How To Look After Your Beard
5 minutes read
Beard care can be a minefield. And if you’re a man who sports facial hair, you’ll know that beards that grow quickly can take a lot of maintenance! But what if you could do it all yourself, with a bit of practice?
We spoke to men’s hair expert Bart Cacciapagila, a senior stylist at top
Beard care products
If you’re wondering how to look after your beard? Treat your beard just as you treat your hair — with regular trims, styling and conditioning. But if you don’t have the time or money to get to the barbers as often as you’d like, you’ll be pleased to know that there is an abundance of products available to help with beard care.
Beard face wash
Using a beard-friendly face wash to cleanse your face is a must.
Beard shampoo and conditioner
Using a facial cleanser as a first rinse for your beard is good — but to give it a deep clean, opt for a beard shampoo and conditioner. Lather it into your beard as you would with regular shampoo, and be sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
Beard balm
A beard balm is a beard treatment that is essential for keeping your beard soft and hydrated, as without proper care, it can end up looking dry and drab. Depending on the size and volume of your beard, a small coin-sized amount rubbed between your fingers and stroked through should suffice.
Beard oil
When your beard has been washed, conditioned and dried, a helping of ClarinsMen Shave and Beard Oil will help to keep it super soft and tamed until its next wash. A beard oil will also help tame any flyaway strands and give some extra shine. But remember — don’t overuse beard oil, as your beard could end up looking greasy.
Beard wax
For beards that need a helping hand when it comes to styling, adding beard wax will help to hold your shape in place. Choosing one that contains natural proteins and oil will help keep your beard healthy and well-groomed without drying it out.
Deep Cleaning
Employ the
How to trim your beard
Choosing a style that suits your face is essential when it comes to trimming your beard, Bart reveals. “Beards come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s vital to find the right beard for you. Start by identifying your natural face shape; this will act as the best beard grooming guide.”
“As a general rule, a long beard will help to offset a round face shape or a ‘blocky’ head. Keeping it bushy on the sides helps to fill out a thin, angular face, and goatee styles suit a square-shaped face best. Then, follow my step-by-step guide on properly trimming a beard.”
1. Use a beard trimmer to trim long, scraggly strands that look out of place. You can also use a beard trimmer to shorten the length of your beard without worrying about shaving all of it off. Hold the trimmer sideways with the blade facing up, and shave up against the hair growth.
2. Use the trimmer, working from the outside in to create transition with your sideburns.
3. Place two fingers just above your Adam’s apple. Closely shave all of the hair below your upper finger before shaping your neckline in a gentle curve from ear to ear.
4. Finally, slowly shave above your beard to clean up the lines of your cheeks. This will create a defined, groomed look.
Read: The Modern Guide To Men’s Grooming
Beard grooming and maintenance
Bart recommends a short but effective routine to look after your beard in between DIY treatments. “Wash your beard with a moisturising beard wash, before conditioning it and drying it completely with a small brush,” he explains. “Finish with beard oil that preferably has natural ingredients to moisturise and keep it soft before using a flat bristle brush to comb it through and eliminate any tangles. Final touch? Try beard wax for extra shine if desired.”
Beard Care FAQs
Do beard care products work?
It is recommended to use beard care products to maintain the health of your beard, although it’s not always essential. Beard care products will keep your beard in its best condition and stop it from looking dry, dishevelled or feeling itchy.
How often should I maintain my beard?
You can maintain your beard as often as you want! Some prefer to tidy it up weekly; others prefer a more rugged look and hold off a little longer. However, to keep up its condition, it’s advisable to condition your beard at least twice a week — follow our beard care guide religiously for best results.
How do you trim and shape a beard?
Beard trimmers and razors will help to trim and shape up your beard. A razor is best for the areas that need a close shave, for example, below the neckline and on the upper cheeks.
Read next: Beard Grooming 101: 7 Rules To Follow, According To Beard Experts
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