Beard growers, share your wisdom

[GoinAllTheWay]

Already a week or so into growing a new beard. Told my S/O I'd grow one for Movember (plus she loves it) but need some advice/tips.

I've grown them in the past, and I do like having one especially in the winter but what usually seals its fate is discomfort. I have a boar beard brush on its way and have some beard oil which I hope will indeed make it a bit softer and easier to maintain. Still a bit unsure how often I'm supposed to be oiling it though.

For those who have rocked the hair of the wild for some time, what other suggestions or tips do you have?

[TheFlamesVan]

Condition it everyday.
Don't shampoo it everyday.
Don't give up when it's annoying or itchy. That feeling will go away.

Also don't pretend it makes you more manly than anyone else. Act like you've been there before and just enjoy having it.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Ok, so I assume you mean a conditioner for beards? Or is hair conditioner fine?

I do grow pretty epic beard, not gonna lie. But I don't let it go to my head. I just tend to scowl a bit more.

[Mass_nerder]

Get a nice wood comb.
When it gets longer, start using beard balm, as it helps control fly-away hairs.

[JFK]

Originally Posted by TheFlamesVan

Also don't pretend it makes you more manly than anyone else. Act like you've been there before and just enjoy having it.

That's the beautiful thing about having a big wonderful beard, there's no reason to act like you're manlier than the rest, you just are.

[TheFlamesVan]

I just use normal hair conditioner. Then rub in a tiny bit of coconut oil. Just your normal coconut oil (but have found a few brands that are less aromatic).

[Northendzone]

Buy some camouflage clothing - like one of those under armour hoodies

[nik-]

The only time I grew one seriously, my biggest issue was the curling. I wanted a long viking beard, and the #### ended up going all goldilocks at the bottom of my face.

[killer_carlson]

when oiling your beard, oil the beard, not the skin. It can cause some serious breakouts if not managed properly.

Also be aware of the natural hair growth patterns and try to trim your beard to a suitable length keeping those in line. For example, part of my beard grows sideways no matter what I do. If I let it get too long, it can look strange.

[pseudoreality]

I trim mine with a number 2 guard every two weeks so it doesn't curl. It took about 4 months before I was completely comfortable with it. Now I love it and would never go back to shaving every day. I shave the neck and sides 2-3 times a week.

[OutOfTheCube]

I've been growing for about 4 months, first time I've grown a beard -- I keep the sides and neck shorter (though I do let the neck grow, some people shave it completely) and let the mustache and goatee grow longer.

The first month and a half sucked. I used my wife's moroccan argan oil hair stuff to help with the itchiness. And it might look kinda crappy cause it all grows in at different speeds. After that you can trim it to all the same length, the itchiness gets better, and you're smooth sailing. I trim and shape every 2 weeks.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

when oiling your beard, oil the beard, not the skin. It can cause some serious breakouts if not managed properly.

See, I disagree with this. You can get dry skin under the beard pretty easily and need to moisturize somehow.

Speaking of beard oil, Mammoth is really good stuff. Whether balm, wax or just oil works best for you is going to be a matter of what your beard consistency is like.

Go to a decent barber once it's grown in a bit and get them to do the shape and then just follow that.

[MrCallahan]

Second the Mammoth beard oil, works super well, bonus points for being a local guy. Have never had a problem with it causing breakouts (maybe this is based on the type of oil used?). I don't shampoo or conditioner mine, just water from the shower, then use the oil and Blue Beard lotion.

Other than shaving the neck/cheek line, I no longer trim my beard myself. I've screwed it up enough, and just leave that to the barber. When you find a good barber, stick with them! they'll learn how your hair grows, and will be able to trim it better over time.

You'll go through a hobo/itchy stage, I call it beard puberty, power through this and the barber will clean that up for you when you get it trimmed (Check out Chin Whiskey, they have some good barbers).

[GoinAllTheWay]

Beard oil I have now is from Mammoth, glad to hear it's a good one. If not pricey, almost $30 for a little bottle? Is that typical?

[kermitology]

Sounds about right for price. I personally really like Proraso's wood and spice beard oil.

Just use a small amount and that boar hair brush will help. I don't use conditioner, but I do oil right after I get out of the shower.

I shave the lower half of my neck line and it helps keep things look less unruly. My beard grows sort of interesting where halfway up my neck the hair switches direction, so I shave the part that grows up my neck and stop when I feel it tug.

I like this stuff as a conditioner: https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/bl...al-beard-saver

Power through that first month and things will get better.

[TheFlamesVan]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Beard oil I have now is from Mammoth, glad to hear it's a good one. If not pricey, almost $30 for a little bottle? Is that typical?

This is why I buy a container of coconut oil for ~$12 and it'll easily last me a year.

If they rebranded it "beard coconut oil" it would be $50 a container.

[PepsiFree]

Get a beard saver that you can rub into the beard and onto the skin underneath. It’ll keep it soft, maintained, help with the itch (a lot), and control breakouts/ingrown hairstyle and bacteria.

Oil is good, but i’d only use it once the beard is thick/long enough. For both, the key is that a little goes a LONG way. If you’re using oil, it shouldn’t be rubbed on the skin.

Regular trims and shapings, keep it looking tight. Proper care is the difference between a beard that looks like it’s on purpose and one that looks like you’re just unkempt and lazy. Though, the ability to grow a beard increases your manliness by 100%, so even an unkempt beard deserves a nod of respect.

[rohara66]

Any recommendations for a barber that wont #### up my beard?

I've always trimmed it myself but cleaning up the neck line is always a pain in the ass to do yourself.

Isn't there an award winning mustache grower on CP? Ask him.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by rohara66

Any recommendations for a barber that wont #### up my beard?

I've always trimmed it myself but cleaning up the neck line is always a pain in the ass to do yourself.

Cannibale or Chin Whiskey.