It’s that special time of the year again: World Beard Day. Yes, that is an actual thing. For several years now September 5 has been designated the day when hirsute men (and women) around the world throw down their razors and revel in the majesty that is the manliest of grooming pursuits, growing hair on your chin.
In order to pay homage to this noble day, we spoke to stylist Mohammad from Dubai’s Jazz Lounge Spa for his top tips on working out your beard style:
1. Work with what you’ve got
The beauty of facial hair is that it is unique to each person. Age, ethnicity and genetics are all factors that effect the growth of your beard, so you’ll have to work with what you’ve got. When establishing what kind of beard works for you, first you must let it grow to its natural potential – this should take about a month. From here note the shape and thickness and talk to a barber how to accentuate its better features.
2. Shape it out
Abraham Lincoln’s famous beard was called the ‘chin curtain’, and it became his calling card. With regards to beard shape, we suggest this rule of thumb: A long, thin face suits a full beard; whereas hair on the chin rather than the sideburns and cheeks often works on a wider face.
3. Mind the gap
Dihydrotestosterone is the hormone that promotes both beards and balding in men. Low levels of this means that your beard is likely to grow in patches. If this is the case you should ask your barber to adopt a style that incorporate some gaps, that way it will look like it’s part of the plan.
4. Time saver
Essentially having a beard is a good way to cut down your morning grooming routine. Remember, the average face takes between 100 to 600 strokes to shave the entire face.
5. With the grain
If you’re sculpting your beard, remember to use a straight razor as it allows you to get a super-close cut. To avoid irritation try to shave with the grain and use warm (not hot) water.
6. Pre- and post-game
Apply a hot towel to your face before shaving to help open up your pores before shaving. To finish off, close them with a cold towel.