We can barely believe it, but we’re already at the tail end of No Shave November—More fashionably known as Movember. If you’re ready to tame that scruff, we’ve got some helpful tips for you.
Step 1: Pick The Right Beard Style For Your Face
When it comes to achieving your optimal beard, let this principle be your guide: Your beard and your jaw should work in tandem to achieve a nicely graduated, oval shape.
Round face: Grow hair longer on the bottom and keep it short on the sides.
Square face/strong jawline: Keep growth full on the chin and shorter on the sides.
Long face: Keep the sides full and the bottom short.
Oval face: Pretty much any style is flattering on you.
Step 2: Wash—Dry—Comb
If you think this pre-trim ritual is excessive, then think again! The hair on your face is no different than the hair on your scalp, so it’s important to equally take care of both. By keeping your facial hairs clean, dry and tidy, you’ll gain better control when grooming. After washing, comb your hairs going with, not against, the grain.
Invest in products like Beardo and Ustraa, These local brands make great (and affordable) grooming products for men. If you don’t mind shelling out some dough (on international shipping) then Beardbrand and Scotch Porter are great options as well. You can also visit Nykaa to purchase their Beard Grooming Kit and get everything you need in one swift click.
Step 3: Fade Like A Pro, Bro
Start by locating the proper midpoint of your beard. To do this, measure 1.5 inches (which is roughly two fingers) above your Adam’s Apple. Imagine a curved line, connecting the back of each ear to this midpoint. Use a clipper two settings below your beard length and clip everything below this line. As your beard grows, maintain this same setting on the clippers when trimming. Remember to always keep the hair between your neckline and Adam’s apple relatively short.
To create a smooth, gradual fade (instead of a hard stop), go one or two settings shorter on the clippers. Target the same space just above the Adam’s apple: Trim the bottom half with this shorter setting, but leave the top half at the length of the original setting. Finally, buzz all stray hairs between your chest hair and below your Adam’s apple.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to clean up the cheek area!
Step 4: Don’t Forget Your Stache
Use a small pair of scissors to cut a small upside down V at the base of the philtrim.
Finish with a beard oil or moisturizer like ones made by Mister Man or Ustraa’s Mooch & Beard Oil, to keep hairs healthy and prevent them from getting dried out (which causes itching).
Additional Tips:
1. Trim your beard when it’s dry to get a better sense of how it will look.
2. Invest in a solid pair of clippers. It’ll last much longer and you’ll get more precision when cutting.
3. Don’t assume all clipper guards are the same length. Every brand’s measurements are slightly different, so test on a higher guard before settling into your preferred length.
4. The skin on your neck tends to bunch together, so stretch out the skin as much as you can to be sure that you’re grazing over the entire surface.
Subscribe to Birchbox Man’s YouTube for more tips on maintaining and growing a happy beard.
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