TIP # 1: KEEP THE SCISSORS AWAY!

Before any advice or personal views are given in this I would say tip #1 is to keep all scissors and clippers locked away!!!! Do NOT touch your face for at least 3 months. This early stage process will play havoc on social events and sleeping and general day to day activities because you’ll no doubt look unkept, have heat rashes, appear just under the growth and generally feel discouraged at how it feels and looks.

Tip # 2: AVOID COMPARING YOUR BEARD WITH OTHER BEARDED BRO'S!

Avoid googling images of “beard models” and/or disappearing down rabbit holes of images of beards on other dudes, this will lead to disappointment and general unattainable goals! Why? Well your genes are different to everyone else’s and you should embrace YOUR genes and what they do in the way of your beard growth. Aspirations are fine and well but don’t get blinkered into a certain style as all too often you’ll go through phases on a weekly or monthly basis whereby you want to achieve different beard goals and styles as your growth develops.

Tip #3: YOUR DIET!!!

DIET!!! Yes your food and liquid intake can have real world results on how your outward appearance is presented. Keep hydrated, get your fruit and vegetables in regularly. Lay a strong foundation from within to maximize growth and strength of each follicle. There are hundreds of brands and products out there, claiming this, that and the other…..all wanting your money for very little return, but your diet will always keep you in good stead.

Tip #4: BE REAL WITH YOURSELF!

Set a realistic stage by stage process. Forget about “end goals” no one ever reaches the *end of growing a beard* unless you just shave it all off!!!!! Setting small, attainable goals every 3 months like affording yourself a small bit of shaping and pruning to maintain what nature blessed you with is ideal. You’ll be amazed at how your beard can look at different stages of its growth through the weeks and you should embrace each change as it happens and try to work with it instead of against it. So you have a weird kink or cow lick at the side, or a crazy grey streak down the centre of your chin, that’s what makes your beard unique and will gain envy from others. Avoid dying it if you can (unless you’re doing a photo shoot or genuinely hate your overall colouration). Bottom line - if you want the biggest, bushiest mane possible, then stick to 3 monthly upkeeps of minimal trimming for the odd split end or fly away that never settles. Don’t get hooked up on the perfect straight cheek line, you’re not on a Milan catwalk, after half a year of growth you can start to work in a solid style, otherwise LEAVE IT ALONE.

CONCLUSION:

To summarize, there’s no “one size fits all”. Some oils and balms work great for some people and just irritate the skin of others! Experiment with different, natural oils and see what your beard reacts to best. Try balms, waxes and creams and check out the veritable feast of aromas they give off and enjoy compliments you attain from your peers. It’s about having fun and standing out but it’s important to be you underneath it all, not to let the beard dictate who you are or let the whole “beard life” take over as a separate entity. The more human you can be is the more admirable you’ll become….whether that’s with the tremendous face furniture you have or the lack there of. Stay healthy, stay safe, stay YOU! 👍