How to Grow and groom your Beard and Mustache:
What ever your reason is for mastering the art of beard and moustache grooming, you have come to the right spot. If you are growing a beard because you have sensitive skin and are trying to reduce razor burn or you are looking for a new style, welcome to the realm of precision and luxury in grooming with Carbon Shaving Co. Whether you're cultivating a majestic beard or a stylish mustache, our high-end razors promise a shaving experience like no other. In this blog, we'll delve into the tips and tricks to help you master the art of maintaining, shaping, and shaving your beard and mustache, elevating your grooming routine to new heights.
If you are still contemplating what type of beard or mustache style you want, check out this blog I wrote about the latest styles. Regardless the first step is to grow your facial hair...give it 6-8 weeks! Look to see where your hair grows, if you are in your 20's you might find you have limited options based on how full your facial hair grows. It gets better in your 30's but for me I didn't grow a full beard until my mid 30's. I was however able to grow some mean lamb chops...see photo below of some vintage Mutton Chops!
Invest in Quality Tools:
A Safety Razor:
Begin your grooming journey by investing in the right tools. Our Carbon Shaving Co. machined safety razors, crafted with precision and luxury, are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable shave. We offer numerous base plate options depending on your skin type and frequency of your shaves.
The weight and balance of our razors make them perfect for detailed work on both beards and mustaches, ensuring a flawless finish. However make no mistakes, our razor will take down a lot of hair, more than any plastic disposable cartridge razor. What makes our safety razor designs so good is they are made to minimize clogging by having large “lather holes” and can take down a full beard or mustache. All our configurations have positive blade exposure for crisp, clean edge lines. I talk more about using a safety razor here.
Our safety razors are perfect for keeping your neck clean and itchy-free. They will aid in keeping crisp lines around your beard, sideburns, and mustache.
Scissors and/or an electric trimmer:
Invest in a small pair of sharp, high quality, sharp grooming scissors to help shape your beard and mustache. Use these to trim long hairs that might grow over your lip in the case of a mustache. Electric trimmers can also do this job but we find a good quality set of beard and mustache scissors are best.
Scissors and a comb are better because they are sharper, ergonomic, cleaner and typically have longer blades allowing for a longer straight line. Barbers will typically use both trimmers and scissors.
Regardless, you will need to trim your beard and mustache regardless of what beard or mustache style.
You will need to do this for the following reasons:
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Optimize the fullness and length you are looking for.
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Reduce split ends to promote healthy hair growth and minimize that "wiry" look split ends will give you.
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You will need to trim the hair above your lip
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Keep your self looking groomed and well kept
In the photo above, the black arrows indicate where I used scissors and the red arrows are areas I used our safety razor.
Preparation is Key:
Before diving into the shaving and groom of your beard and moustache process, it's crucial to prepare your facial hair. Start by washing your beard and mustache with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or excess oil. For an optimal shaving experience or if you have sensitive skin use a high-quality pre-shave oil to soften the hair and protect your skin. This will help to reduce irritation and provide a slick surface for the blade to glide over. I talk more about shaving with sensitive skin here.
A shaving brush is also a good tool as it will lift the hair and provide a more luxurious lather. I talk more about shaving brushes here.
Use Shaving Cream:
Apply a small amount of shaving soap when you shave, even if it is a small area. A good quality shaving cream or shaving soap will help any razor glide more efficiently and help reduce post shave irritation. A shaving brush works well for whipping up a lather. Using this whipped up lather and applying a small amount with your fingers is a good barber technique for edging along your beard. See photo below:
Trimming and Shaping:
For those with a beard and a mustache, maintaining a well-groomed appearance often involves regular trimming. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a beard trimmer to shape your beard according to your desired style. Use a comb to follow the contours of your face or the desired shape you want.
There is some debate and no right answer but considering trimming prior to washing or cleaning your beard as your facial hair will more likely be in its natural shape.
Our safety razors are excellent for refining the edges, removing many days growth on your neck and achieving a clean, polished look.
Mustache Styling Tips:
A stylish mustache requires careful attention to detail. You will likely want to use your scissors to trim the hair above your lip as it gets itchy, its annoying and gets in the way of eating! Use your scissors to refine the contours of your mustache. Use a precision safety razor like ours, with a fresh blade, to define the edges of your mustache.
Incorporating beard oil into your grooming routine is important for maintaining a healthy and well-groomed beard. It hydrates, conditions, and protects your facial hair, ensuring that it remains manageable and stylish throughout the day.
Experiment with various styles, from the classic Chevron to the trendy Handlebar.
Our razors offer the control needed for intricate detailing in tight spaces, helping you achieve the perfect mustache style. A popular grooming trend is the 5 o'clock shadow combined with different mustache styles, if this is you, a safety razor will mow down 4-5 days of 5 o'clock shadow growth better then any plastic disposable cartridge razor. If you are looking for this, we recommend the "Original" or the "++" base plate.
Shaving Technique:
When it's time to shave, make sure to follow the natural direction of hair growth for your first pass. Begin with gentle, short strokes to prevent shaving irritation. Our safety razors are designed to glide smoothly over your skin and providing a close shave. Take your time and enjoy the luxurious experience a quality shave offers. If you haven’t shaved in a few weeks, don’t try to take the hair down with one pass, re-apply shaving cream and do 2-3 passes instead to avoid irritation. I talk more about a good shave here.
The above photo shows the direction I would shave on my first pass in order to shave with the grain. This is the Barber shave technique when they use a straight razor or what is called a "cut-throat" razor.
Post-Shave Care:
After you have finished your shave, rinse your face with cold water as this will help close your pores and soothe your skin. After the shave, treat your skin with care. Apply a soothing aftershave or moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin, avoid alcohol base after shaves if you have sensitive skin, instead choose a post-shave balm. This will help moisturize your skin. I talk more about some natural remedies here.
This is the perfect time to bust out the beard oil and mustache wax for maximum conditioning and shaping if needed. Our razors are designed to minimize irritation and razor burn leaving your face feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Maintaining your Beard and Mustache Tips
Maintaining a well-groomed beard and mustache requires consistent care and attention. Here are some more tips to help you keep your facial hair looking sharp:
Regular Washing(but not everyday if you can):
Cleanse your beard and mustache regularly with a mild beard shampoo or cleanser. This helps remove dirt, oil, and any product residue. Avoid over washing, as it can strip the hair of natural oils. Use a shampoo to wash your beard, give your beard a chance to replensih its natural oils to avoid itchy and dry skin.
Conditioning:
Use a high-quality beard conditioner or beard oil to keep your facial hair soft and hydrated. This helps reduce frizz, prevents split ends, and makes your beard more manageable. Apply the conditioner evenly and comb through to distribute it. A regular hair conditioner works fine...
Some natural ingredients you can use to maintain your beard and mustache include:
- Coconut Oil (Adds shine and helps to reduce frizz)
- Jojoba Oil (Mimics the natural oils produce by the skin)
- Shea Butter (Provides moisture and provides vitamins)
- Argan Oil (Softens the hair and also adds vitamins)
- Aloe Vera (Soothes irritated skin and helps with styling)
- Eucalyptus Oil (Has a nice scent and antibacterial properties)
- Olive Oil (Common, can be used as a preshave oil, rich in antioxidants)
Don't over use and test in a small area on your skin to see if there is no adverse reaction.
Trimming:
Regular trimming is crucial for maintaining a well-defined and tidy look. Invest in a good pair of beard scissors or a quality trimmer. Trim according to your desired length and shape, paying attention to areas like the neck, cheeks, and mustache. Although debated, trimming prior to a shower is best as your hair is in its natural shape.
Precision Shaping:
Define the edges of your beard and mustache for a polished appearance. Whether you prefer a clean look or a more rugged style, precise shaping can make a significant difference on your comfort and appearance. Use a safety razor for these precision lines. Often times I recommend using a well lathered shaving cream so you can see and maintain the clean lines. Always use shaving soap to avoid skin damage and razor burn when shaving. Use your fingers to apply so you can see the edge you are trimming.
Brushing and Combing:
Brush or comb your beard and mustache daily to untangle the hair and distribute natural oils. This helps maintain a well-groomed and neat appearance. Choose a comb with wide teeth for thicker beards and a finer comb for mustache styling. Beeswax is a nice natural ingredient you can use to shape your 'stache or beard after its combed.
Moisturizing:
Keep your facial skin underneath the beard moisturized. Use a beard oil, after shave balm or some of the natural ingredients mentioned above to prevent dryness and itchiness. Massage the product into the skin to promote healthy hair growth.
Healthy Lifestyle:
A balanced diet and proper hydration contribute to the health of your beard. Nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and E are essential for hair health. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep for overall well-being. I am still working on this!
Avoid Overusing Products:
While using beard products and natural oils is essential, avoid overloading your beard with too many products. Excessive use can lead to buildup and make your beard appear greasy. Use products sparingly and find a routine that works for your beard type.
Patience in Growth:
Be patient during the growing process. Not all parts of your beard may grow at the same rate initially. Resist the urge to trim too frequently, and give your beard time to achieve its full potential. If you are just starting your beard or mustache journey, I wouldn't shave for 6-8 weeks.
Professional Grooming:
Consider visiting a professional barber for your initial shaping and trimming. Barbers have the expertise to create a tailored look that suits your facial features and personal style. They are also likely to give you an educated perspective of what style looks good for your face type.
By incorporating these tips into your grooming routine, you'll be well on your way to maintaining a clean, healthy, stylish beard and mustache. Elevate your grooming routine to a new level of luxury with Carbon Shaving Co.'s safety razors. Whether you're shaping a magnificent beard or crafting a stylish mustache, our precision tools and expert tips ensure a grooming experience that's second to none.
Invest in the art of shaving, and let Carbon Shaving Co. be your trusted companion on this journey to impeccable facial hair grooming. Any beard or mustache tips? Leave a comments or send us an email here.