What you need to consider before growing a beard

There are many ways to change your look. You could go for a new haircut or buy clothes which look different to what you wear now.

But have you thought about growing a beard? With so many different styles to choose from, it’s easy to give yourself a new identity.

Before you get going though, there are some things you need to consider. In this blog post, we’re going to cover the key points you need to think about before growing a beard.

Which beard style?

One of the most important decisions you must make, is choosing a beard style.

It’s not as simple as it seems. Do you go long or short? A full beard or a goatee?

The choices might seem overwhelming at first. But there is a simple way to narrow down the options – by choosing one that compliments your face shape.

Once you have worked out your face shape, you can then choose the appropriate beard style. Here are some examples to help you out:

• Oval – Any style will look good.
• Round – Styles that are shorter on the cheeks and longer on the chin such as a Van Dyke or goatee.
• Oblong – A chin strap beard or mutton chops can help make your face appear fuller.
• Square – Emphasise your strong jawline with a balbo beard style.

What is your job?

Beards in the workplace is a divisive issue. Even the interview process can be awkward enough for someone with a beard.

Everyone should have the right to grow a beard. But certain employers aren’t a fan of facial hair, with some even banning them in their workplace.

Sometimes, beards can interfere with a job. Take this example, where they have been banned by a police force for health and safety reasons.

So, you need to think carefully about your own job. Will growing a beard upset your boss? Or will having a beard get in the way of your work? Only you can decide.

Are you committed to maintaining your beard?

Growing a beard is just half the battle. To do it the right way, you need to understand how much commitment is required to maintain your beard.

It’s not just a case of giving it a quick wash every day. You need to invest the time and money in the right products to keep your beard looking its best.

Here’s what you should be doing daily:

• Applying beard oil – Arguably the most important product, it helps to keep your beard hair healthy and the skin underneath moisturised.
• Applying beard softener – It does exactly what it says on the tin. Everyone wants a softer beard, right?
• Brushing – Keep your beard hairs growing in the right direction, i.e. downwards.
• Trimming – OK, so maybe not daily, but certainly once a week you should be using scissors to trim split ends.

So, there you have it. Hopefully you have enough information to decide whether to grow a beard or not.

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