Gone are the days when only burly lumberjacks sported manly beards. Beards have become a must-have trend for most men these days, and as we head into 2017, it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. However, growing a stylish beard requires a great deal of dedication and maintenance, and in some cases, a plethora of grooming products.
Growing a beard also requires thinking, like what's the latest look? Are they suitable for everyone? How often do you need to trim it or plan to groom it? First of all, no style will work for you, so keep your face shape in mind when choosing a particular style. An ideal beard should give your face an oval shape (considered by many to be the shapeliest face shape). So if you have a round or square face that is as long as it is wide, use a beard trimmer to trim the sides while adding length to your beard to make your face appear longer. If your face is long or more rectangular than it is wide, you should keep the length short while growing sideways to keep your face looking symmetrical.
Also, avoid drawing harsh lines along your jaw line. This is a great style, no no! Let your beard grow naturally to an inch or two of your Adam's apple, then trim it with the trimmer settings to re-grow it for a more natural fade. No matter which style you decide to go for, grooming your beard regularly is the best way to avoid looking like a bum.
Grooming your beard takes less time than shaving, but depending on your style, it can also take a bit of practice. Try to avoid over-trimming for the first few days until you know exactly how your beard is growing (check for thinning spots). New facial hair may feel like tiny needles poking your skin, but the irritation goes away after a week. To relieve itchiness, try brushing and softening your beard with beard oil (your girlfriend will thank you!). Beard oils and balms not only soften and shine your beard, but also pamper your skin, keeping it hydrated.
Remember, your beard is your hair! It must be washed and kept clean, otherwise dirt will be trapped in the growth. Try using a mild beard shampoo and conditioner, or buy a modern beard cleansing shampoo. Either way, keep your beard neat and clean for maximum style points.
