The powers of the beard are often underestimated. If you are looking to make a change in your life, maybe it is time to grow a beard. There is more to growing facial hair than it may seem at first.
Every man has their own grooming routine. Studying great hairstyles with beards can take your lumbersexual look to a whole new level. With a combination of high quality beard care products, dedication and expertise, you too could start growing a life altering beard!
There are many elements to consider when designing your beard. Living the beard lifestyle can be tough. Continual maintenance, sharpening and trimming of facial hair can be tiresome. But it is all worth it in the pursuit of the ultimate beard!
Grooming the Perfect Beard
A beard can mean many things. For some it is a statement of authority or a mark of wisdom. For others it is just a sign that they forgot to shave that morning. Grooming the perfect beard is impossible but many men have improved their lives in pursuit of perfection.
In order to grow an impressive beard you need to choose a style, pick your accessories and maintain a grooming routine that suits you.
Beard Styles
There are almost too many styles to choose from. You will probably be limited by the current capabilities of your facial hair. If you are just emerging from pubescence, then it will be difficult for you to cultivate any lumberjack stylings. Conversely, the older gentleman may have to contend with longer, tougher hairs and should choose a style accordingly.
There are a host of short beard styles that are generally suitable for professional life and won’t be off-putting for any potential partners. Some of our favorites include the Van Dyke Look and the traditional Short Boxed Beard.
There are also plenty of long beard styles that communicate a certain gravitas and confidence. Having a beard down to your belly button is not really cool unless you are a member of ZZ Top.
When considering which beard style to pick you should have a look at your facial structure. For some people a long beard masks a weak jawline. For others beards can be used to accentuate their other attractive features.
While the chin strip and the soul patch have fallen out of fashion there is nothing stopping you from choosing an anarchic beard style. Regardless of which beard style you choose, it is integral to the beard lifestyle that you go about grooming with dignity and care.
Beard Care Products for Men
There are several must-have beard care products that will change your grooming and maybe even change your life.
- Beard oils and balms are a key part of any facial hair grooming. They ensure that your skin and hair remain moisturized throughout the day. They will prevent your skin from becoming flaky. They will also add to your overall beard aroma. Nobody wants a smelly beard!
- Brushes and combs are also important accessories that help to maintain the health of your facial hair. A good brush will detangle and remove bad hair. Equally, a pocket comb is a convenient tool that can be used by any enterprising gentlemen on professional or personal business.
- Razors and trimmers are the best way to keep your hair in line at home. A sophisticated set of clippers and shavers are essential accessories if you want to tame your beard. A barber can give you a great shave but nothing beats the convenience of shaving above the sink or in the shower at home.
Grooming Routine
The best grooming routine is one that suits your lifestyle. There is no point planning an hour long trim when you know you have only five minutes in the morning before work to get yourself in order.
Once you have all the equipment and accessories, it is important to conduct your grooming routine in a relaxed manner. For some people the five minutes above the sink are a time of quiet meditation. A relaxed hand and a clear mind is important while taking any kind of razor, trimmer or clipper to your beard.
If you are going for the slick lumbersexual look you may want to consult or procure the services of a local barber. Experts can greatly aid your beard lifestyle. Whichever style you choose it is important to maintain the health and integrity of your skin and beard. All grooming routines should include the use of some sort of oil or balm and if the beard is long enough a comb or brush.
Famous People with Beards
Throughout history beards have adorned the faces of some of the most influential and successful figures we have ever seen. Before electric shavers, it was fashionable to allow beards to run long and scraggly. A sign of wisdom in some. In modern times an unkempt beards is more indicative of a relaxed attitude towards grooming and cleanliness.
Some beards are the making of a man. Other beards are made famous by the men that wore them. We want to draw attention to some of the most famous beards in history. It is perhaps the only list where you can find both Confucius and Kevin Smith.
- Confucius
The ancient father of eastern philosophy is depicted as having a long flowing and thin beard accompanied by a similarly spectacular moustache. Confuscious believed that you shouldn’t make alterations to your body because it was a gift from your parents. This attitude probably contributed to his relatively lax stance on beard grooming.
- Charles Darwin
Darwin sported a grand beard that reach down his neck and framed his stately facial features. Busy with pioneering scientific work it is unlikely that Darwin had time to apply any soothing beard oil.
- Abraham Lincoln
Grace Bedell was credited with persuading Lincoln to grow a beard.
“I have yet got four brothers … and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you, you would look a great deal better for your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and they would tease their husbands to vote for you and then you would be President.”
His chin strap beard is now the defining beard of the era and that image is how he is remembered to this day. His beard story is testament to how someone aware of the beard lifestyle can help change your life.
- Clint Eastwood
The young Clint Eastwood was the quintessentially cool bearded rogue during the 60s and 70s. Thankfully his beard game is immortalised in films like A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. You can make sure you don’t slip in to the ‘Ugly’ category by maintaining a groomed beard and living the beard lifestyle.
- Jack from Lost (Matthew Fox)
When Jack from the TV show Lost went from stubble to full beard it signalled a dramatic change in the character’s life. Matthew Fox was a handsome man before he allowed a scraggly and lazy beard to develop on his chin. Jack’s beard in Lost provides clear evidence of when growing a beard can change your life for the worse.
- Kevin Smith
The lovable filmmaker, actor and writer became famous in the 90’s with his irreverent low budget comedy Clerks. As Silent Bob in Clerks Smith sported a traditional beard that he has continued to wear to this day. It is relatively well maintained short-boxed affair that is both casual and stylish.
The Beard Lifestyle
A great beard can take you to the next level. Your beard lifestyle can be greatly improved by a few choice beard care products. In no time your facial hair will be looking silky smooth and feeling fresh.
Over the years many famous men have shown the rest of us the value of facial hair. A well groomed moustache, trimmed nasal hair and a styled beard could be the difference when you attend your next interview or date.
Make sure that you are well stocked with helpful beard accessories and kit. Living the beard lifestyle should not be arduous. A few balms, brushes and oils should do the trick!
A good beard can inform your way of life. The best beard style is the one that suits you and makes you feel comfortable. Whether you favour a great big bushy beard or a sleek metrosexual look the beard is always the winner.
Beards are life-changing! How has a beard lifestyle changed yours?
Share in the comments below!
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