Smooth Moves — A Gentleman’s Complete Guide to Taming the Mane - Men's Folio
Grooming, Hair

Smooth Moves — A Gentleman’s Complete Guide to Taming the Mane

  • By Men's Folio

We all (well, some might try to) grow a beard at some point in our life. If you are one of the lucky few who can successfuly sprout one, it’s essential to keep it neat because there’s nothing less stylish than one that is unruly and unkempt. Whether your facial hair is short and neat or long and full-bodied, you’d want to know this beard-care routine that really works.


1. Wash

 

The Art of Shaving Peppermint beard wash

Splash your beard with water and massage a small amount of beard wash into your beard until it forms a lather. Then, rinse it with water and gently pat it dry. This step will combat itching by actively removing any dust or dry skin, but do keep in mind that an overzealous application can lead to frizz and split ends. Next, condition it.


2. Moisturise

 

Beard.On All Natural beard oil.

There’s nothing worse than a dry beard. After washing and conditioning it,  it’s important to replenish it with natural oils. “Nothing tames a beard like regular use of beard oil,” says Jeremy Rajoo, the founder of grooming brand Beard.On.

“There are many varieties to choose from, in a range of manly secrets, but all of them condition the hair to make them softer and shinier,” he adds. Slather a beard oil onto your skin and beard to moisturise and prevent dryness and itchiness. Starting from underneath with palms up, push outwards and smooth down the front.


3. Shape

 

Philips Norelco vacuum beard trimmer.

Depending on the length and style of your beard, it may need extra shaping. According to Rajoo, a regular trim will main your chosen shape, but it’s not the only way to keep your beard on point. He also says that you can even up the ante by using a beard balm.

Take a small amount of your preferred beard balm and warm it in your hands before applying. This will keep your beard in good form and smooth out any flyaways, ensuring it looks stylish rather than overgrown.


4. Style

 

Baxter of California beard comb.

Finally, styling your beard isn’t just important because of the way it makes it look. The daily brushing of your beard also works to stimulate natural oil production as well as distributing the oil and the balm you’ve already applied.

“A daily rubdown with a comb or beard brush will wrangle stubborn hairs, training them to grow in a downward direction,” advises Rajoo.

This story first appeared in the December/January ’20 issue of Men’s Folio Malaysia.