Hair loss, winter care, scalp protection,… many common skin issues readily grab men’s attention, but does your beard need the same consideration?
Our friend at the North Pole says absolutely yes, and here are a few tips he asked us to share.
Trim It On the Regular
Trimming your beard prevents flyaways, split ends, dryness, and general dishevelment, making you look your best at all times. You’ll need the right tools for the job, including a beard brush, comb, facial scissors, clippers with a length guard, razor, and styling balm, oil, or wax of your choice. Once your tools are assembled, just follow Santa’s guidelines:
- Wash and dry your beard to begin with a clean canvas.
- Brush everything against the grain, to allow your beard hairs to stand out. This makes it easier to see what needs addressing.
- Scissor and/or clip: Clippers will allow for an even trim across the board, while scissors can snip flyaways or stragglers. For shorter and medium-length beards, choose the guard length that favors the hair thickness you want, then move the clippers along your face in the same direction the hair is growing. This prevents ingrown hairs and camouflages any patches. Beards longer than the highest guard length will require freehand shaping.
When it comes to your mustache, comb all the hairs down over your upper lip and use either clippers or scissors to trim along your lipline.
- Mind your neckline by etching a line with your unguarded clippers just slightly above your Adam’s apple, across to either side of your jaw. Lather up and use your razor to shave away everything beneath that line.
Equally, keep your cheeks rosy and noticeable by shaving away any hairs that appear on them above your beard line. - Comb everything back into place and make sure your beard is falling how you want it to. Trim away anything that’s still not quite tidy.
- Wash away the clippings to make the bathroom sink pleasant for the next person. (And to stay on the Nice List.)
- Dry and style with your beard balm or oil of choice.
Mind the Bumps
Though you won’t typically be razor-shaving much of your beard, shaving folliculitis (also known as razor bumps) is still a possibility. To prevent this inflammation, always shave in the direction of hair growth, and lubricate your skin with a moisturizing shave cream.
Shaving in the right direction is also important if you’re having an acne breakout. If pimples are a problem, cleanse your skin regularly (not just ahead of a beard trimming), and consider a pre-shave steam treatment to help soften up your skin.
Be Proud of Your Winter White
Any hair dye can contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, but these chemicals can be particularly harmful to your facial skin. Although there are a few negative factors that may contribute to early graying, such as smoking or an untreated thyroid condition, it’s largely a natural part of the aging process. We encourage you to join the ranks of regal gentlemen letting their gray beards make a sophisticated statement, but if you absolutely must color your beard, consult a dermatologist about the proper products to use.
Though Santa’s already attended his winter skin appointment with us ahead of his busy season, we still have room for you to make yours. Whether it’s for a pre-festivity facial or to examine a new mole, call us at (404) 355-5484 or find an appointment online.
