Historically, beards sent a strong message about where a man was from and with modern men again turning to facial hair as the ultimate expression of identity, now is the time to brush up on beard basics.
These tips from Chisholm Institute barbering teacher Fevzi Atilgan will help to groom your beard to perfection:
Pay a visit to a pro
To ensure a nice shape, have your beard cut by a barber on the first occasion.
“Nowadays we like our beards with a little more shape and you need some good skills with freehand clippers and scissors to create that,” Fevzi says. “Once you go to the barber and get the shape cut in, it is easy to maintain at home.”
When choosing a style, a chat with the barber will help you lock in a look that suits your face and personality.
“The consultation is very important,” Fevzi says. “When you go to the barber shop, try and explain the shape you want. The barber should be able to recognise typical face shapes, what type of beard is growing ─ so far as texture, and how much maintenance a person can manage.”
Someone wanting a lower maintenance style might opt for a shorter cut than someone who is happy to trim their beard more carefully and more often, Fevzi added.
“Generally men don’t want their beard too wide at the sides – they want the cheek area to be trimmed but the hair to be longer in the front. Some want the beard squared off and some want it rounded.”
Give it a trim
“After the barber gives you that first shape, you should be able to maintain it at home pretty easily for about six or eight weeks,” Fevzi said, adding that the barber could also offer advice about shaving the neckline.
“This will help in keeping the look and shape.”
Fevzi recommended that those with longer beards purchase a longer pair of scissors.
“Get your six or seven inch scissors ready, then just brush the beard out and trim anything sticking out, like pruning or edging the garden. A little beard trimmer is also handy.”
Use the right products
Barbers can recommend shampoos, conditioners and beard oils, which are available at the salon, chemist or supermarket.
Fevzi says the skin around a beard can dry out easily and beard oil can help maintain moisture as well as making unruly hair more manageable.
“Often beards are very curly and the texture is rough so you need some kind of oil,” he says.
Patch it up
Fevzi said not much could be done to make a beard grow faster or thicker but not to despair because the friendly barber can probably help you out.
“Unfortunately, it is what it is! It is common to have patches that don’t grow and it is likely your barber has skills to make it still look good.”
Fevzi said some barbers specialised in ‘filling out’ patchy beards with paint.
“But that’s only a temporary solution and a specialty passion of some barbers.”
Keep it clean for work
Fevzi says beards have become an extension of hairstyles and provided they are clean and tidy, are perfectly acceptable in office or service environments.
“In the past your bosses might not have accepted it but today it has become fashionable and a part of your hairstyle,” he says. “A nice clean haircut and a sharp beard is very acceptable with a business shirt.
“Today, having hair very short at the sides with a beard is in fashion and if you don’t have any hair, like me, growing the beard gives you that masculinity.”
