Ask any barber shop stylist: Beards are more popular than ever! For that reason, beard grooming is also more essential than ever before. After the time spent and patience involved in growing out that facial hair, it’s worth taking extra care to maintain the look.

It all begins with a beard grooming routine. If you’re the proud owner of facial hair, keep these tips in mind:

• Let It Be at First: You don’t want to go overboard with trims before your beard reaches its full potential. Let it grow to whatever length you desire, and be patient. This could take a little over a month to achieve. Hair will come in more evenly if you can resist the urge to snip at this juncture.
• Trim a Long Beard: If you have a long beard and intend to maintain that length, comb all the hairs in a single direction and use clippers to evenly trim them. Opt for a lower clipper setting to trim the hair on your cheeks and neck. Use scissors to cut strays the clippers missed.
• Trim for Stubble: If you prefer a look that’s more George Michael than Santa Claus, you don’t need to be quite as aggressive with your technique. Stubble is usually easy to achieve with a single pass of the blade, but in hairier spots, you might need to shave a couple of times to get an even appearance on both sides of your face. Shave the neck bare for the most natural look.
• Keep It Clean: As with any type of hair growth, the skin beneath your beard may itch at first. Use a specially formulated beard cleanser to gently yet effectively dissolve debris that may collect in your beard throughout the day. Instead of rubbing, pat it dry—this will prevent tangles and frizz.
• Use Beard Oil: An essential part of beard grooming is moisturizing. Beard oil is like a leave-in conditioner for facial hair. These oils are infused with nourishing ingredients that soften the skin and enhance your beard. For the best results, apply after cleansing, when your pores are open and the oil can more readily hydrate your skin and hair.

You’ll become a beard grooming expert in no time once you get the hang of these tips. Remember: Patience is key, both in growing and in grooming your beard.

A Cut Above is the leading barber shop in Anchorage, AK. Serving the community for nearly 40 years, the skilled stylists at this hair salon offer haircuts, beard trimming, and classic shaves. You’ll receive first-class service and results without the matching price tag. For more information on their services, visit the website, or call (907) 276-6884 to schedule an appointment.