4 Tips to Help Grow and Maintain a Healthy Beard

There comes a time in the life of a man that he decides to grow a beard. Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe you’ve just watched Chris Evans as Captain America in Avengers: Infinity War one too many times.

Whatever the case, we’re here to help you grow a beard that is bound to impress. Check out these four tips on growing a beard, establishing a proper beard care routine, and maintaining your style.

Tip #1: Know What You’re Getting Into

Before taking the plunge into the unknown, start by asking yourself a few questions, namely: What kind of beard do I want? Do I have the right hair texture and face shape for this beard? How much aftercare will this beard require and am I up for it?

A beard is a commitment, and these questions will help ensure you’re committing to the right one. You might want a Jason Momoa beard, but if you don’t have time to regularly maintain it, it will look scraggly and unkempt. Or you might discover that your desired beard doesn’t complement your face shape or hair texture.

When it comes to maintenance, decide how much time you’re able to add to your regular grooming routine in order to keep your beard looking fresh and neat. You may also need to factor in more frequent trips to the barber, so don’t forget to consider both the time investment and cost. Finally, take into account the cost of any grooming products you will need to purchase (more on that later).

Not sure what kind of beard suits you best? Book an appointment with a local barber in seconds on Booksy.

Tip #2: Be Patient

Hopefully you’re not in a hurry, because there is no shortcut for making your beard grow faster. If you want to grow a beard, patience is a virtue, and it also brings great rewards. Everyone’s hair grows at different rates, so the length of time it takes to grow a full beard is highly individual.

Regardless, there are some average time frames you can use as a guideline. Facial hair typically grows at a rate of half an inch per month. That means it will take about 30 days for your facial hair to fully fill in, and it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to grow a full beard.

Aside from time, there are a few other factors that will impact how quickly your beard grows. Some of these you can’t really control, like age or genetics. But there are some behaviors that can help speed up the process and are within your control, such as leading a healthy lifestyle, eating clean, and exercising. 

Tip #3: Get to Know Your Barber

Like we said, visiting a barber can help avoid the disappointment of choosing the wrong beard. But we also recommend making regular stops at the barbershop while growing out your beard.

Aside from helping you choose the right beard for your face shape and hair texture, a barber can help answer any questions about caring for your beard. Your barber is a great resource for helping your beard grow out healthy, providing tips on stimulating hair growth, and helping with beard shaping during those crucial first few weeks.

Your barber can also help suggest the right products and tools to help you care for your facial hair between grooming appointments. If it’s your first time growing a beard, ask your barber for help choosing grooming tools and products like shampoo, beard balm, and beard oil.

Not to mention, a visit to the barbershop can be a chance to recharge and give yourself some self-care. Find and book the best local barbers on Booksy. 

Tip #4: Ramp Up Your Routine

You’ve been following all the rules, and your beard is shaping up nicely. Then suddenly, you wake up one morning to realize that the thousands of hair follicles on your face just got a life of their own. If you feel your beard going out of control, here are some tips for proper at-home care.

First, make sure you are washing your beard regularly. Usually, this means at least 3-4 times a week, but it can also depend on lifestyle factors. If you play sports, exercise heavily, or just tend to sweat a lot, you might have to wash more frequently. Whatever you do, avoid washing your beard with regular shampoo. Instead, opt for a beard wash formulated especially for facial hair.

To get the right balance of scruffy and neat (without looking messy), use the hair on your neckline and cheeks to create a visual effect. Instead of shaving your neck, use a beard trimmer to lightly thin your beard moving down toward the neck. When tidying up your cheeks, shave around your sideburns and the outer edge of your beard, but avoid creating a sharp edge around your beard line.

After taming the stray hairs with a razor or trimmer, the next step in your routine should be a beard comb or brush. Combing or brushing out your beard will help maintain its shape, flatten wayward hairs, and give you a more defined jawline.

For the final step in your routine, apply beard oil. It might sound fancy, but beard oil is much more than a nice-to-have. Not only does it help with styling, but it also providers your beard with much-needed nourishment and moisture. And for those with dry or easily irritated skin, beard oil can be especially soothing during the itchy phase of beard growth.

Is it finally time to grow out that power beard? Let’s help you out. Use the Booksy app or booksy.com to find and book the top barbers in your area.