If you’re reluctant to get rid of your facial hair entirely, you can also use your beard trimmer or pair of grooming scissors to clip the hairs to an even length. A close shave will also stimulate the follicles and square off the ends of each hair, making new growth appear thicker.

Feel free to let your beard continue growing for as long as you like. The thick, shaggy look is among the most popular modern styles. Hang tough through the itchy phase—it usually won’t last for more than about a week. [4] X Research source [5] X Expert Source Juan SabinoProfessional Barber Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.

Start shaping the “lines” of your beard early. These are clean edges where facial hair ends and exposed skin begins. Taking off too much hair will leave your face looking uneven, and being forced to correct a lopsided beard will just set your growth back. [6] X Research source

The goal is to get your face shape as symmetrical as possible. A pair of sharp grooming scissors will offer your more control over the length of individual areas than an electric beard trimmer. [8] X Research source

Try not to let your facial hair get so long that starts to look wiry or dirty. There’s a thin line between dashing and disheveled.

Rub a dab of wax into your goatee to better group the hairs and make them more pronounced. Offset your mustache by trimming and drawing your chin hair into a point. [10] X Research source

Not all beards are created equal. Cultivating your facial hair is all about understanding your natural growth patterns and choosing a style that best highlights your individual features.

There’s no need to shop around for beard-specific products. The same cleansers you use on your head hair will work just fine. Washing your beard too often can strip it of its beneficial natural oils, leaving it looking dry and unhealthy. This is especially true if you’re using harsh soap products.

The best time to apply beard oil is just after a hot shower when your pores are open. Not only does beard oil soften coarse facial hair, it’s also useful for fighting off itchiness, which is usually the result of dry skin. [15] X Research source

For best results, invest in a special beard comb. The teeth on a beard comb are strong, stiff and perfectly spaced to separate hairs while adding volume. [16] X Research source

A neckline that’s too high can create the unfortunate illusion of a double chin, while one that’s too low may come off looking sloppy or out of control. [18] X Research source