Beards are back in fashion. Recent surveys show that most men want to grow their beards and achieve a rugged look. Depending on the style, beards can complement short and long hair. However, maintaining a good beard requires effort. Simply growing out facial hair is not enough. From trimming and shaping to using special beard growth and maintenance products, grooming is an extensive task. Also, avoid making the following mistakes that can hamper beard growth and maintenance.

Not understanding your beard growth
Your beard growth depends on two things, genetics and grooming style. Some people can grow a thick beard, whereas others struggle with patchy growth and bald spots. This will affect your grooming style for sure. If you use a straight razor the first few times while letting the beard grow out, you’ll notice a slightly thicker and better growth with each session. But if you use only a trimmer to shave off the ends and cut down the beard, then be vary of patches and bald spots that can completely ruin the look. The bottom line is that you should never become impatient and scrap the idea of growing a beard altogether. Take the time to understand the growth process and research suitable grooming styles.

Using poor quality products
If you don’t hesitate to invest in high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and other haircare products, then why not do the same for your beard? Keeping your beard looking great requires beard oil to promote growth and moisturize the skin, as well as a quality trimmer and razor to maintain thickness and even edges. Though it may not be easy, the end result will definitely be worth the effort.

Not keeping the beard clean
Even if you have a thick beard, it’s important to wash your face regularly. In fact, you should also wash your beard regularly to prevent skin infections and rashes from forming underneath. A thick growth can trap a lot of heat and result in sweating. Dirt, particulate matter, pollution, food crumbs, and other residues can easily get trapped under the beard. Leaving the face unclean with a full beard only increases the risk of face acne, skin irritation, inflammation, and infections. To avoid these issues, always use a high-quality face wash to scrub and rinse your beard before applying other beard care products.

Not brushing your beard
Regular brushing helps to straighten singular strands and maintain a polished look. Using a dry hairbrush, or a beard brush, can also activate the natural oils and distribute them evenly throughout the hair. You can see the shine and flake-free appearance of your hair after just a few brush strokes. Consistently brushing a thick beard can encourage hair to grow downwards and improve its appearance.

Using a hair dryer
Never apply heat after taking a shower. This rookie mistake will further damage your beard growth and result in patch sections. Heat makes facial hair dry and brittle, causing it to break off prematurely and result in uneven split ends. No amount of beard products and grooming can help restore the look after heat damage. You’ll be forced to shave off the beard and start all over. Always use a soft towel to dry off the beard, and never apply too much pressure.

Not paying attention to the cheek lines
Maintaining the cheek lines is a critical grooming task so that your beard doesn’t look lopsided or vary in thickness. Always trim little by little and check the lines before moving forward. Once you are satisfied with the thickness of the beard on both cheeks, pay attention to the cheek line. Start from the top and slowly shear off bit by bit. Better use some shampoo or shaving cream to prevent skin irritation. Stop and check to see if the line you want to maintain is proper. If you are unsure, have this done by a professional barber, and then follow the lines to maintain that look.

Leaving the neckline hairy
One of the biggest beard grooming mistakes is leaving the neckline hairy. While the neckline hides behind a thick beard, the sidelines are still noticeable, where you’ll see split ends and patch growth simply ruining that perfect look. Therefore, it is important to trim and adjust your neckline before proceeding with any other grooming tasks. Nothing looks worse than a perfectly trimmed beard combined with a hairy neckline.

Always take some time to pay attention to the basic hygiene necessary to maintain a great-looking beard look and unique style.