Prepare the foundations
Skin is to facial hair what soil is to plants – and you wouldn’t plant new shrubs in your garden without preparing the soil first, right? So, step one: invest in a facial scrub. Exfoliating is the facial-haircare equivalent of turning over the topsoil and removing any weeds and debris: it will get rid of any dead cells on the surface of the skin and remove any grease and grime in the process.
Keep it hydrated
Next stop: hydration. Just as you need to keep your plants hydrated by regularly watering the soil and roots, you’ll need to maintain your skin’s moisture levels by lavishing it with a daily moisturiser – particularly, because unlike plants, which need extra moisture in summer, skin is prone to extra dryness in the cold winter months (like chilly Movember). Keep your ‘leaves’ hydrated, too, by applying a little hair conditioner to your moustache or beard in the shower as it starts to grow.
Be patient
Just as an over-zealous gardener wouldn’t get very far if they started pruning their shrubs before they’d had chance to grow, it’s no use trying to shape a beard that’s barely past the stubble stage. Be patient and let it take shape by itself before you start to trim and shape it. Think of it like a Bonsai tree that needs a careful and cautious approach with the pruners. And if you love your garden gadgets and prefer electric strimmers to old-fashioned shears, there are plenty of good-quality beard trimmers available to help you get the job done.
Call in the professionals
The landscape gardeners of the facial hair world, barbers have been keeping beards and moustaches in shape for centuries (did you know barbers were highly respected individuals in ancient Egyptian culture?). So there’s no shame in leaving your hair growth to a professional. In fact, traditional old-school barbers have been popping up in every hip neighbourhood since facial hair came back into fashion. A trained barber is ideal if you have to look smart at work and want an immaculate, polished finish.
Best of luck gents!
