I'm growing a beard for the first time. Any tips?

[proteus_lives]

I started 5 days ago and I already have a fine covering of black hair on my face. I've never had one before. I got out of the shower 5 days ago and found I was out of shaving cream. Then I realized I couldn't even form a mental picture of myself with with serious facial hair.

I've been shaving like clockwork since I was 14. So I figure why not? I think it make for a fine summer project. Two things I have noticed already.

1. I have dark hair but the fur on my face is damn-near black.
2. I can feel it on my face, I think that will wear off once I get used it.


So Lounge, what are your thoughts on beards, styles, care and whatnot?

[hibbing]

1. my two cents

Hi,
Do you have thick facial hair? I have had beards and mustaches and then clean shaven. I just shaved a mustache I had had for 2 years. It has been awhile since I had a beard but the last one I had lasted a few years. My only suggestion would be to be patient, and keep it trimmed. It seemed like a good six months for me before it was a "real" beard. I don't anticipate me ever growing a beard again since my chin hairs are now white, boo hoo.

In terms of styles, whatever looks good on you, just don't do a chin pony tail please.

Good luck with it.

Peace

[old mark]

2. Let it go for a while - like a month or more - before any trimming

or styling. Let it find its own shape and suggest its own style. The "feel" will go away after a while.

My hair used to be dark blond and my beard was reddish - part of the beard thing, I guess....

Enjoy it.

mark

[hibbing]

5. good suggestion

Hi,
I know I mentioned keeping it trimmed, perhaps a "high trim" after a couple weeks, if I went a month without trimming I would have looked like the unibomber. But in terms of letting it find its own style, very good suggestion.

Peace

Peace

[old mark]

13. Hey, get those big aviator shades and a hoodie, who knows -

maybe the Uni Look will be fashionable......
:nuke:


markO8)

[proteus_lives]

8. Thanks for the tip!

:hi:

[handmade34]

3. go easy on your love interest

whisker burn is nasty

[proteus_lives]

9. Oh goodness!

I've actually been on the receiving end of whisker burn. An old lady-friend of mine shaved her downstairs region and a week later I ended up with surprising case of whisker burn! :blush:

[704wipes]

4. most chicks won't dig you with it

but the ones who do...

[Richardo]

11. Oh yeah.

I can attest to that. :bounce: :loveya:

[Lasher]

6. It might itch quite a bit in this early stage.

It helps if you frequently use shampoo and cream rinse on your new beard.

[proteus_lives]

7. Nice tip!

It does itch! :hi:

[Bossy Monkey]

12. The worst is between lower lip and chin on either side

These hairs almost never grow in colored anyway, so you might want to keep shaving there.

[struggle4progress]

10. I liked having a beard because anytime of day I could always find some leftover breakfast

[NJmaverick]

14. You might find life a bit easier if you get yourself and electric beard trimmer

that's what I found helpful when I was sporting a beard.

[AlecBGreen]

15. curse you and your beard!!! aaarrrrrggghhhhh

as someone who cannot grow a beard yet really wants one, I have a love-hate relationship with people like you. On the one hand I wish you luck. On the other hand, DIE!!!!!!

*sigh*

:hi: have fun

[proteus_lives]

16. I may be in the same boat!

I've never grown one before so I don't know if I can grow a nice one!

:hi:

[charlie and algernon]

17. heh, I have dark brown hair, but my chin hair is red

You only notice it if I really grow it out, there are definitely a noticeable amount of red hair on my chin, lol.

[TrogL]

18. Get used to its being itchy

Pick a time of the day when you can sneak someplace private and scratch like hell. That will make it stop for a bit.

Also, get an electric beard trimmer and keep it close shaven if you've got curly hair.

If you don't mind it being a bit ragged, just use sharp scissors.

[proteus_lives]

19. Thanks for the tips!

It already itches like hell! ;-)

[MineralMan]

20. I've had a full beard, now, for over 40 years.

Tips:

Let it grow and get used to it. The itching goes away. When washing it, be sure to rinse thoroughly. I just wash my beard with the same soap I use to wash my space.

Don't keep your beard too short. Others won't like he scratchy feeling. Just a little longer and that doesn't happen any more.

Find a barber with a beard. Most barbers are hopeless with beards, but a barber with a beard understands the issues. The only exception I ever found was a woman barber who liked beards. She gave the best trims I've ever had. My current barber is a biker with a good full beard. He never makes a mistake and cuts it too short.

A beard is a statement about who you are. Embrace it. Wear it proudly and don't listen to people who whine at you about it. In about a year or two, it will become part of your identity, and people will get used to it. If you shave it off after that time, casual acquaintances won't even recognize you.

Finally, when idiots complain about your beard hiding your face, just tell them that you wonder what they really look like, since they're modifying their appearance by shaving.

[proteus_lives]

22. Thanks for the tips!

I'll remember the barber thing.

Yeah, I want to give it at least a month or two before I do anything with it.

To me it's an interesting experiment and you're right, it has alot to do with identity. We'll see what happens. ;-)

One of my co-workers had a thick beard for the years I knew him. One day he shaved it off and I didn't recognize him! I was like, "Is that a new employee? Oh shit, it's Jim!"

[kwassa]

21. I've had a beard off-and-on for about 20 years of my life.

Everyone's beard grows differently. Mine is thick and curly, and reddish, though going white rapidly. My head hair is straight and ash blond.

I never had itching problems with a beard, and I think it happens more when the beard is short. I keep mine at a medium length.

When I shave it off, my chin will feel cold for a couple of days.

I also use an electric hair trimmer, and I do a better job than any barber. I trim once every two weeks. It grows fast, unlike my head hair.

To make it look neat, I shave my neck below the beard. See what looks best for you, as beard hairlines are different on everyone.

[dysfunctional press]

23. don't shave. btw- i never use shaving cream when i do.