Here's how to grow a beard properly.
We hear it all the time: "I can't grow a beard. Believe me, I really tried."
Well, trust us, you can. Here are the 6 biggest beard-growing mistakes—and how to avoid them. You'll have the beard of your dreams in no time (unless, of course, you naturally have no beard or very, very sparse beard growth).
1. You don’t give your beard enough time to grow
On average, beards grow about half a centimeter per month. However, you should keep in mind that your beard may grow slower or faster depending on your genetic predisposition, and not all parts of your beard will grow at the same rate. Initially, some areas will look full, while others will be more patchy.
At this point, some men give up, thinking they don't have the genes to grow a full beard. In reality, this part of your beard simply develops more slowly than the rest. Men's beards continue to develop well into their 30s. Are you in your twenties and still have a patchy beard? Don't worry, you haven't reached your full beard potential yet. Regardless of age, we recommend men take two months to grow their beards.
2. You let your beard grow
Even in the early stages, you'll need to trim your beard. As mentioned, different parts of your beard grow at different rates. After about a month of growth, an untrimmed beard will start to look uneven. Trimming the longer sections will make the beard look less patchy as the slower-growing areas catch up. Trimming in the early stages is easy: Just get a trimmer with multiple attachments for different length settings. Then choose the appropriate length and go. The setting always stays the same. You can then begin shaping the beard as it transitions from stubble to a fuller beard.
3. You neglect the contours in the neck area
A man's beard shouldn't blend in with his chest hair. On the other hand, his beard or stubble shouldn't rise above his jawline when he smiles or laughs. When defining the line, we recommend shaving the beard above the Adam's apple to create a nice contour.
4. You wash and clean your beard too often or too rarely
Wash your face and beard every day with a product specifically formulated for facial skin and beard hair. Once the stubble begins to develop into a longer beard, cleanse your beard two to three times a week with beard shampoo. This will prevent your beard from drying out. Therefore, you should never use shampoo for your hair on your beard.
Beard hygiene naturally depends on the situation. If you have a physically demanding job and sweat a lot, or get very dirty every day (construction site, etc.), you may want to wash your beard every day.
You can find suitable beard shampoos from Dr K Soap Company or Proraso in our Beard Shampoo category.
5. You let your beard dry out because you don't use beard oil or beard balm
Most beard-related problems, including itching and dandruff, can be easily resolved with proper beard care. While beard oils are wonderful for softening and moisturizing longer beards, it can also be very beneficial to use a moisturizer on the underlying facial skin. This specially formulated moisturizer helps with skin issues that beard oils may not be able to address.
6. You compare yourself with others
Every man is unique, and that goes for our beards too. Be confident and own who you are and the beard you're growing. Genetics play a role, but just because you can't grow a full, ultra-cool beard doesn't mean you can't have some nice stubble or a neat mustache. Ultimately, your facial hair is a reflection of who you are and who you are. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about comparing yourself to others.
