How-to's
The Ultimate Guide to a Better Beard
1. Scruff: The edgier cousin of the five o’clock shadow, scruff needs little in the way of maintenance, yet it tells society, “I will not be shorn.”
Trimming Technique: Buy a quality beard trimmer and use it every other day. We like the stuff that WAHL makes. And, go with the grain first, just as you should when you’re wet shaving. Settings wise, WAHL’s trimmers are idiot-proof — they offer “stubble,” “medium,” and “long.”
Best Product: Balms are inapplicable here, but don’t think moisturizing is, too, Rambo. Give your mug a quick wash post-trim, then rub a fingertip’s worth of T.O.’s own Rebel’s Refinery Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer ($17) onto those drier areas. Then you’re good.
2. Heft: This is a nice, solid beard—not too short, but not too long.
Trimming Technique: The aforementioned WAHL trimmer’s still the best for this job, but here’s the key to smoother runs: Comb the hair downward to detangle it, then against the grain to expose all those damn stragglers.
Best Product: Ever used regular shampoo for that thing? Good, don’t, that stuff’ll dry out your face. Instead, use this charcoal-activated beard soap by Griffin Brand. Charcoal’s a skin-friendly antibacterial agent, plus it doubles as a fine body wash. We’ve got some at our shops for $16 a pop.
3. Mountain Man: A beard in full glory, and if you can wear this without getting called into a dress code meeting, then, dammit, you’ll wear one.
Trimming Technique: Something this big should be left to the pros (like us), but not everyone has time for that. So, starting from your sideburns, “comb the hair towards your face,” instructs Alex Berry, our Master Barber. “Then, using a pair of cuticle scissors, trim whatever pops out the teeth of that comb. Finally, use the bend on those scissors to trim the moustache hairs along the contours of your upper lip.”
Product: Big beards call for more control, so cream’s your best bet (too much oil makes large beards look shiny, not good). We sell a great one in this Bergamot and Ylang based mix from Barrie’s own Always Bearded ($25). Massage a bit in while drying off post shower and nary a hair will pop out thereafter.
A Few Bonus Tips on Beard Upkeep:
- Be Realistic. Grow what you’ve got, and be proud of it. And if that means nothing but a ‘stache and some chin fuzz, D’Artagnan had the same thing. Ok?
- Don’t be that Guy With the Neck Beard. No excuses.
- Invest In a Good Beard Comb. Next time you’re at one of the shops, grab this guy ($15). Wooden combs keep static away from your precious.
- Pay Attention to Your Face Shape: If you’ve got an oval face, congratulations, you model for genetic perfection. Now, sit down. To the rest of you, “keep that beard tighter in the cheek area and fuller around the chin,” says Berry. “This will slim your mug, and it just generally looks better.”
- Keep It Soft: No one likes making out with steel wool, so grab some quality beard oil. We stock this eucalyptus and lime infused solution from, again, Always Bearded ($27). Just rub a couple dabs through your whiskers right after showering, which conditions and softens them.