Achieving a manly-looking beard isn’t as easy as it seems, so here are some pointers on getting it right
There’s one thing that Joe Manganiello, Chris Pratt and Jake Gyllenhaal all have in common. Besides being incredibly good-looking, their facial hair of choice happens to be a manicured scruff of hair that perfectly frames the face. But, not all beards are created equal. To prevent growing a scraggly beard a la Dumbledore, follow these steps…
1
Let it grow
It may seem like we’re stating the obvious, but the first step is to actually take the plunge. Allow at least a month for your stubble to grow into something that resembles a beard, and keep it looking neat in the meantime with a trim every three days or so - something like VS Sassoon for Men i-Trim & Shave Beard Trimmer will do the trick as the 21 preset cutting lengths will help you achieve the look you need. Be warned, this growing-out phase may cause itchiness at first, but it’s totally worth sticking out for. Eyes on the prize.
2
Give it a wash
Just like hair on your head, facial hair needs to be taken care of as well. When you’re in the shower, simply run your cleanser over your facial hair and give it a quick scrub with your fingertips (and not with your fingernails). Keeping this area clean and germ-free is absolutely essential.
3
Add oil
After a few weeks, you should start to notice some serious facial hair taking shape. As its natural texture is coarser than the hair on your head, try a nourishing beard oil that’ll soften the area (yes, including the skin), and give your beard a healthy coat of shine. The Groomed Man Co. has got you covered, whether you’re looking for a scented formula (mint is a nice, refreshing choice) or something that won’t interfere with your cologne (reach for the original formula).
4
Maintain the shape
Invest in some good quality clippers to help fade the beard from your sideburns to around your throat – this should be done once a week. Look for a product with different comb sizes, as areas like those around your cheeks can be left a little longer than on your chin. Do a little at a time - there’s nothing worse than undoing all your hard work by snipping too much off.
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
