THE YOUTHING MAGAZINE the SUM-IT-UP issue | Page 30

HOW TO MAINTAIN BY JACK YOUR BEARDS NTHIGAH Someone once asked what I did to grow and maintain my beard. I just explained the simple steps one has to take to be have a nice and healthy beard. 1. First and Foremost, Be Patient A truly epic beard is the product of self-restraint. When you first start growing, resist the urge to trim or style, and leave it untouched for the first 4-6 weeks. This will allow the hair to grow evenly (some grow faster than others), and help you pick a style that suits its length and thickness. 2. Match Your Beard to Your Face Shape Like any wild animal, a beard should be in-tune with its surrounding environment. Grow a beard that complements your face shape. Your beard will look better, and so will you. 3. Know How (and When) to Trim Pruning is essential to a well-groomed beard—even if you plan on growing it out. Invest in a quality trimmer, and find the right technique to suit your master plan. 4. Wash It Regularly This is especially important in the early stages of growth, especially since trapped food and skin cells can exacerbate the itchiness. It’s not just about the hair, but also the skin underneath. For me, washing and conditioning my beard is the most important step in caring for my beard. Scrub your beard several times each week with a specialized cleanser. 5. Love Thy Beard Oil Beard oils can be tricky,Some are too heavy. Some are too shiny. Some feel dry. Try as many as possible. Until you find that single one that makes your beard stronger and shinier 6. Learn to Train Your Beard A regular trim will maintain your chosen shape, but it’s not the only way to keep your beard in line. A daily rubdown with a comb or beard brush will wrangle stubborn hairs, training them to grow in a downward direction.