How to grow a full beard: The Ultimate Beard Growth Guide

 

Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, and Abraham Lincoln all did it. Now, it’s your turn! It’s your turn to face trials and tribulations in your journey towards growing the best beard, designed for your unique features. Of course, no great success is accomplished alone. Just like it took these men above much help for their successes, you need as much help as possible to succeed in your beard growth journey. This guide contains the information on all the beard growth stages, the tools you will need, the right beard fit for you, and everything to know on beard culture itself. So be excited!

You’re about to read the Ultimate Beard Growth Guide encompassing all the information we’ve learned through the years, and can be useful for a newbie or even a bearded expert. If you think there’s anything missing, don’t hesitate to reach out to support@bravenbearded.com to give us your input.

Index

1. Part 1: Beard Styles

1.1 Short Beard Styles

1.2 Medium Beard Styles

1.3 Long Beard Styles

2. Part 2: The Playbook for Beard Growth

2.1 Week 1 - The Journey Begins

2.2 Week 2 - Changes Appear

2.3 1 Month - Your Beard Has Arrived

2.4 Shaping & Training

3. Part 3: Your Beard Products & Grooming Accessories

3.1 Beard Oil

3.2 Shaving Oil

3.3 Sculpting Beard Balm

3.4 Moustache Wax

3.5 Beard Shampoo/Wash

3.6 Blow Dryer

3.7 Trimmer

3.8 Beard Shaper

3.9 Beard Combs

3.10 Beard Brushes

3.11 Beard Bib

4. Part 4: What IS A Beard?

4.1 Cycles of Growth

4.2 Things You Can Do To Optimize Beard Growth

5. Part 5: Ingredients & Their Properties

5.1 Jojoba Oil

5.2 Castor Oil

5.3 Almond Oil

5.4 Coconut Oil

5.5 Grapeseed Oil

5.6 Vitamin E

5.7 Shea Butter

5.8 Beeswax

5.9 Burdock Root

5.10 Nettle

5.11 Rosemary

6. Most Common Beard Issues

6.1 Ingrown Hairs

6.2 Beard Dandruff

6.3 Split-Ends

6.4 Itchiness

6.5 Zits

6.6 Smelly Beard

6.7 Eating

7. Frequently Asked Questions In the Beard World

7.1 Does Shaving Making Your Beard Grow?

7.2 How Big Should My Beard Be To Use Beard Care Products?

7.3 Can I Use Beard Balm & Beard Oil Together?

7.4 What Is the Best Routine To Take Care of My Beard?

8. Conclusion

 

Time to get started! Start by choosing which beard style you like best from the ones below, then keep reading the guide to learn how to achieve your dream beard!

 

Part 1: Beard styles 

 

A beard definitely changes your overall look and can be a great add-on to the style you're going for. However, not every beard style fits with every face shape, therefore it's important to understand for which beard you can go for, and how to maintain and groom it as well. Below, you'll find a collection of 27 of the most popular beard styles, and which facial shape they suit.

 

Short beard styles:

 

Clean Shaven

Soul Patch

Petite Goatee

Classic Goatee

Sideburns

Wolverine

Chin strap

Chin curtain

Dutch

Balbo

Goatee & mustache

Vandyke

Handlebar & chin puff

Winnfield

Short stubble

Medium stubble

Long stubble

Medium beard styles:

Full beard

Short boxed beard

Corporate beard 

Hollywoodian

Ducktail

French Fork

Long beard styles:

 Old Dutch

Garibaldi

Verdi

Yeard (Year-beard)

Part 2: The playbook for beard growth

 

Great news! Since you`ve already made it this far in the article, you already have the first and most important step of the beard growth process achieved: Commitment. Just as you would commit to losing "x" number of pounds as you join the gym, you must commit to growing "x" amount of time before shaving and quitting. No results can be achieved by skipping the process, and this first phase of growth requires patience.

 

Week 1 - The journey begins

So, you have decided you're doing it, despite what others may think. You want to see yourself with a beard and you`ll do whatever it takes! Your first week is a patience game. Let your beard grow and don`t do any trimming. This step is building the foundation you need to get the beard you want in the future. It’s very easy to get excited and try to shape your hairs immediately into a look you think suits you best. Keep in mind that, if you’ve never grown a beard before, you're not even sure what a bigger styled beard looks like yet on your face, so don`t act on your trimming impulses yet. Because of the fact that you have been shaving before this, the hairs are sharp like spears and will curl up against your skin, creating itchiness. These early stages of growth will be the itchiest, so get your game face on!

It is essential to understand the relationship between your facial skin and beard. Properly maintained facial skin is the key to having a healthy and nourished beard. There are several ways you can take care of your facial skin. The best one, is hands down, beard oil. It is a composition of natural oils targeting the skin, to hydrate and nourish it. It softens the hairs for shaping, helps control irritations and skin conditions such as pimples, ingrown hairs and dead skin cells (a.k.a. Bearddruff). As if this weren`t enough, it helps the itchiness and usually has a great fragrance as well! This should be your first beard arsenal investment and is perfect for the early week 1 stage of growth.

Week 1 conclusion

Have patience, don`t touch your trimmer, no matter what! Make sure you apply your beard oil in the morning, after a shower while your pores and hair follicles are open for best absorption. Start taking pictures to document your beard growth stages. At this point, there shouldn`t be much to worry about socially and psychologically, as most of your peers have already seen you with stubble in the past. Don`t forget to pat yourself on the back for a successful first week! Now, let’s move on.

 

Week 2- Changes appear!

Alright, fellow growers, your beard is actually looking beardly! Your hairs are coming out, people are starting to notice your commitment and you haven`t touched the trimmer that is hidden away in a drawer somewhere. Perfect! Now, with the extra length of hairs, new devotees are embraced by the beard community to keep your beard looking shiny and healthy, instead of dusty and flaky. So, you’re using your beard oil, your skin and beard are feeling hydrated and nourished. What most people don`t know is that you might be the one causing the dryness in the first place! The skin on your face is the most sensitive of all skins on the body. Most shampoos and conditioners are designed for thick, tough scalp skin and have chemicals like parabens and sulfates which really dry up the facial skin but have little effect on the scalp. Using your regular shampoo for your new beard is a serious NO-NO. Your next task is to find an all-natural beard wash/shampoo to make sure you aren`t reversing the effects of that nice beard oil. Look for natural ingredients, chemical-free formulas with a neutral pH at 7 so there is no acidity drying up the skin. Avoiding shampoos with strong alcohols is recommended as well, as you can easily find some with vegetable-based alcohol that is gentler on the skin. This will help your new longer beard hairs not only to be softer but more malleable for shaping. Which brings us to our next tool for our week 2 beard.

A boar bristle beard brush is your new best friend. The bristles of the boar are rigid and soft at the same time, stimulating the skin’s surface to remove dead cells. Your beard at this stage is fuzzy and has unruly hairs tempting you to trim. Don’t do it! As mentioned above, you want to keep this foundation to work with later, so stay strong! This is why you need the boar bristle beard brush to place your hairs and train them for a groomed look. Socially, people are starting to comment on your beard. They are wondering if you’re going to keep it or if this is just a lazy phase. Talk to them about your new products to show your interest in the beard culture and in keeping a clean beard. Tell them this is a normal phase in the growing process, and that you have plans for grooming just around the corner.

Week 2 conclusion

Don`t be your own worst enemy! Stop drying out facial skin with regular scalp shampoos and get a natural beard wash. Get rid of dead skin cells and fuzzy hairs with a nice boar bristle beard brush which provides a groomed look. Tell everyone this is a natural stage of the growth process and that you need to let it grow before taking to the shaping aspect so they don`t think you’re just ‘being lazy’.

 

 

1 month - Your beard has arrived!

And just like that, you’re a beardsman! You don`t have a yeard yet (a one-year beard ) or a Z.Z. Top-status mane, but you are now for sure a bearded man in the community -- and trust me, it is a community! People have started to comment constantly on it, giving their opinions and sharing their bearded experience. So now, it`s time to shape-up! Yes, you have been patient and you can`t even remember where your trimmer is anymore. You have succeeded and it’s about to get very interesting. Now you have a nice, filled-in amount of beard hair. At this point, it’s all over the place and without any style, but it’s ready!

Cheek lines and necklines are your new focus. This can be achieved in different ways. Let us start by assuming you’re doing it on your own. In general, your natural cheek lines are what you are going to want to follow. Get rid of the stray hairs above the line and try using tools to do it evenly on both sides. A beard shaper is made for this. It is a beard tool with 2 different angles you can follow to have perfectly even cheek lines, and that’s not all, it does the neckline as well. Typically, you’ll want to follow the bottom of your ears, trimming all the hairs that are where the neck meets the head. Your necklines on both sides should meet just above your Adam’s apple. If you aren`t confident enough to attempt this after all the effort you put into growing it, that’s understandable. Go to an experienced beard barber and have him do it the first time. A good barber can definitely give you some pointers on how to groom yourself and shape your beard so you can maintain it afterward with the trimmer and scissors. When trimming the ends of your hairs, use a comb to pull the hairs up so the length is even, and use scissors to cut the hairs in a straight line. Always remove less than you think you should the first time, so you don`t accidentally cut too much.

Now that you are starting to trim regularly for grooming, there are several new tools you'll need for your beard arsenal. A beard bib is a bib that attaches directly to the mirror in front of you while being wrapped around your neck creating a canopy for all the hairs trimmed to fall into. You can avoid hairs in the sink, therefore avoiding issues with roommates or partners! Another great new tool for your beard grooming is shaving oil. Yes, you read correctly, an oil for shaving! Many people use an opaque foam with chemical ingredients to stop irritations while shaving their linings. An oil has the advantage of being transparent, so you can see what you are doing. It is also made with natural oils, hydrates and reduces the irritation on your skin so it doesn’t feel worse after you do your lines. For your moustache, use scissors to keep an even trim without cutting too many hairs at a time. Cut a straight line parallel to the top lip to avoid eating your new moustache. Similarly, to trimming your beard use a comb to lift the hairs up on the moustache, so you can cut an even line across its length.

 

Shaping & Training

Your beard is now fairly imposing after a month without any shaving or trimming. You might even surprise yourself with how different you look! Manliness and testosterone pump through you as you show off your new beard. However, an unkempt beard won’t get you the right attention. Now that you’ve taken steps towards trimming and shaping your beard, there are techniques towards keeping the shape of wavy, rebellious hairs. This is what you want to do: You want to find yourself a good sculpting beard balm. This will be your new best friend. Find a high-quality formula containing natural oils, beeswax and shea butter which is one of the best hydrators out there. A balm softens up the beard even more than the oil, adds a layer of protectiveness against environmental wears and allows a medium hold so you can place your beard and have it stay that way for the day (similar to a pomade for hair). Add it into your routine right after applying the beard oil for the best effect. There are several beard oils and balms made with the same fragrance, so you don`t have to worry about clashing scents.

Next up, one of the most underrated tools you may already have: the blow dryer. As soon as you step out of the shower, it is recommended to use the blow dryer to remove all the water creating pressure on the hair follicles and causing dandruff. Not only this but if you place your beard while blow drying it, you will train the hairs in the direction you place them. Keep the blow dryer at a minimum distance of 15 cm from the hairs to avoid hair damage. Ideally, you’ll do this and follow-up with the oil and balm afterward, holding the shape you gave your beard in place. Lastly, you may have noticed by now your moustache is curling into your mouth! Don`t worry, moustache wax was made for this. A good mustache wax is made with white beeswax, which has a strong hold, allowing you to shape it and keep those hairs out of your nose and mouth!

1-month conclusion

Wow! That was a lot of information, but now you have the basics in proper beard maintenance that apply to every stage of beard growth. In short: Start trimming those cheek and necklines, even if you need a barber to show you how at first. Beard shapers, shaving oils, and beard bibs are all very useful beard arsenal tools now. Help keep your new shape and make it look clean and professional with a sculpting beard balm, a blow-dryer, and moustache wax.

Of course, there are longer stages down the line in beard growth, but these are the essential first steps. Following these tips will give you the tools and knowledge to do whatever suits you best with your beard from here onwards. Which brings us to part 3!

 

Part 3: Your Beard Products & Grooming Accessories

Here is a list of what you need, and the information to get the suitable products. Let’s get right into it!

 

Beard oil

Beard oil is the bread and butter of beard products. It is made from a blend of different and varying amounts of natural oils that have many benefits for skin care, hydration, nourishment and softening of hairs. There are many different oils that can be used in the formulas. Some include almond oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, pure vitamin E and many more. If you have a white beard, try staying away from argan oil as it tends to give a slight yellowish tint to beards. Jojoba oil is a high-quality beard oil that you should look for in your beard oil. It has many properties, including but not limited to: effective relief from eczema and psoriasis, antibacterial properties that help control bacterial growth in the hair follicles, anti-inflammatory and, when used regularly, jojoba can control acne problems. These are just a couple of tips on beard oils, so make sure you choose yours wisely!

For a small beard, 2-3 drops are recommended. Medium beards will be in the 4-7 range. And large beards will be 8 and up. Finding a good beard oil with a dropper can be extremely useful for gauging the quantities you use. Rub the oil between your hands and apply it on your face and beard.

 

Shaving oil

Alright so we all know the foam-like substance we’ve used on our face to shave with. Not a bad product if you’re shaving your entire face, but less optimal if you have to see what you’re doing for linings. Plus, why not use a shaving oil when it’s actually better for your skin, at the same time? A shaving oil has the advantage of being transparent so you can actually see what you’re shaving. Hard to be that precise with the foam. Plus, it’s made with natural oils so you’ll not only be getting a smooth shave without cuts, but you’ll also have hydrated and nourished skin afterward.

 

Sculpting Beard Balm

There are many beard balms out there, such as hydrating balms and beard butters. Since those two are mainly hydrating, let’s focus on the sculpting beard balm, which has the added advantage of being a shaper as well. Made with natural oils, sculpting balms will almost always have beeswax in them. A yellow bee's wax typically has a medium-strength hold which lets you place your hairs like a pomade would for your hair. Try finding one formulated with shea butter, as this helps for a good hold and is one of the best hydrating ingredients out there. To use a sculpting balm, "scoop" some out with the nail sides of your thumb, since it can be hard in texture. Then place it all in the palm of your hand, rubbing them together to create heat, which will melt the balm. Lastly, once the product is well blended, without any bits left, apply on your facial skin and beard hairs.

 

Moustache Wax

This is the way to tame that moustache which constantly threatens to creep into your mouth and nose. Made with natural oils and white beeswax, the hold is a strong one. You’ll get a stronger hold from a moustache wax than a balm, allowing you to go as far as twist the ends of your mustache, if that interests you.

 

Beard shampoo/wash

This is a big one. As mentioned before, regular hair shampoos can really dry up your facial skin. If it ’s made with natural ingredients, it’s even better for your delicate facial skin. There are many shampoos out on the market right now, so make sure to look for one without acidity, which dries up the skin. Also, a vegetable-based alcohol would be ideal, or any non-damaging alcohol. There are also many 3-in-1 natural beard shampoos out there, meaning you can wash your body and hair at the same time, with the same product, saving you cash.

 

Blow dryer

Ideal for removing water from the hair follicles, eliminating dandruff. Also amazing for training the hairs to go in the direction you comb/brush them. Make sure to always keep a minimum distance of 15 cm away from the hairs to avoid damaging them.

 

Trimmer

Another essential tool to have in your arsenal. Perfect for getting rid of those stray hairs, and when used jointly with the beard shaper, you can achieve perfect cheek and necklines for your beard.

 

Beard Shaper

This is a must-have for do-it-yourself at home trimming and shaving. It is a boomerang-shaped tool that has two angles from which to choose from for cheek lines and necklines. This will ensure symmetry on both sides of the face, leaving even lines and a fresh look.

 

Beard combs

There are many different beard combs, for many different situations! A wooden beard comb is typically a beardsman’s best friend. Wood is a good material to pick for your comb because it absorbs the products in your beard, reapplying them later on as you comb throughout the day. Combs are very handy as they are extremely portable and good for shaping your beard on the go! If you don`t like the idea of a wooden comb or don`t like your products absorbing in the wood, try Bakelite combs.

Bakelite is a polymer which is more durable than plastic, it’s anti-heat (good for blow drying), anti-static and resistant against chemicals. This ensures your products won’t absorb in it, and it’s also very easy to wash. The ideal comb for salons.

 

Beard Brushes

There is one bristle that rules them all in the beard world, and that is the boar bristle. With its exfoliating properties and massage-like feeling, this boar bristle brush even goes as far as increasing blood flow to the beard follicles, stimulating hair growth. Great to use with a sculpting balm and to train the hairs into place when shaping.

For those with long beards which a regular boar bristle brush no longer penetrates, there’s something out there for you as well. A big beard brush exists, made with longer synthetic bristles and boar bristles at the lower level of the brush. This brush reaches in deep for long hair or beards and has exfoliating properties at the same time! This brush untangles in one to two strokes every time, even when the hairs are wet.

 

Beard Bib

Also commonly referred to as the marriage savior, a beard bib is a practical tool used to avoid big messes and clogging your sink with hairs. Made with a nice soft material, the bib wraps around your neck and attaches to the mirror in front of you, performing like a canopy catching all the hairs as you trim. This great tool will help shave off time in your maintenance routine.

 

Part 4: What IS a beard?

After reading the title, you may be thinking "I know what a beard is! I've had one for 2 years!", but how well do we actually know the process that gives us our manly manes? The basic anatomy of beards is similar for all men. The follicles on your facial skin are the small holes from which all your beard hairs grow. And there are thousands of them! The health of the follicles and the number of them is pretty much based on genetics.

 

Your beard hairs consist of 3 parts which are the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. The medulla is the most inner core of your hair structure. The curliness or straightness of your hairs comes from the cortex, the middle layer of your hair, which can be round or oval. The color of your hairs is determined by the melanin which is in the cortex. The final and outer layer of your beard hair is known as the cuticle, which helps filter out water so that the cortex doesn't absorb too much of it. Lastly, there is the root inside of the cuticle which is oval in shape and where the hairs grow from.

 

Cycles of growth

Your beard hairs have cycles of growth which consist of 3 parts:

 

• Anagen Cycle: Lasting 2 to 6 years, this beard hair cycle of growth is the longest and most common. Currently, about 80-90% of your beard hairs are in this cycle and it is in this cycle that the hairs grow.
• Catagen Cycle: Lasting about 3 weeks only, about 2% of your hairs is currently in this cycle. Basically, your hair follicles become smaller as the production of melanin stops.
• Telogen Cycle: Also known as the "shedding cycle", this phase currently involves about 10-15% of your beard hairs. After the catagen cycle, the telogen cycle takes place and the old hairs fall out. Shortly after, the hairs will grow again as the anagen cycle starts again in that same follicle.

 

So there you have it! These are the cycles your beard hairs go through, and now you know why you keep seeing hairs fall out sometimes. Don't worry, it’s normal as long as the growth process starts out again. A bad diet and high-stress levels are the leading cause of prolonged telogen cycles, so make sure you’re doing your best to be all around healthy!

 

Things you can do to optimize beard growth

 

 A healthy diet is an important aspect of your hair growth, and of your life in general. After all, you are what you eat! There are certain supplements that can help your beard hair growth and these are: multi-vitamins, biotin, fish oil, zinc, vitamin B and magnesium. Increasing your testosterone can also help. Try eating red meats, avoiding soy products, prioritizing sleep, and minimizing stress. Other great foods to include in your healthy diet are spinach, nuts, avocados, olives, broccoli, and olive oil. Lastly, don`t forget to keep moving and exercise as frequently as possible (this makes your body go into recovery mode, which can help a lot with beard growth). Your body will thank you!

Basically, your beard and its qualities are mainly genetic, but just like the rest of your body, there are many actions you can take to help it stay healthy. Now that you know, you can take those steps to ensure you have the healthiest beard on the block!

Part 5: Ingredients and their properties

You’re now using beard products all the time and you love what they do for you. So, what exactly are the components of these products, and what are they doing to your facial skin and hairs? This comprehensive list will ensure you understand what’s going on your face, and what the effects are.

 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is an amazing one, folks! It’s the liquid that comes from the jojoba plant, mainly found in southern California, southern Arizona, and northwestern Mexico. About half of the weight of the seed is the oil. Jojoba has great shelf-life and is high temperature resistant. Native Americans used the oil historically to treat their wounds. Machine guns were even lubed and maintained with jojoba oil during the second world war! Here are some of the benefits it has on the skin and hair:

1) Skin Moisturizer	Hydrates and nourishes skin Helps remove buildup or too much oil Helps balance oils on your face Helps soothe irritation and rough skin Chemical-free natural substance
2) Helps against razor burn	Prevents cuts and burns while shaving Creates an ideal surface to avoid cuts before shaving Hydrates skin and heals cuts quickly after shaving
3) Helps the overall health of your skin	Jojoba oil won't clog pores It shields and cleans the skin Prevents bacteria from growing and leading to pimples because it contains iodine Helps reduce wrinkles and aging lines Speeds up the healing process of wounds
4) Keeps hairs healthy	Optimizes the texture of hairs and hydrates them Removes dandruff and helps scalp dryness Makes hairs softer shiny Prevents broken hairs and helps them untangle Reverses hair loss and helps against alopecia
5) Includes vitamin E	Helps prevent signs of aging, and is a natural nutrient Helps against skin cancers Treatment for aging skin, sunburns, scars and pimples Promotes thicker hair
6) Includes vitamin B complex	Reduces cell damage and free radicals Helps preserve hormone balance Helps skin that has undergone radiation treatments Helps speed up healing of wounds Helps aging skin look its best Helps heal skin by preventing infections and bacteria
7) Helps treat fungi and infections	Anti-inflammatory and antifungal Prevents warts, treats athlete's foot and toenail fungus Helps prevent wound formation and speeds up healing

 

Castor Oil

Castor oil has a long history of use for humanity and comes from the castor plant. It has been discovered that ancient Egyptians used castor oil as a natural skin care serum and as a treatment for eye irritations. Ayurvedic medicine, commonly practiced in India, uses castor oil for bacterial prevention and skin-healing. Here are some of the benefits it has on the skin and hair: 

1) Helps diminish skin Inflammation	Heals inflammation caused by sunburns, pimples, and dry skin.
2) Helps with signs of aging	Increases production of collagen and elastin Hydrates and softens skin Helps delay wrinkles and aging lines
3) Helps reduce pimples	Penetrates skin easily, avoiding clogging your pores Contains ricinoleic acid, which fights bacteria that cause acne
4) Skin moisturizer	Highly penetrating oil packed with fatty acids Helps in treating dry patches Hydrates skin
5) Fades blemishes	Fatty acids penetrate the scar tissue, pushing it out and promoting the growth of new healthy tissues Reduces pigmentation Contains many fatty oils, like omega-3, which hydrate the skin and help the growth of healthy tissue
6) Promotes hair growth	Increases blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting faster growth Contains Omega-9 fatty acids which promote healthy hair Helps prevent split ends and hair breakage Conditions and moisturizes hairs
7) Treats scalp infections	Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial Fights pathogens and microorganisms that create the infection
8) Delays hairs from going grey	Retains pigments of your hairs delaying grey or white
9) Conditions and hydrates hairs	Humectant properties help seal moisture in the hairs Makes hair softer and smoother

 

Almond oil

The almond tree was first domesticated in Southeast Asia and in the Mediterranean. There are two variations of the oil that comes from almonds: sweet and bitter. The bitter one can be somewhat poisonous after processing, however sweet almond oil is used worldwide for its skin and hair care properties. Here are some of its benefits on the skin and hair: 

1) Keeps skin hydrated, smooth and clean	Contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant Protects skin from oxidative stress Protects against sunburns Penetrates deep into the skin, dislodging dirt from the pores Contains vitamin A, helps control and reduce acne Diminishes the appearance of bags under the eyes
2) Treats psoriasis and eczema	Helps against bacterial and fungal infections Softens and hydrates skin, reducing itchiness Mild hypoallergenic that moisturizes without creating more irritation
3) Helps against skin rashes	Anti-inflammatory Rich in zinc, the most commonly prescribed ointment for rashes by doctors
4) Helps delay fine lines and signs of aging	Contains vitamin E, a strong antioxidant to fight oxidative stress Rich in proteins, supplies amino acids to form collagen; the padding under the skin that keeps it youthful Treats dehydration by reducing moisture evaporation from the skin
5) Relieves muscle pains and fatigue	Rich in proteins, which rejuvenates muscles Draws out toxins from the skin reducing muscle fatigue
6) Helps diminish hair loss	Contains magnesium and calcium, which helps diminish hair loss Rich in zinc, which prevents alopecia, or hair loss
7) Helps protect hairs	Replaces the hair’s natural oils, creating a protective film around the shaft of each hair Helps untangle hairs Protects against breakages and split-ends

 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is 99% fat, of which 82% of are saturated. Just 100 grams of this oil contains 890 calories! The Philippines and other tropical countries used this oil as a fuel for transport vehicles and even use it to power generators! Even India used coconut oil as the primary source for lighting before switching to electrical power. Here are some of its benefits for the skin and hair: 

 

1) It’s a great moisturizer	Melts into the skin on contact, leaving no residue Penetrates easily into skin pores Helps reduce sebum secretion; your skin’s natural process to hydrate the skin when there aren’t enough natural oils
2) It’s an excellent cleanser	Softens keratin caps (produced by skin pores when skin is dehydrated, keeping natural oils trapped in the follicles), thus allowing a better exfoliation Dissolves hardened sebum in the hair follicles, allowing it to rise to your skin’s surface Removes make-up
3) It’s an antibacterial shield	Protects skin from pathogens with antibacterial effects The oil contains 85% lauric acid, the main antibacterial agent that helps treat infections Helps control bacterial populations such as Staphylococcus, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes
4) Has antifungal properties	Helps control several fungal and bacterial conditions, even flare-ups caused by yeast infections and ringworms Minimizes irritations caused by fungus, helping to treat the condition
5) Protection against U.V. rays	Contains SPF 4, good for protection against short periods of sun exposure Reduces damage already caused by unprotected skin exposed to the sun Contains antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and stops the formation of free radicals that do damage and are caused by ultraviolet rays of the sun
6) Minimizes wrinkles and premature aging	Helps create collagen (a layer of protein inside the skin which keeps it smooth) by attracting protein molecules Moisturizes and exfoliates without irritating skin Acts as a shield against dust and pollutants, while sealing moisture in the skin Reduces oxidative damage as a powerful antioxidant that promotes collagen formation

 

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil benefits go way back and can even be found in medical writings describing health benefits by ancient Greek philosophers. Medical practitioners of old Europe used the oil to create ointments to heal skin and eye irritations. The leaves of the grape plant were also used to stop blood flow from wounds and to treat inflammation. Here are some of its benefits on the skin and hair: 

1) Helps many skin conditions	Tones the skin Protection from U.V. rays Helps against signs of skin aging and blemishes Helps treat eczema
2) Cleans the skin	Naturally cleanses pores Balances oil production Reduction of acne breakouts Helps push out dirt and excess sebum from the skin’s pores and hair follicles
3) Maintains healthy hair	Makes it smoother and softer without greasy residue Promotes growth
4) Has medicinal properties	Boosts blood circulation Helps against cellulite and varicose veins Boost immunity Soothes tired muscles Prevents inflammation

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E was first discovered in the early 1900s by Hebert Evans and Katharine Bishop and first isolated in its pure form shortly afterward. In 1938, Widenbauer used vitamin E on 17 premature babies who had growth failures. Eleven out of 17 resumed regular weight gain! Here are some of the benefits it has on the skin and hair: 

1) Restores Moisture	Rejuvenates dehydrated skin Very beneficial on dry and damaged skin
2) Reverses sign of premature aging	Fights wrinkles, dullness and sagging skin Helps produce collagen, a protein that maintains skin’s elasticity Reduces the appearance of fine lines
3) Contains powerful antioxidants	Quickly diminishes U.V. damage Antioxidants stop the proliferation of free radicals created by ultraviolet rays Helps reduce dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
4) Cleans the skin	Helps remove dirt and impurities Maintains natural oil balance of your skin Very emollient, facilitating the removal of skin impurities
5) Promotes hair growth	Treats damaged hair follicles stimulating the growth of healthy hair Packed with antioxidants that improve blood flow across the body Conditions the entire hair strand (from root to shaft, ensuring better growth
6) Conditions hair	Antioxidants present in vitamin E prevent tissue corrosion, minimizing the appearance of premature gray hairs Gives hair a beautiful, smooth shine, while protecting it. Strengthens hair’s cuticle, preventing split ends and hair breakage

 

 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is harvested from shea nuts from the versatile Shea tree. This butter has been used for thousands of years by the people of Africa in harsh desert-like climates. The nuts would be crushed and boiled into a butter, to be used to protect skin and hair from environmental damage, the drying sun and even to treat insect bites. Shea butter has even been traced to the first century at the time of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Stories were recorded of the Queen demanding large jars of the shea butter to anoint her skin with for hydrating and rejuvenating effects. Here are some of its benefits to the skin and hair: 

1) Amazing moisturizer	Its biochemical properties resemble closely the moisturizers secreted by human’s sebaceous glands A natural occurring lipid, with richly emollient qualities Works well on dry, flaky and rough skin Recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to treat dry skin
2) Treats several common skin conditions	Its high content of vitamin E content is great for reducing stretch marks Helps control acne and reduce the redness of the irritations that accompany it Rich in natural vitamin A to help treat acne, scars, and blemishes Contains Alpha-Amyrin acetate, an anti-inflammatory chemical compound Brings instant relief to insect bites, rashes, sunburns, and itchiness
3) Helps for Shaving	Helps blade glide smoothly over skin for a perfect shave Can be used as an after-shave to moisturize the skin Has anti-inflammatory properties, treating cuts
4) Helps with eczema and dermatitis	Numerous products designed to treat eczema or dermatitis include shea butter as the main ingredient Contains moisturizing agents, such as vitamins, to help alleviate dryness, itchiness, and scaling caused by these conditions
5) Helps treat damaged hair	Helps prevent hair color or hot tools damage because of its high percentage of fatty acid Contains phytonutrients, which protect from air pollutants and UV rays Strengthens hairs to help reduce breakages and hair loss Provides hair with a high gloss finish, making it soft and thick

 

Beeswax

Beeswax is the main product of the beehive. Honeybees build their combs from beeswax and secrete the wax from eight glands on their abdomens. It has been found that in the 18th-19th centuries, women who had skin marks from smallpox would use beeswax as a treatment. It’s even suggested that the term " Mind your own beeswax!" came from that time. Also, the first evidence of a dental filling was found in a 6500-year-old man from the Neolithic times, and guess what it was made with? Beeswax! This was likely used to help relieve pain and sensitivity. Here are some of its benefits to the skin and hair: 

1) It's a powerful skin booster	Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria Treats dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema
2) It’s a great moisturizer	Prevents roughness and dryness of the skin Seals moisture into the skin
3) Minimizes sensitivity and irritation	It’s an anti-inflammatory which helps reduce pain It has powerful antiseptic and healing properties, good for acne prevention Helps relieve the pain of fungal infections
4) Has many benefits for your hairs	It's a lightweight substance that’s great for styling Protects from pollution and heat with its powerful antioxidants Moisturizing properties that prevent hair dryness Contains no alcohol or synthetic oils Doesn't clog the hair follicles Hydrates the hair follicles while allowing them to breathe Can be used to hold hairstyles in place

 

 On top of these amazing ingredients, there are 3 plants we use in our shampoo that also have powerful benefits:

 

Burdock Root

Burdock plants are large plants with characteristic small seeds that latch onto anything they touch. George de Mestral from Switzerland used this concept after looking at these seeds under a microscope to create what is now known as Velcro. Here are some of its benefits to skin and hair: 

1) Treatment for skin conditions	It's anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory Helps treat eczema and psoriasis Helps treat dry skin and dermatitis Helps treat skin ulcers and acne
2) Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties	Contains phytochemicals and polyacetylenes, which are great against fighting bacteria and fungus Natural treatment for ringworms
3) Helps promote healthy hair	Helps minimize hair loss Helps against dandruff and itchy scalps

 

 

Nettle

Nettle is also called stinging nettle for its prickly features that sting on touch. Centuries ago, Europeans had to resort to eating this prickly plant in the spring, when food supplies were low. This amazing plant has even been used as a tonic to produce more milk for lactating mothers. However, nettle really has amazing properties when it comes to your scalp and hair!

1) Promotes hair growth	Used centuries ago as a hair loss restorative Prevents testosterone from turning into DHT, which is then stored in the hair follicles and causes hair loss Helps prevent hair loss, hair shedding, while promoting hair growth because it contains high amounts of iron and silica
2) Helps create healthier hair follicles and hair shafts	Helps prevent breakage and damage, while strengthening the shaft and hair follicles Known to increase blood circulation in the scalp which helps nutrients reach every hair follicle, promoting healthy hair.
3) Helps control excess oiliness	Nettle is an astringent plant, which tightens hair follicles, reducing excess sebum from being secreted on the scalp
4) Minimizes dandruff and flaky scalp	Helps keep sebum secretion well balanced, so hair and scalp are not too oily or too dry.
5) Helps treat itchiness, irritations, and sensitivity on the scalp	Nettle is a great moisturizer for irritated scalps and is packed with antioxidant nutrients to help treat itchiness, irritation and sensitive scalp

 

Rosemary

The word Rosmarinus is Latin for rosemary and translates literally into "mist of the sea". This is probably because it grows so well on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where just the humidity from the sea is enough to hydrate this plant effectively. Did you know there is an organization known as the International Herb Association? Well, it exists, and rosemary was chosen by the association to be "Herb of the Year" in 2000. Here are some of its benefits to the skin and hair: 

1) Helps fight Dandruff (and beardruff too!)	Rosemary has been used to fight dandruff for centuries. It is so potent that even a few drops of rosemary essential oil added to most shampoos is enough to significantly help reduce dandruff.
2) Helps boost skin circulation	Helps promote better blood flow, improving skin complexion Helps clean skin and feel fresher
3) Helps rejuvenate hairs	Makes hair silky smooth by strengthening hair’s cortex Reduces breakage and split-ends Used over a long period of time, rosemary helps darken hairs and nourishes them Helps avoid premature greying
4) Helps with skin conditions	Rosemary excels at flushing out toxins from the skin. This, in turn, helps reduce cellulite and prevent future cellulite Helps fade blemishes or skin marks Rosemary has natural astringent properties, which diminishes acne Contains iron, calcium, and phytonutrients which are great at repairing damage caused by the sun
5) Keeps skin looking healthy	Improves the texture of skin, with its  large amounts of nutrients and vitamins High levels of anti-oxidants in rosemary help boost circulation, which gives  skin a healthy glow Rosemary helps tighten the skin, making it appear more youthful because of its high levels of natural nutrients while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.

 

Most common beard issues

Ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common occurrence which happens to most bearded men. They are due to a beard hair not being able to exit the follicle because of dirt or dead skin cells clogging up the pore, causing it to curl around and grow back into your skin. This causes inflammation of the follicle and can be very itchy. This is more frequent amongst men who have very curly or thick beards. The best way to treat these is by exfoliating with a boar bristle brush, to remove all the dead skin cells which are lodged in your beard. Secondly, using a proper beard shampoo to cleanse the skin to remove all the dirt that could be in your beard. Afterward, using our beard oil will also help a lot to treat the ingrown hairs, either caused by shaving or by natural occurrence, due to the cocktail of natural oils contained in the recipe, specifically chosen for their benefits to the skin and hair. It will take a few days before the ingrown hairs disappear but doing these things will greatly help.

 

Beard Dandruff

Beardruff, as it is often called, can be caused by many things. It can be caused by dry skin, which can be fixed with proper exfoliation and skin hydration, or by too much sebum on your skin, which is fixed by properly cleaning your beard with a sulfate-free shampoo. Another cause is leaving your beard damp after the shower. Using a hair dryer on a medium setting (don’t get too close to your hair) will help in taming your beard as well as removing all the water.

 

Split-ends

These are inevitable, every bearded man will have split ends, which occur naturally. However, some people might have more split ends than others, since they do not keep their beard well-hydrated with the use of high-quality beard oils. The hairs start splitting when the hairs get too dry. Using shampoos containing sulfate will damage your hair as well since sulfate is a type of salt. Another cause of split-ends is by drying your beard with a towel. You should only pat dry, and not rub your beard, that will damage the hairs. Using a bad pair of scissors can also lead to split-ends. Make sure you use a good pair of beard scissors that have a high hardness rating (at least 55+) and that are very sharp. Blunt scissors can rip out hairs, and will not effectively cut, leading to butchered tips, which will then split. Finally, another cause which is harder to address is tugging at your beard. Most guys do this when they’re thinking, or simply do it unconsciously. This can also be very damaging, it would be best to stop this bad habit.

 

Itchiness

This is one of the biggest reasons why many men don’t let their beard grow out. Around the 2-week mark, where the hairs still touch the face, that’s when it is at its worse. For all other lengths, itchiness is often caused by dry skin, ingrown hairs, etc. The best remedy for itchiness is doing the Brave routine, discussed in the FAQ. Keep your beard hydrated and free of dead skin cells, that’s the trick.

 

Zits

Zits are usually caused by an accumulation of toxins and bacteria in your beard, or by pores clogged by sebum. The best way to get rid of zits is by washing your beard frequently with a sulfate free shampoo, and daily use of beard oil. Our oil contains ingredients like jojoba and castor oil, that are good at dealing with bacteria on the skin. They also do not contain ingredients like silicone, which can clog pores and exacerbate the acne.

 

Smelly beard

A beard will become smelly when not washed often enough. Touching your beard with unclean hands will add bacteria and dirt in your beard, which can cause it to smell. Also, not properly drying your beard (longer beards) after a shower can give it an unpleasant humid smell.

 

Eating

Who knew they’d have to relearn how to eat when they have a long beard? It’s a reality! This is more the case with long beards with a long moustache. The issue comes from the fact that your beard and moustache might be obstructing your mouth, so food can definitely come in contact with the hair. The best things you can do is use moustache wax to move your ‘stache out of the way, and beard balm to keep your beard from sticking out too much. You might want to hold your beard as you’re about to take a bite into something, to prevent crumbs from falling into it. Other than that, you’re on your own, you’ll have to find your own tricks to be able to feed yourself.

 

Frequently Asked Questions In The Beard World

 

1)  Does Shaving Make Your Beard Grow?

No. This is a common misconception and is not supported by science anywhere. In fact, several experiments were conducted in the attempt to see if shaving versus not shaving made a difference in the growth process of your hairs. Both studies, one held in 1928 and one held more recently, concluded that there is no difference is the hairs growth process when you shave it or not. One dermatologist said " If hair grew back stronger every time you shaved or waxed it, women would have gorilla legs already since they shave or wax them frequently". We also wrote an article that goes more in depth on this subject, which you can read here. 

2) How Big Should My Beard Be to Use Beard Care Products?

 

This is a very common question and the answer will surprise you. You don't need a beard to benefit from using beard oils. "Beard oil" is an exceptional product to help maintain and nourish the beard, however, half of the oil’s benefits relate directly to the skin. This means, hypothetically, everyone could be applying beard oil every morning or night to help keep their skin hydrated and nourished. People suffering from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis will benefit immensely from using good oils on their skin frequently. Beard oils are quickly replacing after-shaves, because they provide the same effect, if not better, and they contain only natural ingredients.

 

3) Can I Use Beard Balm and Beard Oil Together?

 

Yes. Beard balm and beard oil have different properties so using them together is very beneficial. The oil is a great moisturizer, which deeply nourishes the skin and keeping it in overall great health. The oil helps soften it while helping many skin conditions like ingrown hairs, acne, and pimples. The beard balm, on the other hand, also has hydrating properties. Using both oil and balm boosts the moisture level of your skin, by sealing it in.

 

4) What is the best routine to take care of my beard?

We call it the BRAVE routine. It goes as follows:

1. Five minutes before the shower, use the boar bristle beard brush to remove all the dead skin cells lodged in your beard, which will allow you to clean your beard in depth with the beard wash.
2. Trim all stray hairs or split ends before the shower (it’s best to do this when your beard is dry)
3. Wash your beard with the beard wash and leave the lather in your beard for the entirety of your shower.
4. Five minutes after your shower, and your beard is almost dry (pat dry with a towel or use a hair dry), apply a few drops of beard oil in your hand, rub them together, then reach the skin under your beard (proper beard care starts with skin care), and apply the remainder on the outside of your beard.
5. Rub a dime-size amount of beard balm between your palms until it melts, then apply it to your beard. When it dries, it will give more volume to your beard and allow you to shape it.
6. Finish it off with a good brushing to redistribute the oils across your whole beard.

 

The Ultimate Beard Growth Guide Conclusion

 

 We would like to thank you for taking the time to read our Ultimate Beard Growth Guide, in the hopes that this information will help you grow an amazing beard in no-time! If you ever find yourself facing an issue that isn't described in this guide, make sure you write to us directly either on our Facebook page or directly through the Contact Us page on our website. We want to reiterate that this guide contains the information that we've accumulated through the years, and we might have overlooked certain concepts. If that is the case, please write to us at support@bravenbearded.com and share what you think should be contained in these pages, in order to make this guide as informative as possible. 

Stay Brave!