Should I Grow a Beard?
Beard or Bare: The Ultimate Question
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
You can tell a lot about a man by the hair which adorns his face; but what facial hair is best suited to your personality? Take our quiz to find out!
Deciding on the perfect facial hair can be as daunting as choosing a Netflix show on a Friday night - you've got plenty of options, but which one will bring you the most joy... or in this case, compliments? Whether you're looking to spruce up your look or enter the realm of bearded glory, the path to your ideal beard or mustache is paved with a few critical considerations.
Let's face it, the patchy scruff you rocked during your "No Shave November" phase might not cut it for that professional job interview coming up, and your face fuzz requires a strategy. Think of it as choosing a character in a video game; each has its strengths and optimal scenarios. From your face shape to the rate of hair growth, your whiskers need a game plan that suits your personal style. Plus, with great facial hair comes great responsibility – grooming and maintenance are key, unless you're aiming for the wild woodland hermit look (a fashion statement on its own, we must admit).
Choosing your ideal facial hair style isn't just about blindly following trends—it's an artful match between your facial structure and a style that complements it perfectly. Let's embark on a joyous journey through the twists and twirls of facial hair mastery.
Your face is as unique as your personality—so why saddle it with a generic beard or mustache? Whether you're a proud owner of a chiseled square jaw or you possess the swoops and curves of a heart-shaped visage, the goal is balance and symmetry. A circle beard brings a harmonious aura to the round-faced fellows, while those with an oval face might just pull off any style, from a dainty goatee to a dominating full beard. For the triangle or heart-shaped faces out there, a thicker beard can help add some breadth to that pointed chin of yours.
Let's talk about whisker lengths, shall we? If you're flirting with stubble, know that it can add some grit to your grin without the high-maintenance hustle of a Van Dyke. Love to exude mystery? A longer, fuller beard could be your ticket to enigma town. Just remember that with great beard length comes great responsibility—keep it groomed, or risk the woolly hermit look. For a tidier tableau, a neat chin strap or a Balbo might be up your alley, giving you sharp angles and a clean-cut aura that screams, 'I mean business'.
Prepare to tip your hat to your ancestors because your beard's potential is written in your DNA. No magical beard elixir can turn a spotty beard into a plush beard growth masterpiece if your hair follicles decided to play a game of hide-and-seek. Genetics dictate your beard’s destiny—from its color to its curliness, thickness to its growth pattern. If you’re growing a beard or mustache slower than a snail's race, don't despair—beard styles can be tailored to what your genes gave you. Keep in mind, patience is a virtue, and sometimes those hair follicles just need a little more time to get with the program.
Before you start humming 'The Beard Song,' let’s equip you with some seriously good tips to ensure your face mane is more "Wow!" and less "Wildling."
Your beard needs the right fuel just like a finely-tuned sports car. Let's talk diet:
Remember, pop a biotin supplement for good measure—it's like a growth serum for your whiskers.
Want a beard that's the envy of your mates? Exercise, reduce stress, and get regular sleep—your beard will thank you. Embrace activities that keep stress at bay; your facial hair detests cortisol. Also, maintain a balance—too many beers and not enough broccoli can lead to lackluster locks.
Chasing muscle mass at the gym? Psst, that boosts testosterone, which can amp up beard growth. Just dodge the low testosterone pitfalls like erectile dysfunction; a healthy beard and a healthy you go hand in hand.
Let's gear up:
When shaping your mane, an expert barber is your Gandalf—he'll guide you on the path of the well-groomed. Between visits, maintain with trimming, and show some love for your skin—exfoliating to banish ingrown hairs and moisturizing to keep the skin beneath happy.
Keep in mind, grooming is your secret spell for that ulta-slick, ultra-swish beard. Now, go forth and grow that glorious facial forest, champ!