Have a Goal in Mind
So you want to grow a beard, that is fantastic. What kind of beard do you want? Do you want a big bushy beard like a wizard, and a mustache you can handlebar? Or do you want a small goat and stache? Do you want something easy to maintain or do you want to try for your Yeard (Year Beard)?
Don’t know what you want? Go to Pinterest and search for beards and scroll through and see what you like.
Stop Shaving
So now that you have a general idea of what you want to grow the next step is to stop shaving. I know this sounds silly but you can’t grow a beard if you keep cutting it off every day. What you stop shaving will depend on the type of beard you are going to grow.
For a Yeard or a full beard you don’t want to shave anything for at least 3 months. This will give your beard time to fill out so you know what you’re working with. For a goatee and mustache you can shave the sides and neck. In the beginning I would use something like the Goatee Saver until you get use to shaving around your goatee.
Just remember it’s easy to shave off, but you can’t stick it back on, you have to wait for your hair to grow back.
Caring for your Beard
So now that you have a goal in mind and you’ve stopped shaving you need to start taking care of your beard. I’m sorry to say there is no “Miracle Grow” on the market that will help you grow a big bushy beard overnight. There are however a few things you can do to help your beard be health and in turn and a healthy beard will also grow a bit faster.
So how do you take care of your beard? First find a beard oil, and beard balm. There are dozens of brands out there, all with different scents and at various price points. Find a beard oil and balm you like at a price you like and use them. You can actually check out The Dapper Man on YouTube to see reviews on various beard products including beard oils and balms.
When getting ready to put oils and balms into your beard I recommend that you apply them to a damp beard.
Bead Oils – Protect and moisturize your beard and skin underneath. Take 2-4 drops of beard oil into you slightly wet hands and rub it into your beard. Beard oils and balms are very important because they will help keep your beard from itching, a prime reason most men quick growing their beards.
Beard Balms – Also help moisturize your beard, but also help hold your beard for styling. To use beard balm scrape our dole out a small amount, about the size of a nickle in your palm. Rub your hands together to melt the balm and coat your hands, then run your hands down and through your beard.
Finally comb or brush your beard to evenly distribute the oil and balm throughout your beard.
A quick note about beard balms, there are three types of beard balms. The first, has little to no hold, the second is a “utility balm” which mixes hold and moisturizer, the third is high hold balm. Each brand is different so try several brands to find one you like when you’re first starting out.
What Else Can I Do?
Other things you can do to help your beard grow include taking a multivitamin, drink plenty of water, exercise, in general take good care of yourself and the effect will carry over to your beard.
Don’t overwash your beard. Wash your beard with a beard shampoo once a week. In between washes you can scrub your beard with water, or even “Co-Wash” your beard. (Conditioner Wash).
Let it Grow and Let it Flow
Last ti for growing a beard, just give it time. Don’t shave it or trim it for at least 3 months (unless you’re going for the stubble look). This will allow your beard to be the best it can be, no matter the style you choose.
When it is time to trim your beard go to a real life barber. Don’t go to a chain store, stylists are not trained or licensed to use razors. Find an actual barber and tell him or her it’s time to trim your beard. Tell him what you’re looking for in a beard and work with him or her to determine exactly what to do with your beard.