20 Popular Questions About Beards

So you’ve made one of life’s big decisions! You’ve decided to grow a beard. Maybe you have the opportunity to do so, or friends and family members feel it will suit you or you like the idea that it will be a sign of your masculinity and maturity. Whatever the reason, you’d like to grow a good beard and keep it tidy and in good condition and have many questions about beards.

Here We Answer the 20 Most Popular Questions About Beards…

1. What is The History of Men and Beards?

Since the earliest days, man has worn a beard to keep his face warm and to appear intimidating to enemies.

Early man also used his beard to protect his face from the elements, and as a natural shield from the enemy as the area around the mouth and lips are delicate.

Prehistoric men grew beards for protection- so beards act as an effective cushion from blows around the face. Throughout history, beards have been a sign of great learning, strength and man’s virility.

2. How Do I Start to Grow a Beard Quickly?

The simple answer is to stop shaving!

It is best to plan when you’re going to start growing a beard so that you can ensure that you have bought some beard shampoo and beard oil ready. It could take up to eight weeks to get really good looking designer stubble and if you’re hoping to achieve a longer beard style, this could take several months if not years!!

The main point to remember is that beards these days look really tidy and in great condition – at all stages.

3. What is a Cowlick?

Sometimes when a man grows a beard, it can start to grow in a spiral at the edge close to the ear – either on one or both sides and this is called a cowlick.

The best thing to do if this starts to happen is to get your beard professionally trimmed by your barber who will have had experience dealing with cowlicks and will be able to advise you on what to do. Alternatively, you can grow the hair a little longer and then try and train it to grow properly, fixing it in place with a little hair wax if needed.

4. Should I Wash My Beard Every Day?

It is not a good idea to wash your beard every day as this may dry out your skin and strip the oils you have applied out of your beard. It is best to wash your beard every few days using a good quality, moisturising beard shampoo as this will keep your beard hair in good condition.

Of course, how often you wash your beard really depends on your occupation and whether your  beard gets dirty with food or dust etc.

5. When Should I Use a Beard Conditioner?

If you find that your beard hair still feels a little coarse after washing with beard shampoo, try applying a leave-in beard conditioner as this will really improve the look and feel of your beard.

6. How Can I Stop My New Beard Itching?

Beards often itch when they’re growing and the easy way to prevent this is by applying a quality beard oil. Beard oil really improves the condition of the skin under the beard and this will stop the irritation. Apply a few drops of oil onto one palm, warm the oil by rubbing between your palms. Place your palms at the top of your beard on either cheek and let the oil run down through your beard. Gently massage the oil into your beard down to your chin and onto your neck.  

7. Are There Other Reasons Why I Should Use Beard Oil?

If you want a really healthy beard that grows well and you want to avoid having dry, irritated skin underneath it, apply beard oil regularly. It is important to buy a quality beard oil that is specially formulated as the skin under your beard is more sensitive than the skin on your head. Good beard oil is also designed to be non-greasy.

8. What is Beard Oil Made From?

Beard oil is a conditioning product that help hydrate, nourish and soften beards. Beard oil is an oil-based, light moisturiser that is applied through the whole beard quickly and easily and has been popular for years. Top quality beard oils comprise of a combination of carrier and essential oils.

Carrier oils are the ingredients that condition, moisturise, and soften both the skin and beard. The essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties as well as fragrances.

9. Is Beard Balm Different?

Beard balms (also called beard butters) are relatively new and are thicker in consistency than beard oils. They are a combination of butters or hard oils such as shea butter, mango butter or cocoa butter, which have been mixed with wax and carrier oils. The thicker texture of the beard balm coats each hair and takes longer to be absorbed and can help keep stubborn beard hairs in place!

Bear balms are exceptionally good for use on longer beards as the whole length of each hair can be treated.

10 How Often Should I Apply Beard Oil/Balm?

Beards do vary and facial skin too, but on average, it’s best to apply beard oil 1- 3 times a day. If you are going to use beard oil just once a day, applying it after your morning shower is best. If the skin under your beard is dry or irritated, you will need to apply beard oil more regularly and maybe switch to a balm as this takes longer to soak into the skin so is more enriching.

11. My Beard Hair Feels Really Coarse – Why?

Often the body does not produce enough oil to keep facial skin or the beard well moisturised.

If you regularly apply beard oil or beard balm a few times a week, you will soon feel that your beard hair is softening and a glance in the mirror will reveal that your beard is looking healthier and fuller. 

12. Will I Need to Brush My Beard?

Having a beard is no different to having hair on your head and both need regular brushing to keep looking at their best. Invest in a quality beard brush that will not damage the hair. Brushing your beard well will get rid of all the dust, dirt, and excess oil and will also have an exfoliating effect on the skin underneath.

Brushing your beard will ensure that the moisturiser you are applying gets evenly distributed.

Traditionally, beard brushes were made from boars’ hair but there are many excellent Vegan friendly brushes on the market made from man made fibres.

13. Can I Comb My Beard Instead?

If you prefer to comb your beard rather than brush it – no problem!

You should not use a cheap plastic comb that you keep in your back pocket though as this will cause a build up of static and make your beard hairs hard to control.

Invest in a good quality wooden or metal beard comb as this will ensure that your whiskers do want you want them to do!

Wooden beard combs are really good as they won’t cause beard hair static, they’re very durable, and they look really good too. You should always comb your beard in the direction of the hair growth but it is good to experiment by combing it in other directions to see how the hair reacts. 

14. Should I Trim My Beard Regularly?

Stylish, well maintained beards are the vogue, but how often you need to trim your beard will depend on the speed the hair grows.Trimming your beard regularly will make it easier to style your beard hair and maintain the style of your beard. If you do leave it too long, it may be best to get your beard cut professionally by your barber.

15. Can I Trim My Beard Myself With Scissors?

Trimming your beard using scissors does give you room for error!

Beard trimmers are faster but one mistake and you have lost a chunk of your beard! Best to practise with beard trimmers when you hare feeling more competent and you have time on your side!

16. Help – How Do I Deal With Dandruff in My Beard?

If you have dandruff or flaky skin these are indicators that you are not caring for your beard and the skin under your beard quite right. Don’t be tempted to use an anti-dandruff shampoo as this could compound the problem. Use a mild facial wash each time you shower, followed by some tea tree oil as this is both natural and gentle. Tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial and this will soon clear up the problem.

17. What if Your Beard Growth is Patchy in Places?

Unfortunately, this often occurs when you grow a beard for the first time.

If you can be patient and allow the hair to grow longer and brush it carefully ‘against the grain’ to make it more voluminous and to cover any patches.

Make sure you regularly apply beard oil too. If you need your beard to look really good you can disguise any patchy areas using an eyebrow pencil or brow filler – in the right colour.

The quality of an established beard and its density can be affected by stress and if you can ease the stress your beard hair will grow back quickly. Sometimes patchy beards can be the result of a poor diet so make sure that you are eating a really good, well-balanced diet.

Applying beard balm and regularly brushing your beard to massage the skin underneath can both help.

18. Will Shaving My Beard Off, Help it Grow?

No. If you decide to shave your beard off, when it re-grows it will be the same thickness and colour and will grow at the same speed. When the hair starts to re-grow the ends will have blunt tips so they will give the appearance of being thicker, but they are not really.

19. What Can I do as My Beard is Growing Two-Tone?

The colours that you see in your beard are natural and close examination of your head will probably reveal the same mixture of colours. It is best to embrace your beard colour because there is not too much you can do about it!

Trying to dye your beard is risky and your beard hair grows so quickly, it will be impossible to keep up with it.

Many men worry when their beard grows grey hairs, but again, this should not be hidden as it can add character to your beard. Having said this if you really do want to dispel any grey hairs, a ladies’ mascara in the correct colour and carefully applied, can work.

20. Why Has My Beard Stopped Growing?

For your beard hair to grow well and for it to be in good condition, your diet and exercise must be good.

Another factor that can cause your beard to stop growing is lack of sleep. There are a number of special beard supplements on the market which can help promote good hair growth as well as thicken the hair follicles- so even if your beard isn’t growing longer, it will be getting thicker and the hair will be in good condition too.