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I know this is kinda off the subject but I'm trying the beard thing at the age of 47. Is there anything I should be aware of or any tips or ideals to help me along in this process out there? Other than the Just for Men product line of 5 minutes dye products to keep me from looking like father time. How far back under the chin or neck do you trim it back for a neat appearance? I'd like to keep it close to the shin at about 1/2" growth if that's possible. Any advice or comments will be helpful. Thanks, Woodman
I don't think of this question as off-topic at all. Here's my answer...
Everybody's face is different, --- different shape, size, etc. --- so, shaping your new beard in such a way as to make it flatter your face best will be an on-going self-discovery process. Also, some guys find they naturally like big, long, or bushy beards over neatly-trimmed ones, --- or, visa-versa! For myself, I go through a lot of changes in just a typical year, for example:
I've tried many times to grow my beard out long; but somewhere past "big & bushy" (which I like), I slowly starts looking too much like Santa Claus, or his trusty old goat (if Santa had a goat, that is)! So, after I can no longer tolerate looking in the mirror, I cut it all off, --- except for leaving a closely-trimmed neat little goatee. But, being lazy about shaving as I am, I soon let the gaotee fill out. And then before I know it, I feel like growing the full beard back, too... And then after THAT, it doesn't take long for me to decide to try once more to grow the beard long & shaggy again... It's a viscious (but very entertaining!) circle!!
I haven't been completely clean-shaven since my 20s. Personally, I hate that look on me, --- I have a "weak chin", which makes me look very "baby-faced" But, that doesn't mean necessarily the same to you, so have fun discovering!
- Ken in San Francisco
you just simply need to stay away from razors
but if you and any one else is looking to talk beards here is a very beard friendly place:
http://beardcommunity.com/forum/list.php?f=5
Granted im only 20, but i've had a beard/goatee for the last 6 years so I've learned a thing or two. From the sound of your post, you seem to want to know the "norms" of having a beard and the typical ways to shape it for neat appearance. Correct me if I'm wrong. But, heres my take..
The crease where your chin touches your throat... This is as far as one should let the hair progress. Hair that goes past this crease and is growing on the neck/throat starts to look very untidy. Thats the biggest piece of neatness advice that I believe there is in terms of beard neatness.
I rim mine 1/2 inch from the jawline towards the throat. I also hate the feel of "moustache" hair toching the upper lip, so that portion of my beard is always very short while the chin part is a little longer. In terms of looks, the moustache part of the beard covering the lip makes one look much older to me...
These seem to be norms I have noticed on other men. But that's the beauty you get to do what suits you. Hope I provided even an ounce of insight :)
~Rome
Those are good tips, Rome. But, I have you on bearded years, I'm 32 and have had a beard/goatee since 19, but you should catch up soon ;-)
I have found as well that there is an itchy stage when growing from totally bare faced that occurs around the end of the first month of beard growing. I don't know if everyone experiences this, but it is very irritating.
I also shave the cheek area as well to keep the arc between the ears and the nose clean which helps with neatness as well as shaving the neck up to the area where the transition is made from neck to jaw.
I have let the mustache grow long before, and I usually keep it shorter too since when it is very long and totally covering the upper lip it begins to act like baleen and is an annoyance.
At first though, I would allow everything to grow for at least a month to see what you have to work with, and then shape the beard to your liking.
Then when my beard gets about an inch, I have to comb it to make it look presentable. The same conditioner you use on your hair will help your beard be easier to comb. That may sound like a lot of stuff, but really it isn't. Beards are so much more indestructable than hair that you really don't have to worry much with it unless you are planning on growing a super long beard or something like that.
And as for coloring gray/white beard hairs, I don't do it. I feel like I have earned them all and show them off.
Bragi
I am about to try to attach a picture.