In this article, we explore expert views and studies and how to groom and maintain a glowing beard.
By Tosin Ayinde
An excerpt from a recent report by BBC Future on the real reason why men grow beards, reads: “When we see men paying attention to their appearance, it’s easy to assume that they are just angling for partners. But our research on beards and voices shows that beards probably evolved at least partly to help men boost their standing among other men.”
Perhaps this explains why beard growing, which is fast trending, has become more fashionable. Whether on the street, or at the mall, you find stylish guys with dashing looks spotting different shades of beards. It is not surprising why they constantly catch stares from the opposite sex, including menfolk. Are you thinking of growing a beard to up your social ranking?
BeautiZone, a UK-based blog, in its recent report, described growing a beard as a sign of discipline and strength, saying that it takes a lot of effort to maintain it. It further reveals that growing and maintaining a good beard sometimes present various challenges depending on the texture of your hair. The lifestyle blog offers exciting tips on how to grow and care for your beards.
Wash your beard
To maintain a healthy beard growth, it is important to wash your beard regularly. In an environment where air pollution thrives, you need to wash from time to time to avoid a dirty-looking beard. This helps to nurture the hair follicles and makes the hair grow best. But avoid using the regular shampoo because they tend to stripe your beard of its natural essential oils. Use beard cleanser to nurture your hair.
Nourish the skin beneath the beard
Reports have shown that people with thick beard suffer from dry skin, which is sometimes caused by excessive absorption of water. This results in problems such as dandruff and itchiness. To grow and maintain a perfect beard, the skin beneath the facial hair must be well treated with a beard oil and balm kit.
Choose quality products rather than hard products on your beards
Use high quality hair-enhancing products to nourish your hair. Some men resort to any product that comes their way but this can damage the quality of their facial hair. More discerning men go for high quality beard enhancer.
Comb it
To prevent your beard from tangles, always comb it regularly. Experts have said that combing your beard will make it look full, and if well-oiled with the right products, makes it glow. Combing your beard often allows it to grow well, fuller and well arranged.
Trim your beard regularly
To avoid split ends and stray hairs, always trim your beard regularly. Doing this requires a great care as this can distort the look and feel of your beard.
Keep an eye on your diet
There’s a saying that we are what we eat. Eating healthy is a sure way of grooming and maintaining a full, thick, and glowing beard. Foods rich in vitamins C and A, such as broccoli, citrus fruits, and tomatoes, experts say, are essential as they enable a healthy facial hair.
Hydration
Studies have shown that there is a connection between our water intake and beard growth. Experts recommend that staying hydrated leads to increased blood flow and circulation, which ensures that your skin receives the important nutrients it needs. Healthy skin is the foundation and is mandatory for a healthy, full beard.
Exercise
Regular exercise is scientifically proven to improve the overall health of your skin and hair. So, if you need to keep a glowing beard, exercise regularly.
Adapted from BeautiZone, a UK-based blog.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
