Hindsight is a great thing eh? There are plenty of things I wish I knew in the early days while I grew a beard. Like that old saying, "if I knew then what I know now I would be...", I'd probably have an even BIGGER beard! But hey, you learn as you go along don't you. Braw Beard started in 2012 and there weren't many beard care brands or much information out there, we had to learn the ropes as we progressed. But this journey built the brand as it stands today and I wouldn't change it for anything.
To give you a shortcut, let me share 5 things I wish I knew while I grew a beard.
1. It takes time.
When I was younger, I didn't understand patience as much as I do now. I wanted a big beard as fast as I could. I'd get frustrated when it looked like it wasn't growing (it was, just not quick enough haha). I know now that beard hair grows at roughly 1.25cm per month so it's a long journey. Just enjoy the ride.
The advice I give out now is, take a selfie at the end of every month and see the progression. You'll be impressed.
2. Visit a good beard barber for a tidy up.
I'm not convinced by the advice that trimming hair makes it grow faster, personally, I don't think it does, but that's just my opinion.
But what I do recommend is, visiting a good beard barber for a wee trim every few months (or more if you prefer). The barber will offer advice on shape and style to suit your face and growth rate. Beards can grow at an uneven rate on each side so a fresh tidy up may help you feel great and boost your confidence.
There are lots of great barbers out there who specialise in beards, Google is your friend to find your local one, check the reviews first. The barbers I recommend from personal use are Mohair, Orbit Smoke Barbers, Hoi Barbers and East Coast Inc.
3. Have a consistent beard care routine.
Before Braw, I never paid any attention to my beard, because I didn't know any better, I assumed it was meant to be scruffy and itchy. But since I made the first bottle of Braw Beard oil in 2012, I have used beard oil almost daily. I say almost because back then I was lazy with it.
Over the last few years though, I have used it EVERY morning without fail and I notice a huge difference. To read more about my daily beard care routine, check THIS ARTICLE or THIS VIDEO.
4. The beard community
If you are not involved in the beard community, I know, I know, it sounds like a strange cult but it's the very opposite. Throughout the world there are hundreds/thousands of beard clubs and communities ranging from Facebook groups to regional gatherings. Social media can be a toxic place these days but beard clubs are very welcoming and are a great place to meet likeminded friends. The Facebook groups are a great place to ask for advice on beard care and share some stories. Regional beard clubs are a great place to socialise and make new friends. The great majority of beard communities to exceptional work for local charities which is something special. We have our own community for Braw Beard customers called the Brawtherhood.
Search google for your local beard club and get in touch with them to get involved. Likewise, search Facebook for beard communities too and join.
5. Beard and moustache competitions.
Again, these are a great place to meet new friends and socialise. There are several beard competitions all over, the largest being The World Championships which is held every 2 years. We have our own in Scotland called the Braw Beard and Moustache Championships. These events are great fun for everyone (some allow under 18s, some don't so check first). If you want to compete for fun, you can, if you want to take it more serious, you can. Or if you want to just come along to watch and enjoy the spectacle, you can.
If you haven't made it to a beard and moustache competition yet, make sure to put it on your bucket list!
I hope you have enjoyed this article. It's some things that I wish I knew as I grew a beard early on, enjoy the process, do what I can to get the best realistic results and embrace the scene.
Thank you for reading.
JJ
Join the #Brawtherhood
P.S. Use code – brawblog – at www.brawbeard.com for 10% off
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I have been using Braw beard products for 6 months now and have noticed a vast improvement in my beard game. My beard is looking healthy and feeling the best it has ever felt!
I 1000% recommend Braw beard. Not only are the beard products top notch, but the merch is too.
Keep up the amazing work! I am so happy to be part of the Brawtherhood. Keep it bearded legends 🤘👍
The new Braw t-shirt with the tragic O'Hara design on the chest part is a great design and makes it classy. The back would even look better if it were possible to inject some colour
Keepin' it peel is a great addition to the line up of Beard Butters avalable from Braw Beard, with the summer months on the way, keepin' it peel is a nice fragrant zesty scent, nice and fresh for those long,warm summer days, keeps your beard looking and smelling amazing.
The large beard Gold level Quarterly subscription box is a great product, especially if you are a bit forgetful like me, with the subscription box I know that every 3 months I'm guarnteed to get my essential beard care supplies, with the added bonus of 3 free shipping codes if I do need to top up in between subscription deliveries.
Whilst I've had success keeping the midgies off with the Jamie Coward beard oil this is by far more effective. A wee dod on your arms and legs doesn't do any harm either to keep the beasties at bay.
Thanks Braw Beard!!
I’d always used “high street banded” products on my beard and typically I didn’t buy them for myself e.g… Christmas gift sets etc… from family members. Recently my beard became unbearably itchy it was flaky and felt like a Brillo pad. I’ve been using the Beardruff Buster Pack for around a week now and although it’s early days there’s a noticeable difference in the condition of my Beard, the itching has basically gone already and there are no longer visible flakes on my teeshirt. I’ve no doubt that in a couple more weeks there will be zero flakes and no itchiness given how well the shampoo and oil has done its job in just 1 week. The missus likes how it smells too 😂 cheers guys I’ll be buying more once this lots run out 👍
I can't fault your shampoo. I have been bearded on an off for 15 years ish I have used loads of products even been a brand ambassador to a small home made beard care company. I have never had half the complements on my beard. Whatever the cost I've tried expensive through to the cheapest on the market. Nothing I have used in my time is even close keep up the good work brother.
Hi everyone. I'm weirdo wayne. Been growing my beard for 2years months now. I have tried lots of different stuff for beard. But I found brawbeard last years october/november and it has been a beard game changer. The oils and butters /balms are 1st to none. The brush is a beard life changer too. Beard sits and stays styled all night on my bus. Get great compliments. Best thing i found a new beard family and they have let me in the Brawtherhood. Even just going to there beard competition early this year has just made me fall inlove with my chin fringe. Big love to the Braw beard family.
Absolutely love your stuff JJ just recieved my new anniversary oil and limited tee shirt love them both. Cantcwait for the new brawnson design hat go come out thats alresdy in the basket. Keep up the outstanding work guys and JJ yer some man..🤘