NEW TO GROWING A BEARD? HERE'S A BEGINNERS GUIDE WITH ALL YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW

I received a small collection of requests at the end of 2016 from our readers who were considering stepping into the world of 'beardism'. I'm not sure if that is a technical term for growing out a beard, or even a real word at all, but it seemed to fit perfectly at the time of writing this. Whilst growing out some facial fuzz tends to differ from one Gent to another, I wanted to run through a few tips and helpful pointers on what you can expect when you finally throw away the razor and opt in for a beard to call your own. So, if you're new to growing a beard, here's a handy little guide with everything you'll need to know...

YOU MIGHT FEEL SOMEWHAT SCRUFFIER THAN USUAL!

The biggest gripe I hear from those who first begin to grow a little stubble is how scruffy they first feel in the beginning stages. Although the dreaded 'beard itch' is a real testing time for the best of us, minus that, I didn't find the change too challenging. I think our mindset also plays a huge role in how we perceive stubble and facial hair in general. As from a young boy most of us are mentally taught that shaving is the said thing to do. Our fathers/grandfathers often teach us the ropes on how to take your first shave, as we are lead to believe it's much cleaner and more hygienic to be clean shaven rather than bearded. Beards are still frowned upon by some, which often label bearded men as nothing more than being too lazy to shave, which I'm sure you'd agree just isn't the case at all for the most part. So, yes you might first feel somewhat out of your depth with a faceful of fresh stubble, but hang on in there, as a marvelous beard will soon be yours to keep!

KEEP YOUR FACE AND STUBBLE HYDRATED AT ALL TIMES!

In my own opinion, it is never too soon to start looking after your face and beard, regardless of it's length or age. Your skin must be kept clean and well hydrated to give your new beard the best possible chance to grow out thick, long and strong. If you choose to simply leave your face and stubble to its own devices the chances are your beard will grow out greasy, patchy, uneven and unhealthy, not to mention the dead skin cells hidden beneath the surface which will soon dry out and flake into ugly, tricky to shift 'beardruff'. So, if it's your first week or your 5th year of growing a beard, you should always be using beard oils and/or balms to give your beard and skin all the goodness it so rightfully deserves.

CHOOSE BEARD CARE PRODUCTS YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST!

Whenever I'm asked what beard products you should use I naturally recommend our own 'The Beard Struggle' care range. Now, that's not because I'm on any form of commision in doing so, or get an extra pat on the back from Mr 'TBS' himself, but quite simply because I honestly believe that the 'TBS' range are by far the very best products available to any man and his marvelous beard. Of course, there are other good brands out there that will work well for many, but after testing out numerous products on the web nothing comes close to the 'TBS' range for me. Much like when you choose the right foods to eat, you wouldn't want to put any old crap inside your body (unless it's pizza, double pepperoni and pineapple!) on too much of a regular basis. So why cut corners when it comes to your facial hair? Trust me when I say this, the results truly speak for themselves.

SIT TIGHT, YOUR BEARD MIGHT GROW FAST OR COULD GROW SLOW!

Patience is something you need heaps of when you decide to start growing out your face forest, as beards grow at many different growth rates which can prove a touch infuriating every now and again. If you participated in 'No Shave November' with a couple of friends or work colleagues you may have noticed there's always that one guy who sprouts out a beard in what seems to be overnight record breaking time, whilst you and a few others in the office are left with a little light stubble for all your troubles. Truth is, that no two beards are the same, and nor do they grow the same either. So if you are as dedicated as you should be, sit tight, buckle up and be ready to watch your face transform from 'stubble boy' to 'manly beard man', be it at a slow or a fast rate, it'll be worth the wait.

GET READY TO FALL IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN!

It has been what feels like a lifetime, but finally you are now starting to see a handsome beard begin to invade your once naked cheeks. Looks good don't it? You'll find if you were to ask many beardsman what they like most about themselves they'll almost instantly point to their trusty beards first and foremost. Speaking from personal experience, I cringe looking back on photos of myself where I am without my beard. I've almost forgotten what I should even look like without my beard too. My big ginger man mane has become a huge part of my life, and one that I would simply not be without anymore. It's an extension of my personality, a talking point when meeting new people and something I have grown (pun totally intended!) very fond of. So, when your beard begins to take shape, you'll totally understand where I am coming from. Afterall, a beard is for life, not just for Christmas.

That sees another beard blog finished for today my friends, as always leave us your thoughts and feedback in the comments section you'll find directly below this post.