How to get a kick ass beard

By Niall Roeder.

Beards are more than just hair. They are masculine chin curtains made to dust cookies, catch crumbs and tickle partner’s faces. Men have been sporting chin curtains for years because they’re a symbol of strength, wisdom and power, and following the epic beard revival of the last decade, they don’t appear to be getting the chop anytime soon.

A photo posted by The Barbers of QT (@barbersofqt) on Jun 15, 2016 at 7:33pm PDT

Just like everyone has a unique fingerprint, no one beard is the same. Each needs it’s own personalised grooming methods. We caught up with Kris Jones, from QT The Barber Shop, to get his top tips for giving your beard the care it deserves.

What chu want?

Before you start growing your masterpiece you need to consider you face shape and what style of beard will complement you. For someone with a round or wide face, a longer beard can make the face appear longer to help balance your features. For someone with a thinner face, a thicker heavier beard can help the face to appear fuller.

Patience, big fella, patience

Good things come to those who wait! When growing and maintaining a beard it’s important to be patient, it’s always tempting to start cutting and shaping your beard in the early days but leave it for at least 3-4 weeks depending on how quickly your hair grows.

Trim lightly my son

When growing your beard for the first time it’s important not to undo your good work by going straight in with a heavy handed trimming session. Check the length settings on your beard trimmer (Braun makes a banging one), then check them again, it’s better to start by taking a little at a time off than going straight in.

Encourage good behaviour

It’s important to train your beard to do what you want it to. Most guys like their beard to grow in a downward fashion, although different growth patterns do not always allow this. It’s important to wash and comb your beard in the direction and style you want daily to optimise its potential.

Skin care

For maintaining and caring for your beard I recommend getting yourself a good skin care routine, that includes a cleanser, a light face scrub and a good quality moisturiser.

Tangle free

It’s so important to keep your beard tangle free by using a wide tooth comb once to twice a day to get rid of any unwanted knots or debris that you may have picked up during the day.

A photo posted by BEARD UP OR M̶A̶N̶ D̶O̶W̶N̶™ (@beardmuscles) on Jun 20, 2016 at 10:20am PDT

Oil ‘er up

During the first few weeks of beard growth, moisturisers will be enough to keep it looking and feeling strong, when your beard starts to get a little longer find a good quality beard oil to it looking healthy and ready for the day ahead.

Get a sharp trimmer

There’s a new Braun Grooming range that’s bang on. They’re on a mission to make men take complete control over their facial hair. The range features the new Beard Trimmer Dial, which delivers crazy grooming precision. Get sharp lads.