Beard grooming tips from 10 guys who know best
With every guy’s beard journey, comes trial and error, and a man may not be aware of best practices for maintaining the extra hair he has growing on his face. That’s why Yahoo Lifestyle scouted bearded bros with salt-and-pepper strands, dudes with naturally curly textures, and fellas with standout scruff for grooming tips to help your beard flourish.
Keep reading to discover the beard oils and balms men trust, why combing facial hair post-shower is a must, and why you should be careful eating juicy cheeseburgers in public.
Age: 55
Location: Brooklyn
How long have you been growing your beard?
A little over a year, and it’s my first beard. I went on vacation snowboarding in South America and didn’t shave for 10 days, out of laziness. Came back home and realized that I had quite a beard growing, so I decided to keep growing it. Within six months, it was long enough to shape and train. It changed my life. At nine months, I was spotted at Whole Foods by a prominent photographer, who asked if he could shoot my portrait. I showed the photos to a girlfriend of mine, who showed them to a girlfriend of hers (without telling me) who owns a big modeling agency in NYC. Before I knew it, I had signed a two-year deal with the agency. Now, I’m flying around the world modeling … at 55!
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I love the brand Brooklyn Grooming. One, because it’s made in Brooklyn, and I love supporting local business. Two, their scents are simple and really fresh. One of them, Commando Beard Oil, is nonscented, which I really appreciate when I want to wear fragrance because it doesn’t compete with any other scents I’m wearing. The other brand that I love is a Swedish brand, Beard Brother. It’s all organic and small-batch hand-crafted. I met the creator recently on a trip to Stockholm. My favorite scent from the brand is Apple Pie & Vanilla. It’s heavenly.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
I have a few. Brush it often to distribute natural oils. Apply oil or balm twice a day, morning and night because beards tend to dry out quickly. Also, remember to wash your beard twice a week with a beard wash but not more often than that. You don’t want to develop that itch that happens when you don’t wash. But you also don’t want to wash too often because it will dry out your beard — and everyone loves a silky, soft beard.
Age: 29
Location: Brooklyn
How long have you been growing your beard?
I’ve been growing my beard for four years now.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I previously used a beard butter from Whipped Goods, which is unfortunately no longer in business. It kept my beard moisturized and light without it being too oily. It was also a black-owned business, which was also another reason I really liked them. I’m currently using a butter from Meticulous Skin based in Maryland. It’s a great conditioning product for coarser, thicker hair.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
Wash and moisturize daily or every other day. Your skin underneath still needs attention and can break out if not cleansed regularly. Also, healthy skin will promote hair growth.
Age: 25
Location: Manhattan
How long have you been growing your beard?
I’ve been growing my beard for two years.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I really like Wild Growth Hair Oil. Nappy Styles Beard & Hair Oil is also a great option. It’s packed with vitamin E, shea butter, and black castor oil, which help nourish and promote growth.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
Always moisturize and get a trim every once in a while to keep your beard groomed and neat.
Age: 23
Location: Indiana
How long have you been growing your beard?
It’s been three years.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
The Beard Baron oils are great. They are all natural, and I like that there are a variety of scents to choose from.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
When in doubt, grow it out! There will be times in the beginning stages when your build will be patchy and not even, but don’t give up. Keep growing it, and eventually it will grow evenly and you will be on your way to viking status.
Age: 30
Location: Brooklyn
How long have you been growing your beard?
I have been growing my beard since 2012.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I don’t use an oil, but I do use beard balm. I like Babe of Brooklyn because it is all natural and they are very grassroots.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
Make sure you comb your beard after the shower or when it is wet to keep it from tangling.
Age: 30
Location: Manhattan
How long have you been growing your beard?
I have been growing my beard since last November, and I get it trimmed every week.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
My favorite is SheaMoisture Beard conditioning oil. I love it because of the shine it gives my beard before I’m headed out the house, and I also like the scent it leaves. It leaves your beard with a softness that not many other beard oils do.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
My best tip for beard care is to use Jamaican Castor Oil for growth and to thoroughly wash out any products you use with warm water each day. Use a beard wash only a few times a week, and always keep your beard moisturized.
Age: 30
Location: New Jersey and NYC area
How long have you been growing your beard?
I have been growing my beard for about four or five years now.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I do not have a favorite beard brand, as I tend to use natural essential oils such as coconut and argan oil for growth and moisture.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
Moisturize! Always keep your beard moisturized especially during these winter months as the beard tends to stiffen and become dry. Also, keep any loose ends clipped.
Age: 31
Location: Tokyo
How long have you been growing your beard?
I’ve had my beard for four years now. It’s at a length and shape that fits my face best. However, keeping it presentable is extremely high-maintenance.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
This may sound funny, but it’s completely true — my favorite beard oil is Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. It’s hard to moisturize your face when you have a good-sized beard without being subjected to overly scented beard oils. Trader Joe’s store-bought coconut oil is key. I guess I might smell a bit like a coconut, but my chin and cheeks and jaw line appreciate the abundance of moisture. I literally have my mom ship me jars of the stuff to Japan.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
For starters, try to avoid consuming juicy cheeseburgers in public. Also, don’t shampoo it every day or even every two days. I find consistent soaping tends to dry out your face more.
Age : 32
Location: Mumbai, India
How long have you been growing your beard?
I have been carrying my bearded look for the past three years, and the reason behind my sporting this look is the love, respect, and appreciation I get from people everywhere for wearing it.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
I haven’t tried many beard oils that are sold on the market. I just make my own mix of oils and apply them to my beard.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
My beard-care tips include going to get groomed by professionals as well as keeping it clean and having good hygiene by using a regular beard wash. Always style it according to what you would want your dream beard to look like.
Age: 24
Location: Atlanta
How long have you been growing your beard?
My current beard, just a few months.
Do you have a favorite beard oil? If so, which one and why?
Uncle Jimmy Beard Oil is the best. It’s the perfect balance between shine, smell, and moisturizer. As far as other products, I recommend anything from Art of Shaving. It’s pricey but good stuff.
What’s your best beard-care tip?
Don’t overgroom. A lot of guys pick out their beards too much, and they’re scraggly and struggling to look thick in the end. Always finish strong. Also, don’t let your beard get dry. Keep that guy hydrated!
Editor’s note: Some interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Three women get real about facial hair — and being ‘proud of it’
‘Freaky’ dolphin loves beards — and this viral photo is proof
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