Summary

The article discusses the art of growing and maintaining a beard, debunking myths, and providing practical grooming advice.

Abstract

"Beards: A Love Story" delves into the cultural resurgence of beards, challenging the misconception that women don't find them attractive. It emphasizes the various reasons men choose to grow beards, including perceived masculinity, maturity, and personal style, as well as the practical benefit of avoiding shaving for those with sensitive skin. The article highlights the misconception that beards are effortless, stressing the need for dedicated care and the use of specific tools and products, such as beard combs, brushes, oils, and trimmers. It outlines the process of growing a beard, including overcoming the initial scraggly phase, keeping it clean with regular washing, and hydrating and shaping it with oils and balms. The article also touches on the importance of proper trimming and the unexpected need for continued shaving in certain areas. It concludes by encouraging readers to take pride in their beards, suggesting that a well-groomed beard reflects overall health and can be a source of admiration.

Opinions

The author initially believed that beards were unattractive to women and that they were a hipster fad, but later came to appreciate and love beards.
There is a common misconception that beards are low-maintenance, but the author argues that they require careful grooming and attention to achieve an artistic masterpiece.
The lack of discussion around beard care is surprising, given the existence of a dedicated beard subculture with specialized grooming tools and products.
The author admits to being unaware of the need for beard maintenance until a friend pointed it out, which led to a year-long effort to enhance his beard care regimen.
The article suggests that the Amish, known for their beards, produce high-quality beard care products, like Honest Amish beard oil and balm.
There is an emphasis on the importance of using the right tools and products for beard care, including a beard comb, brush, scissors, trimmer, oil, balm, wash, and conditioner.
The author advises that during the growth phase, it's important to resist the urge to over-trim and accept the temporary untidiness.
Regular grooming habits, such as washing, combing, and applying oil, are crucial for maintaining a healthy, clean, and itch-free beard.
Trimming is an essential part of beard maintenance, helping to achieve the desired shape and style while managing the neckline to avoid an excessive "neckbeard."
Despite having a beard, some shaving is still necessary to maintain the desired look, and using premium razors and shaving cream is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
The author concludes with a personal endorsement of beards, reassuring readers that with proper care, they will be admired for their facial hair.

Beards: A Love Story

An explanatory article about growing and taking care of a beard.

Chicks just don’t dig beards — everybody does.

I always wanted to be clean-shaven when I was younger. It seemed more adult and professional and perhaps most importantly, I didn’t think women liked them. When I did grow a beard it grew in unevenly, was strangely a ginger color, and most difficult of all, it became really itchy. So I put beards aside for a couple of decades.

Beards obviously have a long history but they have become even more popular the last decade. It seemed like a hipster fad that would fade away but the trend is going strong. We may be entering a new golden age of beards.

Many motivations.

There are lots of reasons to grow a beard. Some think they looks masculine. Some think you look more mature or wise. Some think they look cool. Some people hate shaving. My skin is on the sensitive side so I started out just to avoid shaving but now I love beards.

Beards need attention.

Beards seem the most natural thing in the world, just let it grow. But actually they need some attention. A good beard needs lots of attention. Some beards approach the level of artistic masterpieces but that requires some real dedication.

No one tells you how

Maybe because beards seem so easy and natural that no one tells you how to grow and take care of one. When I was a kid I saw my dad use a proper shaving kit and razor but never a beard.

I know I had a large beard for a couple years before a beardless friend mentioned,

“Beards must be interesting. There is a whole beard subculture with brushes, and trimmers and oils. They are really serious about it.”

I didn’t say anything but I was really embarrassed that I had never thought of that. We have Google at our fingertips 24/7 but I had never looked anything up. I ran home and worked on building up my beard power for the next year.

Beards are serious business

You need knowledge and a series of tools to grow a good looking beard. People are serious about it. Google it and you will see a whole new world. I’ll offer the basics here.

Equipment

You’ll need a few things.

A beard comb. I like sandalwood but a regular comb can suffice.
A beard brush. I like boar hair brushes.
Facial hair scissors.
A dedicated beard trimmer.
Beard oil and/or beard balm. There so many brands but you can’t go wrong with Honest Amish. The Amish know a thing or two about beards.
Beard wash and conditioner. You can use regular stuff in a pinch.
Shaving razor and shaving cream. Depends on your beard style but usually there is an area you still need to shave.

Growing a beard

If you want your beard to be bigger than it is now you have to stop cutting it. This seems obvious but it wasn’t to me at first. As it grew it wanted it to be neat and tidy. Trimming is fine but don’t overdo it. There is a period when you are growing it that has a bit of inevitable scragginess.

Keeping it clean

Beards naturally attract a bit of errant food, dry skin, and hair products. You need to use shampoo. A beard wash and conditioner is best. Wash it the same frequency as your other hair. For some people once a day for others 2–3 times a week. Comb it out and brushing also keeps it clean.

Hydrating and shaping

After your shower when your beard is slightly damp work in a little bit of beard oil. Make sure it is all through your beard so it gets down to the skin to prevent beardruff and stop itching. In dry climates do this daily.

Then comb and brush your beard into your desired style. Over time the hair will become trained and it will get easier. As your beard gets longer you will need to use beard balm to moisturize and shape it.

Trimming

Once your beard is big you can cut it back to the desired shape. After that it is mostly about trimming stray hairs with scissors. Trim guards can help you maintain your style once you have found it keeping sections of your beard the desired length. Pay attention to the neckline. Not too low to avoid excessive neckbeard but don’t push it right up to the jawline.

Shaving

You thought with a beard you had escaped this chore but for most beards there is at least some area you still need to shave. It is worth it to use premium razors and shaving cream especially if you have sensitive skin.

Bask in the glory and admiration of others

A beard is a wonderful thing. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Remember the health of your beard it often a sign of your overall health so in addition to beard grooming make sure to eat well and get enough sleep. Experiment with different styles, care routines and products until you get the perfect beard for you.

And don’t worry the chicks will dig you. — me.