There are not many things we love talking about more than beards. Once you’ve made the commitment to being beardy, you’ve got to commit to the upkeep too. Keeping your beard looking its best isn’t rocket science, but we’ve seen many a mistake which led to even the most majestic of beards becoming more like birds’ nests. Are you making some common blunders that are hindering your beard’s potential? Let’s look at five widespread beard mistakes and how to correct them, ensuring your facial hair is always on point.
1. Neglecting the Neckline
The dreaded neckline. Many a good beard has been ruined by an untidy neck. Definitely a front runner in beard grooming mistakes is letting the beard hair grow too far down the neck, creating a scraggly, unkempt look. This can make even the most impressive beard look sloppy. It also can make the person appear as if they have a double chin, which is something that most of us want to avoid.
The Fix: Define your neckline. A good rule is to find the point where your head meets your neck. Place two fingers above your Adam’s apple, and that’s roughly where your neckline should be. Use a trimmer or razor to create a clean, curved line that follows the jawline. This will give your beard a neat, structured look. Regular maintenance is important too. When trimming, make sure to use a sharp blade, to avoid any skin irritation. Also, when creating the neckline, it is very important to make sure that each side of the face is even. An uneven neckline is very easy to notice and will ruin the appearance of the beard.
2. Skimping on Beard Oil
Beard oil isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Many guys skip this crucial step, resulting in a dry, itchy, and brittle beard. Without proper hydration, your beard can become a breeding ground for flakes and discomfort. Dry beards tend to look very dull.
The Fix: Invest in a quality beard oil. Apply a few drops to your palm and massage it into your beard and the skin underneath. Do this daily, especially after showering, to lock in moisture and keep your beard soft and healthy. Look for oils with natural ingredients like jojoba or argan oil. Make sure to massage the oil all the way down to the skin under the beard to prevent itching and dryness.
3. Incorrect Trimming Techniques
Trimming your beard seems simple, but it’s easy to mess up. Inconsistent lengths, uneven sides, and accidental over-trimming are frequent issues. Some think that just hacking away at it with a set of clippers is enough. Also, many people don’t realise that the hair on the face grows at different rates, therefore constant trimming is needed to keep the beard looking it’s best.
The Fix: Use a beard trimmer with adjustable settings to create an even length. Start with a longer setting and gradually shorten it until you reach your preferred length. Always trim in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation. Take your time and use a comb to guide the trimmer for a uniform finish. If you are unsure, get a barber to show you the best technique. When trimming the sides of the beard, pay attention to the area around the ears, as this is a very common place for unevenness.
4. Ignoring Beard Hygiene
Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs regular cleaning. Food particles, dead skin and environmental grime can quickly build up, resulting in unpleasant odours and skin problems. Some men think that shampooing their beard with the same product used on their head is enough.
The Fix: Use a beard-specific shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated to be gentler on facial hair and the skin underneath. Wash your beard two to three times a week, and condition it to keep it soft and manageable. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid product build-up. When drying the beard, pat it dry, do not rub it, as rubbing a wet beard can damage the hairs and cause irritation.
5. Neglecting the Moustache
Your moustache is an integral part of your beard, yet it’s often overlooked. A wild, untamed moustache can ruin an otherwise well-groomed beard. Many men simply let the moustache grow wild and free, regardless of how it looks. Also, a moustache that is not maintained can be very irritating when eating, or drinking.
The Fix: Use beard wax or balm to style and control your moustache. Trim any stray hairs that extend beyond the lip line to prevent them from getting in your mouth. A good moustache comb can help you train the hairs to grow in the right direction.
Growing and maintaining a great beard requires attention to detail and consistent effort. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting the suggested fixes, you can ensure your beard looks its best. Remember, your beard reflects your personal style and attention to detail. So, take the time to care for it properly, and you’ll reap the rewards of a healthy, impressive beard. Our team at Chaps & Co are more than happy to give you pointers with your beard, suggest styles and care tips to keep it looking its very best.
There are not many things we love talking about more than beards. Once you’ve made the commitment to being beardy, you’ve got to commit to the upkeep too. Keeping your beard looking its best isn’t rocket science, but we’ve seen many a mistake which led to even the most majestic of beards becoming more like birds’ nests. Are you making some common blunders that are hindering your beard’s potential? Let’s look at five widespread beard mistakes and how to correct them, ensuring your facial hair is always on point.
1. Neglecting the Neckline
The dreaded neckline. Many a good beard has been ruined by an untidy neck. Definitely a front runner in beard grooming mistakes is letting the beard hair grow too far down the neck, creating a scraggly, unkempt look. This can make even the most impressive beard look sloppy. It also can make the person appear as if they have a double chin, which is something that most of us want to avoid.
The Fix: Define your neckline. A good rule is to find the point where your head meets your neck. Place two fingers above your Adam’s apple, and that’s roughly where your neckline should be. Use a trimmer or razor to create a clean, curved line that follows the jawline. This will give your beard a neat, structured look. Regular maintenance is important too. When trimming, make sure to use a sharp blade, to avoid any skin irritation. Also, when creating the neckline, it is very important to make sure that each side of the face is even. An uneven neckline is very easy to notice and will ruin the appearance of the beard.
2. Skimping on Beard Oil
Beard oil isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Many guys skip this crucial step, resulting in a dry, itchy, and brittle beard. Without proper hydration, your beard can become a breeding ground for flakes and discomfort. Dry beards tend to look very dull.
The Fix: Invest in a quality beard oil. Apply a few drops to your palm and massage it into your beard and the skin underneath. Do this daily, especially after showering, to lock in moisture and keep your beard soft and healthy. Look for oils with natural ingredients like jojoba or argan oil. Make sure to massage the oil all the way down to the skin under the beard to prevent itching and dryness.
3. Incorrect Trimming Techniques
Trimming your beard seems simple, but it’s easy to mess up. Inconsistent lengths, uneven sides, and accidental over-trimming are frequent issues. Some think that just hacking away at it with a set of clippers is enough. Also, many people don’t realise that the hair on the face grows at different rates, therefore constant trimming is needed to keep the beard looking it’s best.
The Fix: Use a beard trimmer with adjustable settings to create an even length. Start with a longer setting and gradually shorten it until you reach your preferred length. Always trim in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation. Take your time and use a comb to guide the trimmer for a uniform finish. If you are unsure, get a barber to show you the best technique. When trimming the sides of the beard, pay attention to the area around the ears, as this is a very common place for unevenness.
4. Ignoring Beard Hygiene
Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs regular cleaning. Food particles, dead skin and environmental grime can quickly build up, resulting in unpleasant odours and skin problems. Some men think that shampooing their beard with the same product used on their head is enough.
The Fix: Use a beard-specific shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated to be gentler on facial hair and the skin underneath. Wash your beard two to three times a week, and condition it to keep it soft and manageable. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid product build-up. When drying the beard, pat it dry, do not rub it, as rubbing a wet beard can damage the hairs and cause irritation.
5. Neglecting the Moustache
Your moustache is an integral part of your beard, yet it’s often overlooked. A wild, untamed moustache can ruin an otherwise well-groomed beard. Many men simply let the moustache grow wild and free, regardless of how it looks. Also, a moustache that is not maintained can be very irritating when eating, or drinking.
The Fix: Use beard wax or balm to style and control your moustache. Trim any stray hairs that extend beyond the lip line to prevent them from getting in your mouth. A good moustache comb can help you train the hairs to grow in the right direction.
Growing and maintaining a great beard requires attention to detail and consistent effort. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting the suggested fixes, you can ensure your beard looks its best. Remember, your beard reflects your personal style and attention to detail. So, take the time to care for it properly, and you’ll reap the rewards of a healthy, impressive beard. Our team at Chaps & Co are more than happy to give you pointers with your beard, suggest styles and care tips to keep it looking its very best.
