BOYS AND THEIR BEARDS

There are “style experts” saying the beard trend is over but I suggest the contrary. I think the trend is still growing and will be with us for some time yet. Walking to the train one morning, I counted how many men had facial hair compared to those that were clean-shaven. Of about thirty men, only three were clean-shaven. Of course, my walk to the train through my gay part of town doesn’t represent worldwide trends. But it does show that the beard trend is still very much alive. A beard, like a blow job, can either be really good, average or ghastly. And, like a blow job, knowing what to do and putting in a little effort can go a long way. But where do you start? • Stubble is pretty easy. Buy a great pair of clippers and play with different lengths. Always keep the neck tidy and avoid the bottom line of stubble ending on the actual jaw-line. Blend it under the jaw line for a more casual, sexier look. • There are plenty of videos on the internet about choosing the best beard or facial hair to suit you. I believe that if you want advice on facial hair talk to an expert and visit a barber. Barbershops are now big business and it’s their job to know this stuff. Ask around among your friends about where they go and make a booking. • Don’t be afraid to tell the barber what you want, but take their advice on what they think will suit your face. You may want to keep visiting the barber to keep it looking sharp, but if that isn’t an option, ask them to teach you how to shape it at home and then book the occasional visit for a beard-tidy to keep it on track. • Looking after your facial hair once you have grown it is vital. This will include clippers to keep it tidy, beard oil or cream to soften and style, especially when it is longer, and even a beard shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair healthy. • When it comes to dyeing your beard – don’t! Okay, this is my personal opinion, but if you aren’t happy with the colour of your beard then chat to your hairdresser. They will recommend the correct colour for you and then show you how you can do it at home. I’m sorry, but home-colouring always looks a bit creepy when it is growing out. It is often the wrong tones, and dyed in a block of colour. Hair never appears all one colour.