a beard of sorts, but it is a sad fact that some of us really can't manage to produce more than a thin layer of fluff on the cheeks. A goatee, soul patch or mutton chops are good choices if you find that your cheek hair isn't growing as fast as your chin hair. Do a Google images search for more ideas. Check out Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction for inspiration.
Most men can grow a beard of sorts, but it is a sad fact that some of us really can't manage to produce more than a thin layer of fluff on the cheeks. A goatee, soul patch or mutton chops are good choices if you find that your cheek hair isn't growing as fast as your chin hair. Do a Google images search for more ideas. Check out Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction for inspiration.
Tip #4
Let someone else style your beard, the first timeDon't touch your beard for at least 4 weeks, longer if your hair grows slowly. Look in the phone directory or online to find a barber or stylist who is willing to tackle a beard. Make sure they are experienced working with beards. Take along your ideas and pictures and be willing to listen to their opinion. Pay close attention to the way in which they style your beard, maybe next time you could do it yourself.
Tip #5
Buy a good beard trimmerBuying a good trimmer now will save you a lot of money in the long run. You can buy specialist beard trimmers but a good set of hair clippers will work just as well. You need to look out for adjustable length guides, these stop you cutting off more than you intended. Other features you may wish to go for are cordless and rechargeable trimmers; these allow you to trim your beard when you're away from the mains.
Tip #6
Keep it cleanDon't let food gather in your beard. It sounds obvious, but it bears repeating, don't let food gather in your beard! Egg yolk, bread crumbs and soup will be attracted to your beard like moths to a flame. Wash your beard using a quality shampoo and condition using a quality conditioner. You can buy specialist beard products, but my experience is that hair products are cheaper and work well.
Tip #7
Don't listen to other people
If you put on weight, change your hairstyle, buy new shoes, etc, most people will either say how nice your look or will keep their opinions to themselves. If you intend to grow a beard, don't expect people to be so kind. When it comes to facial hair, everyone has an opinion, and you're going to hear it whether you want to or not! Don't be disheartened when someone says that you look scruffy or unkempt. Don't be offended when someone asks if you put your head on upside down this morning. Don't become jaded when someone asks you if you've got something to hide. Jealousy is a terrible thing, and not everyone can grow beard.
If you put on weight, change your hairstyle, buy new shoes, etc, most people will either say how nice your look or will keep their opinions to themselves. If you intend to grow a beard, don't expect people to be so kind. When it comes to facial hair, everyone has an opinion, and you're going to hear it whether you want to or not! Don't be disheartened when someone says that you look scruffy or unkempt. Don't be offended when someone asks if you put your head on upside down this morning. Don't become jaded when someone asks you if you've got something to hide. Jealousy is a terrible thing, and not everyone can grow beard.
Tip #8
Enjoy your beard
Styling and grooming your own beard is a luxury that you should enjoy. Many bearded men, me included, have little hair up top and miss having something to style. Go crazy, try different styles, if it doesn't work, grow another. The best things in life are free, beards are better than free. Think off all the time you waste shaving every morning. A quick trim every 2 weeks and you're done. Watch the way people react to you in public, you'll soon notice a change.
Styling and grooming your own beard is a luxury that you should enjoy. Many bearded men, me included, have little hair up top and miss having something to style. Go crazy, try different styles, if it doesn't work, grow another. The best things in life are free, beards are better than free. Think off all the time you waste shaving every morning. A quick trim every 2 weeks and you're done. Watch the way people react to you in public, you'll soon notice a change.
Far from weird ... beard sites
Check some of these sites for good hints on growing a fine beard.
- All about beards
- A very comprehensive site with lots of photo galleries (don't let your wife see you looking at these alone - may be hard to explain your sudden interest in hairy men!)
- How to grow a beard
- A short funny link. Give you some of the insults you might expect to hear from chin baldies.
Beard photos from Flickr
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"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man"
Find beard trimmers on eBay
I've always used Babybliss hair trimmers - don't be tricked into spending a HUGE amount on a set of special beard trimmers. The only advantage might be an attatchment to trim hard to reach places.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Find beard trimmers on Amazon
Philips Norelco T980 Turbo Vacuum Trimmer
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Andis Professional 04710 T-Outliner Personal Trimmer
Amazon Price: $50.81 (as of 07/12/2009)
Wahl 79524-1001 Deluxe Chrome Pro with Multi-Cut Clipper & Trimmer, 27 Pieces
Amazon Price: $41.40 (as of 07/12/2009)
Let me know what you think about beards
Please, don't hold back. If you don't like beards - let everyone know. If you do like or have a beard, tell people about it ;0)
tandemonimom wrote...
I am a big fan of masculine facial hair! My husband has a good healthy growth. In fact, while we were dating (and he didn't have a beard), a bunch of the guys decided to have a beard-growing contest. He was already having to trim his while the others were still waiting for their to fill in! I'm sure that had something to do with why I said "yes." ;-) So five big, hairy stars for this lens!
Posted May 06, 2009
by potatoking
Hey, I'm a 37 year old primary school teacher living in Norfolk, UK.
I love reading, writing, walking the dogs, camping in the old camper van and a l... (more)
I love reading, writing, walking the dogs, camping in the old camper van and a l... (more)
