Beginners Guide To Styling & Growing A Beard

This is a guestpost from my friend Eric Bandholz of Beardbrand.  He has an epic beard I am jealous of and he can write – so give him your attention! – Antonio

To grow an awesome beard, simply put away your razor and trimmer and wait.

That’s all there is to it; or so most men would have you believe.

The fact is there is a lot to learn about growing a beard; if you are into style – which I know you are.

I’ve created this guide for the first time beardsman who doesn’t know what to expect. 

I’ll help you overcome common pitfalls and issues that arise with having a beard.

After reading this article, you should have all the tools you need to wear something that makes you proud.

Since this will be the most epic, comprehensive article on bearding on the internet, I’ve broken it up into three sections:

Growing a beard (the physical), Growing a beard (the psychological), and styling and maintaining a beard.

The reasons why you should grow a beard are totally up to you as an individual.

I personally have found incredible friends through beard clubs, gotten tons of compliments from random strangers, and have had my career skyrocket.

Your results will vary – but I promise that when you grow a beard it won’t be the same ole status quo.

Styling and Maintaining (the physical)

Click on this Beard Infographic for a LARGER image!

Like I mentioned above, the best thing to do when growing a beard is to put away the razor and build your patience.

In fact, one of the most impressive traits you’ll gain as a beardsman is patience. A beard is not measured in length, but it’s actually measured in months.

You’ll have a 1 month beard, 3 month beard, yeard (year long beard), or the holy grail of beards – the terminal beard (maximum length you genetically can grow).

Each length presents slightly different challenges. For the stage of beardless to about 2 weeks you may notice that your beard gets pretty itchy, may appear patchy, and is generally shaggy.

The reason your beard is itchy is because when you shave, you are essentially creating little spears on the tips of each hair.

They finally get long enough to bend around and poke at your skin. Your neck is very suspect to this because of the angle where the neck meets the head.