Beard Games

Back to Basics

by Jozette Cooper

“TO BEARD OR NOT

TO BEARD: that is the question.” Choosing a beard style is a personal decision. If you’re growing a beard for the first time or looking to change up your style, it’s helpful to know what your end game is. Every beard is as unique as a fingerprint. There are things to keep in mind when growing, maintaining, and styling your beard.

The first rule of “beard” is to understand that facial hair and cranial hair are very different. Beard maintenance falls somewhere between hair care and skin care. You have to take care of the hair growing on your face as well as the skin underneath. It is important to find and use products that are beneficial for both the hair and skin and won’t cause damage to either.

GAME

Put me in the Game, Coach”

1st Quarter

Growing a beard takes time and patience. The first step is to allow the hair to grow freely and fully for 4 to 6 weeks. In doing this you will know where and how the hair grows. WARNING: this process can be ugly. The hair may be patchy, uneven, and underdefined, but please do not forfeit, keep your head in the game. Avoid shaping your beard at this phase, also refrain from manipulating the hairs as much as possible. If absolutely necessary, trim only the outer area of your beard.

3rd Quarter

Brush your beard at least 3 times a day. You don’t have to walk around with a brush in your hand; however, you should tame your beard to behave the way you want. For best results, use a 100% boar ‘s hair brush. These hair brushes have a combination of stiff and flexible bristles which allows detangling and keeps the hair in place. This will give your beard a thick and hefty appearance, as it lifts the hair away from the skin.It also removes impurities without being overly abrasive. They are also good for distributing oils and balms evenly through facial hair.

A beard comb is also a great investment on your journey. A good beard comb has teeth with smooth edges. Cheap combs have teeth with sharp edges that will cause hair breakage when combing.

2nd Quarter

Make sure your wild whiskers are properly washed, conditioned and groomed. It is important for our melanin dominant kings to use beard grooming products that hydrate the facial hair and skin to keep their beards from becoming dry and brittle. An improper care regiment can result in flaking, split ends, and skin irritation. Make sure to use beard oils that contain jojoba, coconut, castor, argan, grapeseed, and sweet almond to keep your hair soft, manageable, and moisturized.

4th Quarter

Once you have survived the 4-6 week phase, it’s time to bring character to your beard. Consider which beard style will flatter the shape of your face. If you are unsure, a barber is a great resource for advice on what will best accentuate the jawline based on the length of your hair.

For self-maintenance, make sure to have quality tools such as trimmers, clippers, mustache scissors and razors.

Make no mistake about it, the beard game is serious. Make sure your suited up and ready to play, may the best man win. So let the games… BEGIN!!