Beards became hugely popular in the 1850’s, as frontiersman and explorers became symbols of masculinity. This trend lasted until the 1880’s, and since then, beards were seen only on the older generation throughout the first half of the 20th century. It’s important to bear in mind that facial hair has gone in and out of fashion since there was such a thing as fashion. However, since 2015, beards again became extremely trendy because people started realising just how good a beard can actually look – if properly looked after and taken care of.

Men (and some women) have really embraced facial hair. It’s safe to say that beards are still very much in fashion for 2021, but in a less untamed, more well-groomed kind of way. Facial hair trends change quickly, and in order to keep up with these trends, we have some of the best tips and tricks to keep your manly mane in check.

Prepare the mane

If you have made the decision to grow a beard, the very first step is to grow your beard. This is going to take some self -restraint, if you want the end results to be epic. In the beginning, the urge to trim, or style your beard is going to be extremely tempting, but we recommend allowing your beard to grow for a good four to six weeks before you attempt to make any changes. This will allow the hairs to grow evenly (bearing in mind that some hairs will naturally grow faster than others). It will also allow you to pick a style that will best suit you. If you are a naturally impatient person, you could perhaps add some amino acids or protein to your diet, as this may assist to speed up the growing process.

Choosing a beard style

Just like any wild animal, your beard should align with its surrounding environment. Everyone has a uniquely shaped face and therefore no two beards are going to grow out quite the same. If you have made the decision to grow a beard, it’s a good idea to make sure it suits you. There are 7 main “face shape” types, and we’ve made it easy for you to figure out what might best suit your face shape, here:

1.       Oval Shape – Try grooming your beard to be squared at the jaw, with clean lines on the cheeks, short on the sides and completely cut underneath. This look will combine the weight of a full beard with clear definition too.

2.       Round Shape – Try to groom your beard so that it is shorter on the cheeks and longer towards the chin for a look that’s truly flattering or your face shape. For example, a goatee – still with stubble on the cheeks – will create the impression of a longer and more pronounced chin.

3.       Square Shape – In order to complement this face shape, you need to ensure that the chin area is triangular or rounded. You can achieve this by lengthening the chin with a goatee-style beard. This in turn will help soften a thick, wide jawbone, while still creating a chiselled look.

4.       Rectangle Shape – Having fuller cheeks on your beard will give the impression of a slightly wider jaw, taking attention away from the length of the face. If possible, try to grow your facial hair higher up on the cheeks too.

5.       Heart Shape – By growing some awesome stubble on the sides of your face, it will elude to that rough-and-ready look, without overpowering your natural bone structure. By adding more length to the chin and a distinguishable moustache, this will in turn add some depth and volume to your jawline.

6.       Triangle Shape – This is basically the opposite of the heart shape. With this style, avoid to anything too full and thick on the cheeks. By keeping hair off the cheeks, it allows you to bring some well-established sideburns further down your face.

7.       Diamond Shape – The widest at the cheekbones, the trick here is to square off a prominent chin by trying to keep hair wider on the cheeks and wider on the edge of the jawbone. This should square off the bottom half of your face, especially when you go lighter on the moustache. Anything too pointy will accentuate this face shape.

Trimming the Whiskers

Pruning is essential to a well-groomed beard. It’s a good idea to invest in a good quality trimmer, and trim regularly in order to maintain your desired shape and keep the hairs healthy. Daily grooming by way of a comb or beard brush is vital in keeping those stubborn stragglers in check, also training them to grow in a downward direction.

Here are a few other trimming tricks:

• Rather start with a higher guard head, and then work your way down the sizes, until you are happy with the length.

• Use a beard comb to comb everything in place, before you cut. This includes the moustache. You will then be able to snip any strays that hang over the lip.

• Besides trimmers, invest in a great pair of hair scissors for moustache trimming, and other loose ends that may stay behind after you’re done with the trimmers.

• Always trim your beard when it is dry. After all, this is how it is going to look when you go out into the world.

Wash your beard (and face) regularly

A beard can get pretty disgusting if you don’t make a concerted effort to keep it clean. Crumbs and leftovers can easily get left behind, especially if your beard is long and thick. It is also imperative to remove any build up that may occur under the beard hair. Sweat, excess oil and dead skin cells can all cause skin irritations and problems further down the line if not removed regularly. Also, you’ll avoid itching and thus you’ll never have to worry about beard dandruff.

How to keep your beard looking healthy and hydrated

Men have finally cottoned on to the fact that moisturising is not just for women, and likewise – not just for your face but your beard as well. It is vitally important to moisturise, especially the skin under your beard to prevent itching, to control flakes and maintain follicle health. Remember, your beard is only going to be as healthy as the skin underneath it.

BWG Botanics has developed a unique range of beard oils, sprays and butters, specifically designed to keep your beard healthy and hydrated. View their extensive range here.

Below are some key tips when using a beard oil:

• Pour a little oil into the palm of your hands and rub together to evenly distribute.

• Massage and rub the oil primarily into the base of your beard, working your way down. It’s best to do this with a dry or damp beard, but never wet.

• Spread the oil evenly over your entire beard, and underlying skin.

• Apply beard oil more frequently if you live in a dry climate or have a drier than average skin/hair type.

• If you notice a build-up, or if your beard is looking a little greasier than you’d like, apply less oil, or less often.

If however you are not the greatest fan of oils, BWG Botanics has also blended the finest essential oils to create a beard spray that nourishes and conditions your beard, while infusing it with subtle scents that won’t overpower like your average cologne. 

By following these tips and tricks, you should be able to flaunt your masculinity everywhere you go. Enjoy the process and let that manly mane grow!

3 Beard-Growing Myths, Debunked

New York dermatologist Dr. David Colbert sets the record straight on three common beard misconceptions:

Myth 1: Certain foods and vitamins make your beard grow quicker.

"No food or vitamin makes the beard grow faster. However, we do need amino acids or protein in our diet to grow hair. For instance, guys who are anemic often experience beard thinning." (Still, many dermatologists will tell you to take supplements like biotin to strengthen hair and beard growth, and some still believe it speeds up growth too. So, this one remains a myth.)2.

Myth 2: If you shave more often, your facial hair will get fuller.

"Shaving absolutely does not make your hair grow at any different rate,” he says. “One reason it might seem that way? If you shave often, you’re feeling the prickly sensation of hair growing back more frequently."

Myth 3: Grey beards are coarser.

"If anything, our follicles become smaller as we age. Grey beards are not much different than regular ones, structurally speaking. If a Santa-like beard seems coarse, it’s just because it hasn’t been conditioned properly or is full of split ends."