Create The Perfect Beard, For A Great First Date Impression

If you're a man with a beard, here are four tips for grooming your facial hair to showcase your best self, and to leave a lasting impression on that first date.

Trim Your Beard

Choosing the right beard style depends on your personal preference, and how you trim and shape your beard is dependent on the look you want to achieve.

Short beards require regular trimming to maintain their shape, and long beards benefit from frequent combing and the application of the right products, to keep them looking smooth and healthy.

Regardless, it's always best to trim and shape your beard after a shower, when your beard hair is softer. 

After patting the beard dry - to remove excess water, try a beard balm to lock in moisture. Then, use a wooden beard comb to comb the hair downward.

Next, use a transparent shave gel on your face, and shave a line that curves from the front of your ear, down to the side of your mouth, and determine your beard neckline by placing two fingers horizontally above your Adam's apple. Any hair below your top finger can then be trimmed.

Your Beard Neckline

Your neckline should follow the curve from one ear, just above your Adam's apple, and back up to the other ear. 

To find the midway point, place two fingers horizontally above your Adam's apple. Any hair beneath your top finger can then be trimmed. A common mistake is setting the beard neckline too high, which can result in an unfinished look, especially if there is thickness on the cheeks. If you happen to accidentally trim your neckline too short, reduce the hair on the cheeks and chin, and wait for it to grow back, before trying again.

Shape Your Beard

Let your beard grow (yes, this requires patience). 

Allowing your facial hair to grow out, will provide a solid foundation for shaping your desired beard style. Although it might be tempting to start shaping early, it's crucial to give your beard the time to flesh out, and for your face to adjust to its new growth direction. Ideally, let your beard grow for roughly four to six weeks. During this period, your facial hair will adjust to its new growth pattern - setting the stage for effective beard-shaping in future.

Manage Your Beard

Correct, regular, and proper beard-care is the key to achieving a polished look, without veering into the wild.

To maintain your facial hair and the skin beneath it, use products that have been designed for maintenance:

A beard shampoo and conditioner is essential, as it has been formulated specifically to cater for the unique needs of facial hair, which differs from the hair on your head.

Also, consider using a beard oil or a beard balm to ensure regular beard hydration. Your hair will stay moisturised, and your beard will look sleek and well-groomed.

To Conclude

Although beauty and a love-of-beards are subjective, the rising popularity of beards doesn’t appear to be going away - suggesting that they’ll most likely remain a beloved choice amongst wearers and admirers alike - for the foreseeable.

Beards are appreciated and respected by both men and women - making them a great asset for leaving a long-lasting impression on a first date. But maintenance and self-care is key. We hope these tips helped.

And good luck on your first date.