Did you know, on average a beard grows half an inch per month?
Sometimes a healthy shiny beard will get more attention from other men than the beautiful missus on your arm. Why? Because growing a beard has proven to be somewhat of an Olympic sport for some men. They'll tell you, “They’ve tried everything", however, their idea of trying is using any old random oils and a comb - You must have a fool proof regime - but don't worry we've got you covered!
- Be realistic with your expectations
Understanding your facial hair is the first step in both managing expectations and formulating a solid plan for growth. You will already have an idea of what to expect if you find yourself shaving often or if you only grow stubble and not need to shave very often at all. This gives an idea of the type of maintenance that will be needed. You can’t necessarily achieve your ideal beard if your facial hair isn’t destined to grow a certain way. If your beard is patchy, or if it has a unique growth pattern (sparse on the cheeks, full on the goatee, for example), then you’ve got to set your expectations properly.
- Check your Lifestyle
Before even considering products and tools to use, you have a look at your diet. Are you eating foods rich in fortifying vitamins that promote hair growth? Foods such as, oranges, brazil nuts, raisins, potatoes, kale and spinach are known to support healthy beard growth. Vitamin B5, C, E, Biotin, Inositol and Niacin also promote growth. Not forgetting sleep! During sleep is when cellular turnover is at its peak, get rested up at night-time. Lastly, making sure you get plenty of exercise. Remember it all starts from the inside out!
- Have a consistent routine
Consistency is key – in every area of life, including growing your beard. Use a beard wash every time you shampoo your hair, which should be about every couple of days, and brush your beard every day after you shower. Exfoliate your skin using a good quality beard brush. This helps the skin beneath the beard, for starters, which lifts dead skin cells and prevents future flaking. It also distributes the natural oils produced in the skin, which otherwise collect at the base of the hair shaft and only nourish the bottom of each hair. This oil distribution prevents breakage, frizzing, and split ends. (This is a great time to apply a few drops of beard oil, especially after a shower.)
Beard oils work best if you massage them into the skin underneath as well, which can get dry easily when it’s covered by facial hair. Then use a beard moisturising cream and balm (for taming), depending on how coarse your facial hair is and how much control you want, to smooth it and shape it into place. You’ll want to do this routine often, even if you’re not trimming your beard (which you’ll want to do every two weeks or so).