beard tips

[powderfinger]

Ok, I know off topic is a hotbed for good/bad advice here, but I think I am pretty safe asking advice on this one. I need some beard tips. I am, for the first time in my life, growing a beard. I have been about 10 days without shaving now, and my whiskers are quite thick and it looks like I haven't shaved in a month. I never knew my whiskers grew this fast, as I usually never went 2 days without shaving.

So ok. How long does the "itchy" phase last? This itching is about to drive me apes***. It's been itching all day, but didn't itch at all until today. The goatee and sideburn parts of my goatee itch horribly. Is there anything you can put on it to help it not itch?

Also, are you supposed to shave under your chin and your neck? I am not going for the Jim Morrison 3 days before he died beard. I am more wanting to grow a beard like someone respectable... you know, like Billy Mays.

So any bearded guys out there, lets discuss beards.

Oh btw- will a beard scratch up a woman's face when you try to kiss her? Not that I am expecting any female action anytime soon, but just in case.

[fourstringdrums]

It's been a few years since I grew mine, so I can't really answer the itchy question. I don't really remember but I think if I had any itchiness it only lasted a few days to a week or so.

As for how far down to grow the beard, mine goes about half way down, or about 2 inches below my jawline. I first tried to define the neckline before the beard was grown in a bit and I realized I couldn't do it without screwing it up. So my advice is to let it grow out a bit, and then define it. That way you can taper it as well.

The beard will get softer in time so while it might tickle I don't think it's "scratchy", at least mine isn't.

Another tip I thought of...wash it every morning when you wash your hair. I think some guys neglect it.

Also invest in a good adjustable trimmer. I have a Norelco that I like and I trim it about every 2 weeks or so.

[lowfreq33]

Put hair conditioner on it and the itchiness will ease up.

[RosieB]

Oh btw- will a beard scratch up a woman's face when you try to kiss her? Not that I am expecting any female action anytime soon, but just in case.

No. Stubble scratches and gives whisker burn. Beards just tickle. And you've got to find someone who doesn't the hair going up her nose occasionally. (just being realistic here. My husband only shaves once every couple months in the winter, whether he needs it or not)

And if you want to look like you are growing a beard as opposed to just not shaving (which I'm well acquainted with), for heaven's sake, shave your neck! Some guys pull off not shaving/trimming just fine, but they are few and far between.

And now, back to the guys with beards and first-hand advice...

[jonathan_matos5]

i prefer to avoid shaving, but i keep it trimmed. no complaints from the women folk either. unless it reminds me of my dad is a complaint? although i was once told i look strange without a beard.

for me itchy goes away about 4 days after a clean shave, but i don't think my beard qualifies as average. i use shampoo and conditioner on my beard about as often as the rest of my head.