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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Started growing my beard around three months ago and have bought all the normal branded beard washes an beard oils they all worked for a short time but all dried out my beard an left it more itchy an sore. I saw this braw beard on instagram an thought it was another gimmick i was tempted to try it but never did! An i sat one night an thought i would give it a go as they had small bottles of oil to try instead of buying big bottles! So i ordered a few little bottles of oil an a bottle of beard wash an waited for it to be delivered which was very quick and very well packaged!! Not expecting much i can now say i am well impressed with braw beards products only used it once an already it feels sooo much better i highly recomend this stuff!! I wont go back to using the big brand stuff an will be placing another order shortly!!! This stuff smells good and it is good an works very well no gimmicks no fancy stuff just good honest beardy goodness! Dont be like me an put up with the itching and soreness get your order in to this guy an stop scratching today!!!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
As the title says, this stuff is the dogs danglies. Normally the mozzies chomp on me more than a busty bodacious beauty would get bitten on in Transylvania, but no more, walked the pooch with I liberal helping smeared on the face fuzz and actually came away unscathed, also it leaves the facial follicles softer than a nuns ninny and smelling fresher than getting waterboarded with lemons in a pine forest, go on gets some, you know you want to.
First ever order. Its been a week or so now and i have to say im very impressed. Pretty eager to work my way through the other oils, balms etc.
Defo gonna have to get ma hands on the bobble hat too.🤙
Great products I've tried so far and beard has never looked or felt better. New customer and within 1 week of using I've ordered another batch so I have products at both my home and my fiancé's.
I have receive the mystery box from braw beard and first thing in the morning I use one of the 4 mystery beard oil and I felt really awesome!!! And got wallet, hats and Especially my itchy and dandruff beard which finally clear up and comfortable I ever felt good and thank you Braw Beard that make my day !!
Recieved my order and what else can i say about the products first the tee shirt loved the design then pulled it on it fitted perfect and the material was quality. Tried the beard oil next absolutely loved it gently scent and the hold lasts for days leaving my beard soft in shape and looking awesome
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