A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO TRIMMING AND SHAPING YOUR BEARD

BEARD SCIENCE: HOW TO TRIM A BEARD

Growing & Maintaining Your Beard To Keep It In Style

There was a time when growing a proper beard required only one thing – not shaving. Times have certainly evolved (or regressed depending how you view it) and beard maintenance now takes some actual effort and products (like beard oils, beard washes, beard lotions and more) to ensure said beard reflects one’s personality and facial-hair related goals. Here are some tips to creating and sustaining a great looking beard.

GROWING IT: THE CROCKETT PHASE

Obviously, the first step in growing any beard is to stop shaving. This can present an awkward few weeks (or months depending on your "sprouting level") where co-workers and friends aren't sure if you're lazy, hungoveror vying for a spot on Miami Vice III. Keep doubters on their toes by avoiding extreme cases of "neck beard" (hair between lines b. and c. on illustration below) and be certain to use a beard wash and conditioner even at this early stage for max comfort.. Keep beards tame with a trimmer, scissorsor fresh blade.

MAINTAIN IT: GET IT SOFT

The main reason men prematurely pull the plug on beard growth is averseness to itching. Facial hair needs to be cared for to ensure it doesn't get wiry, dry and offensive looking (unless that's the goal). There's a degree of this that'll always be there, but softening and pampering immature whiskers with a beard wash, beard oil and beard conditioner can help a beard mature easier throughout its lifespan. Work out the kinks and curls via regular facial exfoliation and a beard comb and/or beard brush.

HOLD THE LINE: OUTLINE A PERIMETER

Unless going for the 100% bohemian look, setting beard boundaries on your cheeks and neck is essential from the start to get the desired beard style. Make lines too tight and you look like a tight-wad or gang member, let them sprout too long and you're in Haight-Ashbury territory. For the neck area, we recommend an inch or so below the actual jaw line (line b. on illustration) and for the cheeks, follow "smile lines" (Line d. on illustration) up toward sideburns. Knowing where the beard ends is only half the battle. From there, one needs to effectively carve things out. Make sure to grab a precision detailing razor or targeted facial scissors to make the maintenance of mustaches, beards and hard-to-reach areas easy.

GLTV PRESENTS: HOW TO GROW, TRIM, AND MAINTAIN YOUR BEARD

Grooming Lounge Founder, Mike Gilman gives the low-down on all the tips and tricks how to best groom and maintain your beard.

THE BEARD MAINTENANCE KIT

Our top-selling Kit includes all the essentials necessary for a scruff-growing fella to keep that budding beard looking its best. We're talking high-quality beard washes, beard conditioners, beard balms and lotions, beard oils and beard brushes and combs.