I still remember the first time I tried to grow a beard. I was around 22, fresh out of college, and thought all I needed was time. I figured if I just stopped shaving, I’d magically end up with a majestic, Jason Momoa-like mane by week three. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
What I actually ended up with was a patchy mess that made me look more “lost in the woods” than “ruggedly handsome.” Over the years, I’ve learned that growing and grooming a beard isn’t just about letting it grow wild; it’s about caring for it like you would your hair, skin, or even your sneakers. Beard grooming is an art and, more importantly, a habit.
Here’s everything I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about grooming a beard the right way, from my personal experience to the products I love, the mistakes I wish I hadn’t made, and the routine I now swear by.
Start With a Purpose
One thing I wish someone had told me early on is: know your beard goal. Are you going for a close-cropped corporate look? A full lumberjack? Maybe a sharp Van Dyke or a carefully maintained goatee?
I used to just grow it out and “see what happens,” which led to weird lengths, uneven growth, and the dreaded neckbeard phase. Once I got intentional with my look, I personally like a medium-length, full beard with clean cheek lines. It became way easier to maintain and style.
Tip: Take your face shape into account. Round faces usually benefit from longer chin beards to elongate the look, while longer faces suit fuller sides to balance things out.
Be Patient: The First Few Weeks Are Awkward
No sugarcoating here. The first few weeks of growing a beard suck.
There’s itchiness, uneven growth, and plenty of people asking, “Are you trying to grow a beard, or did you just forget to shave?” I gave up way too early on my first few tries because I couldn’t push through the “ugly phase.”
What helped me eventually was using a beard oil early on. I started applying it daily to soothe the itch, and not only did it help with the dryness, but it also gave my beard a healthy sheen, like I actually knew what I was doing.
My go-to: Honest Amish Beard Oil. It smells earthy and feels light, and it made a noticeable difference in how my beard felt.
Beard Oil Is Non-Negotiable
Speaking of beard oil, this is not an optional product. I used to think beard oil was just some fancy hipster thing to spend money on, but once I started using it consistently, I realized how essential it really is.
Not only does it keep the beard soft and hydrated, but it also nourishes the skin underneath, which prevents dandruff and flaking (a problem I didn’t even realize I had until someone awkwardly pointed it out).
I apply beard oil every morning after I shower. When my pores are open and the beard is clean. Just 4–5 drops rubbed between the palms and massaged in, from the roots to the tips.
Trim Regularly (Even If You’re Growing It Out)
Here’s a mistake I made way too many times: I thought if I was growing a beard, I shouldn’t touch it with scissors or clippers.
Wrong.
Not trimming leads to split ends, wild hairs, and an overall scruffy look. The key is to shape it as it grows, clean the neckline, keep the cheek lines sharp, and snip away strays so it grows evenly and looks intentional.
I use a basic beard trimmer with a few guard lengths. Every week or so, I’ll give my beard a quick once-over, taking a little off the sides, shaping the bottom, and carefully defining the neckline.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t trim your neckline too high. It should be just above your Adam’s apple, not hugging your jawline (unless you want the “floating beard” look).
Use a Beard Comb or Brush Daily
I used to ignore this step, but brushing my beard daily was a game-changer.
It helps train the direction of growth, distributes oils evenly, and keeps tangles at bay. When I started using a boar bristle brush in the mornings, my beard instantly looked fuller and better styled, like I’d actually put in effort (even though it took under a minute).
Combs are better for longer beards, but for my medium length, a brush is perfect.
Bonus tip: Always brush down and out. This gives volume without puffing it out like a lion’s mane.
Washing: Not Too Often, Not Too Rarely
Another mistake I made early on was washing my beard every day. I treated it like my hair, but beard hair is coarser and needs more natural oil.
Overwashing stripped my beard and left it dry and brittle. Now, I wash it 2–3 times a week using a beard-specific shampoo (not regular shampoo, which is too harsh).
I follow up with a beard conditioner or balm to lock in moisture.
Product I love: Viking Revolution Beard Wash & Conditioner Set is affordable, smells great, and leaves my beard feeling clean but not stripped.
Invest in a Beard Balm for Styling and Hold
Beard oil is great for nourishment, but if you want your beard to stay in shape, you need a beard balm.
Think of it like a light styling wax. It gives you some hold while also providing moisture. I use balm when I want my beard to look more “put together,” especially for a night out or a work event.
I warm a small amount between my fingers and run it through the beard after applying oil. It gives structure without stiffness.
Don’t Neglect the Mustache
This is a part I used to forget and I’d end up chewing on mustache hairs or having them poke my lip every time I spoke.
Now, I trim my mustache weekly with small grooming scissors, keeping it just above the lip line but still full enough to blend into the beard.
I also occasionally use a touch of wax if I want to shape the tips or keep it tidy.
Final Thoughts: What I’ve Learned
Grooming a beard isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling confident. A well-groomed beard says you take care of yourself, and it can completely change your vibe.
Here’s what I’ve come to live by:
Be patient, especially early on.
Invest in quality products (beard oil, wash, brush, balm).
Don’t fear the trim, shape as you grow.
Consistency > Perfection. A daily 5-minute routine is all you need.
I’ve made all the classic mistakes. From trimming too high to letting it grow wild to using the wrong products. But once I got into a proper routine and treated beard care like part of my daily grooming, everything changed.
If you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve been growing for years but haven’t quite figured it out yet, stick with it. Your best beard might still be a few weeks (or trims) away.
Trust me, it’s worth it.