Often considered the āeasyā option when it comes to male grooming, it may come as a surprise that maintaining a beard involves much more than simply avoiding shaving.
With facial hair notorious for growing wiry and patchy, taking your facial hair from scraggly to stylish can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. But before you reach for your razor in frustration, our tips might be able to help.
From essential grooming techniques to routine recommendations, read on to discover how to tame a scruffy beard.
Why Does My Beard Look Scruffy?
Hair growth can be unpredictable and can make maintaining neat facial hair a challenge, resulting in even the most established beard to look scruffy from time to time. Wiry strands, variance in colour and patchiness may all contribute towards a messy beard.
Two of the reasons your beard might grow a little bit patchier than somebody elseās are genetic and hormonal differences between guys. Your grooming habits may also not give your beard the best chances of looking good.
The Science of Beard Growth
A common beard misconception is that thickness and length indicate higher levels of testosterone. While this hormone does support growth, low levels are unlikely to be the sole cause of patchy, scruffy facial hair.
Genetics play a part in determining the density, length, colour and texture of your hair. Therefore, looking at your close male relatives is usually a good indicator of your beard potential.
It is also worth noting that - in most cases - growing a full beard is a waiting game. While some guys may be able to sport a striking Viking beard from the age of 18, others may have to patiently wait until much later as hair growth can vary from person to person.
How to Keep a Beard Neat
The first step towards a more polished look is building out your beard care arsenal. In the same way that skincare is formulated to benefit your complexion, beard care is designed with your facial hair in mind.
Introducing just a few products into your regimen could make all the difference ā helping to transform it from scruff to buff. If you are wondering how to tame a beard, some of our expert recommendations include:
- Beard Oil ā Formulated to soften coarse facial hair, applying a couple of drops daily may help to keep your beard conditioned and more manageable ā ideal if you are planning to give it a trim.
- Beard Softener ā Lightweight and nourishing, a balm is a great option for conditioning a rough beard, as well as caring for the skin underneath.
- Beard Thickener ā Designed to work with the hair you already have, this helps to coat each strand for a fuller look.
- Beard Brush ā A time-tested grooming tool that will help to work knots and tangles out of your beard.
- Beard, Face & Hair Wash ā Dirt and oil can easily accumulate in a beard, leading to an unkempt appearance. To combat this, a daily cleanse is recommended to leave your facial hair looking, feeling, and smelling fresh.
How to Tidy up a Scraggly Beard
An unkempt, scraggly-looking beard may be in desperate need of a grooming regime. Frequent trimming and edging can help neaten up hair thatās seen better days.
So, if youāve been dreaming of a long, luscious beard that would make even a lumberjack jealous, our expert tips could help:
Regularly Trim Your Beard
Even in the early stages of growth, when it comes to how to stop a beard looking scruffy, trimming is key. Not only will it keep your beard tidy, but it will also help to define the shape you want to achieve.
Our King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer is equipped with four combs to tackle the unruliest of beards, helping to achieve a more polished look.
Unsure where to begin? Using the longest setting, gently pass the trimmer over your facial hair, shaving against the grain. Should you wish to remove more bulk from your beard, a shorter comb attachment can be used.
Neaten up Your Neckline
Neatening up your scruffy beard neckline is just as important as tidying up the bulk of your facial hair. This step will not only help to polish your appearance, but it could also give the illusion of a more defined jawline.
Achieve a clean edge with the classic craftsmanship of the King C. Gillette Double Edge Safety Razor.
Perfect for smartening up and styling the areas around your beard and moustache, this safety razor offers a precise, yet comfortable shave thanks to its innovative design and anti-friction coating.
Fill in Any Gaps
Beard gaps can be extremely annoying and present a challenge when trying to create a thicker-looking appearance. One way to navigate these patches is by growing the hair around them longer, as they can then help to cover the sparser regions.
Alternatively, embrace your natural growth and adapt your facial hair to suit it. It may be that instead of a full beard, you opt for a goatee, 5 oāclock shadow or even a moustache, as these styles could help to camouflage any uneven areas.
Remember, facial hair grows back, so there is no harm in experimenting with different styles until you find one that suits you.
Weāve got products and tools for every type of facial hair, so achieving a sharp, polished appearance from the comfort of your own home has never been easier. Explore our King C. Gillette range today to get started on your beard-taming journey.
