Eat, Sleep, Beard…Repeat!

There’s a secret society among guys with substantial beards, admits Beardbrand.com Founder Eric Bandholz. “When I see another guy with a big beard, there’s definitely the head nod,” he laughs.

The beard trend has dominated hipster strongholds like Brooklyn and Seattle in recent years, and now it’s growing. More and more guys are celebrating their hirsuteness, with trim beards, bushy beards, goatees, soul patches and all manner of ‘staches. Facial hair becomes your responsibility when a male client is in your chair, so listen up to what Eric, and others, have to say.

Shaping
Beard hair grows at different lengths, which leads to split ends and wiry strays. So fluff out your client’s beard, then trim the outliers with scissors. And never cut straight across the bottom, says Eric. “The beard line should mimic the jawline.” Another great beard shaping tool? Guys are loving Tangle Teezer—it removes tangles and leaves hair and beards smooth and soft.

When shaping a beard, suggests TIGI® U.S Creative Director Thomas Osborn, lift up the chin, and work in a very slight arc from about an inch or two below the jawline, following the shape of the jawline.

A sharp beard outline is super important, and that’s best accomplished with a straight razor and a barber, says Gib Long, Founder of Gibs Grooming (Guys Into Beard Stuff, gibsgrooming.com). But in the meantime, Gibs has come up with a tool that helps guys get that crisp outline at home. The new Gibs Clear Shave Gel, unlike foam shave creams, lets you see what’s going on under there so clients don’t have to hope they’re edging a straight line. “It’s difficult to achieve a straight line,” says Gib, “and once it’s uneven, it takes a while to reshape. Clear Shave Gel really helps!”

“Beards can alter a face shape,” adds British barber, educator and consultant Sheriff Mehmet for Jack Dean, “so keep that in mind when shaping your client’s beard. A broad shape can make the face appear wider; a slim goatee will make it look longer.”

Grooming
The biggest mistake bearded men make is shampooing every day with regular shampoo. “Facial skin is more sensitive than the scalp, so this practice can lead to flaking,” says Eric. “Shampoo less-frequently, and remember, oil is a beard’s best friend. Use it as a leave-in to treat the face and the beard.” Gib Long agrees. “Educate your client about maintaining and nourishing his beard,” he says. “The skin underneath gets dry. We offer specially-made oils that take care of things like beard bumps and ‘beard-druff,’ while also feeding and nourishing the beard to promote growth.”

Moustaches
The length of the ‘stache is dictated by the length of the beard. “A big, gnarly beard will look out of proportion with a small moustache,” Eric explains. And regardless of the length, moustaches need training. “You always want it directed away from the mouth so the client can eat,” he explains. “So show him how to split it down the middle and use a few tiny slivers of moustache wax to direct each side outward.”