How to Grow a Beard for No-Shave November

No-Shave November is a month-long journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to raise awareness about cancer prevention and raise funds to support non-profits that research prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancers. Founded in memory of Matthew Hill, a Chicago father who succumbed to colorectal cancer in 2007, the goal of this movement is to donate the money one would normally spend on shaving and grooming products and services to raise funds for cancer education, research, and prevention.

Ready to join the cause? Follow these tips for growing a healthy beard this November or any time of year.

Step 1. Set reasonable expectations.

Every beard is different, and how each grows will vary from person to person. Swirly patterns, bald batches, and gray hairs are perfectly normal so try not to get upset if your beard doesn’t look like that of a Hollywood star. Also, don’t get discouraged if your beard seems to take its sweet time growing; some men go from clean-shaven to 5 o’clock shadow by lunchtime while others take weeks or even months to grow anything resembling a beard.

Step 2. Start with a fresh shave.

Visit a trusted barber for a good, close shave to help prevent ingrown hairs, itchiness, and uneven growth. Pamper yourself with a straight-razor and hot towel to ensure all those tiny stubs are clean and ready to grow.

Step 3. Leave it alone.

After the cleanup, leave it alone. There are a few things you can do to help promote growth, like getting plenty of rest, eating well, and exercising, but other than that you’re your facial hair do its thing.

Step 4. Take care of your skin.

Good skincare if the foundation of a healthy beard. While regular soap or shampoo might do the job, a specially formulated beard shampoo will moisturize the skin underneath the stubble, reduce itchiness, and promote better hair growth.

Step 5. Keep the neck and checks clean.

Use a straightedge to connect the corner of your mouth to the top of your ear, shaving everything above that line for a clean, deliberate look. For the neckline, figure out where the beard should end, imagining a U-shaped line from just behind the jawbone to the end of the neckline, back to the jawbone on the other side. Shave the hair below and behind that line, leaving the rest to grow.

Step 6. Trim as needed.

Go as long as possible without trimming. If you reach a point where it begins to look uneven and unkept, it might be time for a trim. Brush the beard with a stiff-bristled brush and snip any flyaways with a pair of scissors. Style the mustache any way you like, then use an electric trimmer to trim the beard to your desired length.

Step 7. Take good care.

Use these tips to develop a good beard care routine:

  • Wash your beard daily with a quality beard shampoo.
  • Shave the neck and cheek lines with a sharp razor and shaving cream. Rinse, then dab dry with a clean towel.
  • Apply a few drops of beard oil and rub it into the beard with your fingers.
  • Allow the oil to dry for about 5 minutes, then apply beard balm and comb it through the beard.
  • Finally, brush and style your beard with a stiff bristle brush. Apply aftershave or cologne around the neck and cheek lines if desired.

Yet, not everyone is blessed with a full, healthy beard. If any area of your face has sparse or nonexistent hair, contact the hair restoration experts at DiStefano Hair Restoration Center. We have years of experience helping people restore their hair and their confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation.