BEARD GrOOMING...
Grooming your beard is like making sweet and tender love to your face. It is something you should enjoy and take great pride in doing well. A well trimmed beard is a gift you give your face, and don't ever underestamate the power of a well loved beard. While there are different methods, tools, and schedules you can utilize to keep your beloved beard in tip-top shape – I just want to offer some basic guidelines to follow. Don't just take my word for it, there are plenty of resources out there that will enhance your grooming skills.
Just like the hair on your head, facial hair needs to be cared for so it doesn't get wiry, dry and offensive looking... unless that is your goal. Having a great looking facial hair can be accomplised by regularly washing and conditioning with beard products and using a beard comb to work out kinks and curls.
Unless your going for the bohemian look you should set some "beard boundries" on your cheeks and neck. If you make lines too tight you look like a gang member and if you let them get too long you look like a homeless person. Don't look like a homeless person. For the nectk area, I would go for an inch below the 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 a good-to-know.
- On The Neck:
Using a professional hair trimmer on the “0″ setting, start at the center of the neck/chin and toward the ear, following the natural curve of the jaw line. Then, do the same on the flip side to maintain symmetry. If using a trimmer, apply light pressure downward or in the direction of hair growth. For a blade, gently “dig in” and create your line, then shave gently in the direction of hair growth below that point. Apply a gentle post shave solution/balm to shaved areas when complete.
- On The Cheeks:
Using a professional grade hair trimmer on the “0″ setting or a fresh blade and some shave oil, work down or up the natural smile line (line d. on illustration). Apply a gentle post shave solution/balm to shaved areas when complete.
Regulating the density and general bushiness of a beard can be easily accomplished with a professional trimmer and guard system. Start with a larger guard (bigger #) and trim up the stragglers, moving down a size or so as you desire. Don’t push too hard and pesky or longer strands can always be terminated with a targeted facial scissor.
