Whether you’re growing your first beard, or looking to transform your face, short beards offer benefits the wizards and Santa’s of the world only dream of. They’re low maintenance, look professional and can dramatically enhance your face shape and jawline.
To really rock your short beard there are a few things you need to know. The charm is in the execution, so lets make sure your short beard is not just grown but strategically groomed to perfection.
Let’s hit it.
Table of Contents
1. Use Beard Oil and Learn How to Apply It Correctly
Yeah, it’s a tip you’ve probably heard before, but for good reason. Beard oil can be a game-changer for the appearance and health of your beard (as can beard balm). A 2021 study found that regular use of beard oil significantly improves the manageability and overall health of beard hair, making it less prone to breakage (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021). Incorporating beard oil into your routine from the moment you start growing a beard (the stubble stage) will significantly improve the health and appearance of your beard. Not to mention the benefits to your skin that will help you avoid dreaded pitfalls such as beard-ruff (beard dandruff) and itch.
Tip: After washing your beard, apply a few drops of beard oil. Distribute it evenly using your fingers or a comb, ensuring it reaches the skin underneath to reduce itchiness and flaking.
Fun Fact
The popularity of facial hair has waxed and waned through the ages, but recent trends show a significant resurgence. According to a study by the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 62% of women surveyed found men with beards more attractive than those without (Dixson & Brooks, 2013). And it's not just about attractiveness; beards can also signal maturity, dominance, and a rugged sense of style. Hmmm, ladies like them, so perhaps growing a beard is a good move!
2. Choose the Right Beard Style for Your Face Shape
Not every beard style suits every face shape. Your beard should enhance your best features, not detract from them. Research suggests that certain beard styles look better on specific face shapes. For instance, a rounded face may benefit from a beard styled longer at the chin to add length and create a more oval appearance.
A face with a weak jawline can be enhanced with a beard that incorporates harder angles and a square shape.
An experienced barber will be able to help you pick the best beard style to enhance your face shape. I recommend getting one great beard trim to establish the best style for your face and desired look.
Tip: Identify your face shape (oval, square, round, etc.) and choose a beard style that complements it. A short box beard often suits most face shapes and offers a neat, tidy look.
3. The Devil’s In The Details: Trimming Your Short Beard
Regular trimming is crucial to maintaining a neat, short beard. A consumer report showed that 75% of beard wearers trim their beard at least once a week (Consumer Reports, 2019). This helps in maintaining the shape and removing any split ends or unruly hair.
Keep the edges in check by hitting them with a trimmer or razor at least once a week. For a super sharp line consider a cutthroat razor. They give the neatest lines with the most control, but definitely aren’t for the faint of heart or those with shaky hands.
Symmetry
Pay particular attention to keeping your beard symmetrical. Long beards tend to draw attention to their length and thickness, whilst short beards tend to highlight inconsistencies in the shape. So keep the lines even on both sides. The easiest way to do this is to have a barber do a beard trim to establish the ideal shape and symmetry. Then all you need to do is follow those lines each week to maintain the shape.
Don't Forget The Rest Of Your Face
Hit other areas that tend to grow hair to keep your look super clean. These include:
- Eyebrows: consider tweezing the area between your eyebrows.
- Nostrils: a nose hair trimmer does wonders
- Neck: Hair on the sides/back of neck
- Ears: including lobes and hairs protruding from canal.
Tip: Invest in a high-quality trimmer with various length settings. Ensure your tools are sharp and clean for each use to avoid irritation or infection.
4. Wash and Condition Your Short Beard
Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs regular washing and conditioning. This is especially true for maintaining a white beard, as they tend to require more care. According to a survey by Beardbrand, 60% of men do not use specialized beard products (Beardbrand, 2022).
Never Use Soap. Ever!
Whatever you do, don’t use regular soap on your beard. It’s way too harsh and will strip your beard of its natural oils, leaving you with an itchy, flaky mess that’s difficult to style and looks and feels awful. Just don’t.
Beard-specific shampoos and conditioners are designed to be extra gentle. Beard hair is typically less resilient and more prone to breakage and dryness than the hair on your head. So it’s best to opt for beard-specific products and save your regular shampoo and conditioner for your head hair.
Tip: Use a mild beard shampoo and conditioner twice a week to keep your beard hair soft and hydrated. This prevents itching and keeps the skin underneath healthy.
5. The Neck Line
Nothing will make you look sloppy faster than a poorly maintained neckline. This should be trimmed weekly along with the rest of your beard, depending on how long it takes your beard to grow.
Be careful not to trim too high up your neck though. The ideal neckline typically sits a finger height above your Adam's apple. This keeps your short beard looking thick and full, whilst also hiding any sagging skin beneath the chin.
Just like the lines on the face, be sure to maintain symmetry.
Enough Said
A perfect short beard requires not just intention but also attention. By understanding your beard’s needs, choosing the right style, maintaining it with the proper tools, and nourishing it with the right products, you can elevate your look significantly. Remember, a beard is not just grown; it’s groomed.
Groom on Gentleman.