How to Grow a Beard In 5 Easy Steps

Including the best products for your facial hair.

By Louis Baragona and Sandra Nygaard, Men’s Health

From Paul Rudd to LeBron James, so many celebrities have shown just how much a beard can change your face. The right beard can transform you into a new man. The wrong beard can do the same, but for the worst possible reasons. How do you grow your best beard?

Grooming expert and counselor Craig the Barber has some major insight as to the very best way to let facial fuzz grow. It won't be easy, but the transformation just might be worth it.

1

You'll need to examine and evaluate your facial hair.

To be your best self, you must first know yourself. Your facial hair is no exception.

What kind of hair do you have? Look into texture, length, thickness, and more. They'll all give you insight as to the type of facial hair that may work best for you.

For example, if you have a mustache, you might want trim it down while you let your beard come in for a few days. The mustache should match or appear somewhat similar.

According to Craig, depending on your growth rate, it will probably take less than a week for your mustache and beard to eventually match in both texture and length.

While letting your beard grow in, take note of how short your beard can be before you can start seeing patchy areas. This will determine what style of beard you can pull off without it looking inconsistent.

hHair coming in thick and even? Go for a fuller look. Is it getting patchy? Keep it shorter and neatly trimmed to look sharp.

If you’re not entirely sure, ask a barber’s advice. He’ll be able to break down your hair texture and advise you on the style that matches.



2

You should learn the ins and outs of proper beard maintenance.

Once you know what kind of hair you have and which beard style you're aiming for, you can seek out the proper tools to maintain it, says Craig.

Whether it's beard oil or an electric razor, there are options and most of them can be specifically chosen to fit your needs. For example, if you have ethnic hair, it may be best for you to find special razors from companies like Walker & Co. that can work with your hair type.

No matter what you're working with, a pair of adjustable clippers with different attachments can help you trim and shape as you begin your full beard quest. They'll help maintain as time goes on.



3

It's going to be necessary to perfect your exact beard style.

Listen, you're not a barber. Nobody expects perfection. Shaping and styling your beard isn't easy. There are many things to consider (face shape, color, hair type, skill level, etc.), so don't get overwhelmed.

The easiest strategy? Your beard can be bulky, but you should keep it uniform.

To get it right, go over your entire beard with the trimmer. Start under your neck, and shave upward. Cover all areas where your beard grows, but stop at the bottom of your ear to properly blend your beard into your sideburns.

No matter what, if you screw it up, that's ok. It can be fixed. And if it can't, it's just hair. It'll grow back.



4

You'll have to develop a routine.

Ok, so you've got the basics of maintenance and styling down. Perfect! Once you've experimented to discover what works exactly, stick with it.

Routine can help your hair flourish. Going to the barber, doing hair masks, and shaving weekly might all be your keys to your best beard. You're in this for the long haul, so it's best to get to know which strategies lead to your best beard and to follow those.



5

It takes patience.

And once you've found what works and made it part of your schedule, it's time to hurry up and wait. The goal length and period of time is up to you, but either way, don't expect results overnight.

It can take months to get to your #beardgoals. But once the blessed day comes, you'll be happy to say you did it. Or maybe you'll end up looking like Al Pacino. The only way to know is to wait it out.

See more at: Men’s Health