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To Beard or not to Beard

  • April 6, 2016
  • MRCS
to-beard-or-not-beard-mister-chop-shop
620 387 Mister Chop Shop | Surry Hills

As seen in Fitness First Magazine.

BEARD: Noun: the growth of hair on the face of an adult man, often including a mustache.

So what is it about the beard? Besides being the physical representation of patience and manhood…

leonidas-beard-king-mister-chopshop

 

Since the beginning of time, the beard has been an embodiment of stature worn by the likes of Kings and Vikings through to Bushrangers (and there was also that famous carpenter – Jesus). 

The beard comes in many forms, lengths, colours and styles. Each of which have been influenced by the current era and what fashion dictates. Yes they are a fashion statement and the recent resurgence of the beard has created the ‘lumbersexual’ movement (also creatively know as The Hipster). This movement is based around the ruggedness of the flannelette wearing lumberjack and the highly groomed ‘Metrosexual’.

To-beard-or-not-to-beard-bondi-barberSo the beard is large and long, definitely not to be taken lightly and a complete work of art nowadays. The average fur covered man will be spending a lot more maintenance time on his facial pelt than that of his haircut, shaping and preening. This is a precise business and one that if not approached correctly could leave you looking patchy, reminiscent of a mangy mutt which will have you grabbing the clippers to take the whole thing off only to start again. Hence patience is a virtue.

Growing a beard can be a hard step unless you’ve at least made in to the 4th week as a contestant on ‘Survivor’. From inception, the beard will create uncomfortable or itchy skin and in some cases this is as simple as the hair curling over, pricking back into the face. As more hair grows through, this itchiness can become nearly unbearable. This is where product selection can be a life saving and annoyance preventing decision.

So what do you use and when? What is a Beard Balm or Beard Oil? Proraso-Beard-Oil-Mr-ChopShop-Sydney

Let’s break these down.

A Beard Balm is usually a moisture cream based product that is designed to prevent irritation and encourage you to persist with growing. It is perfect for a new growth beard and daily application of this will ensure that the hair follicle is softer and that the skin is nourished.

The more common ‘Beard Oil’ (which now seems to be coming out in all shapes and sizes) is designed to soften the hair follicle of an already established beard and give leave it shine with the scented aroma of something better than the daily elements it absorbs. Most are based around essential oils and designed to replicate masculine smells such as tobacco, leather and spices.

In closing… your beard should be taken seriously, supported with regular Barber grooming, use the right products and be more than a growth designed to hide your peer group pressured mustache growing attempts of Movember.

Happy bearding!!

  • MRCS