There is always a period when a man with a beard shaves it off. This period does not last. He returns headlong to his beard. —Jean Cocteau

When you take the time to grow a beard, you want it to look and feel its best. Bald patches, itchy skin, uneven trim lines, and other issues can crop up if you don't know how to take care of your beard.

Fortunately, it's not a difficult process if you avail yourself of the right resources. Before you know it, you'll know exactly how to take care of your beard so it turns out the way you've always imagined it.

Prepare For Reactions

A beard can radically change how you look, so you don't want to jump in without first telling the most important people in your life about your plans. This is especially true for romantic partners, children, and close friends.

This strategy doesn't just give your loved ones time to adjust. It also allows you to gauge their reactions.

You might hear a few negative comments, such as the following:

• You'll hate how itchy it gets.
• Wouldn't you prefer a smooth shave?
• Maybe you should reconsider.
• I once grew a beard and [insert negative experience here].

Prepare yourself with well-chosen responses. Explain that this is a personal decision, and that you appreciate their input. However, you're committed to this style change, and you hope they'll be happy for you.

You might get extreme reactions when you see people for the first time in a long while. Prepare yourself mentally for that experience. Just because someone looks shocked doesn't mean he or she hates your beard. It's just a reaction to the difference in your appearance.

Pro Tip

Educate your significant other about beards. Let your partner know how you plan to care for your beard, the styling tips you'll use once it gets long, and the products you'll use to keep it soft.

Often, romantic partners fear the scratchy beard. You can put aside your partner's concerns with a brief conversation.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Believe it or not, your beard growth rate depends partly on your lifestyle choices. For instance, if you're stressed out for most of your waking hours, your body might stop hair growth entirely to reserve resources for your fight-or-flight response.

You need plenty of sleep and exercise, as well. Movement stimulates circulation, which includes the blood vessels near the hair follicles. Meanwhile, sleep gives your body the rest it needs to generate hair growth.

You don't want to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol to excess, or use any recreational drugs while you're trying to grow a beard. With every decision you make, think about purifying your body so it can work at its optimum speed.

Pro Tip

Keep the same schedule every day, including beard grooming. Make sure you get enough sleep to keep you rested throughout the day, and use your smartphone to set reminders for specific healthy habits, such as going to bed, waking up, exercising, cleaning your beard, and more.

Add Fruits and Vegetables to Your Diet

In addition to creating healthy lifestyle habits, you also need to adjust your diet, especially if it consists largely of processed foods, fatty meats, or sugar.

Start by piling the fruits and vegetables on your plate. These foods contain lots of vitamins and minerals that keep your beard strong, healthy, and sleek. 

You can also boost your hair growth with a multivitamin. Take it once per day to supplement the vitamins you get from other sources.

Pro Tip

If you're not a fan of greenery, try green smoothies. You can mix kale, broccoli, and just about any other vegetable with a couple of fruits to make it sweet. Drink one for breakfast to start the day off right. You might love it so much that you throw in another one for lunch.

Resist the Urge to Trim

During the first few weeks, you might feel tempted to play with the shape of your beard, trim the edges, or even take a razor to the sides. Resist that urge.

Your beard will adopt a natural shape that suits your face and the hairs' growth direction.  Let it grow naturally for at least 30 days before you start pruning.

Once you decide to shape your beard, grab the highest quality pair of trimmers you can find. It's an excellent investment in your beard and will last for years.

Pro Tip

When your fingers start drifting toward your razor, remind yourself that you're growing your beard for long-term satisfaction. If necessary, avoid looking in mirrors whenever possible so you don't obsess over your beard's early shape and length.

Use the Right Products

Your beard might feel a little itchy when it first starts to come in. You might notice that the hairs seem too stiff, or that they jut out in different directions.

Beard balm and beard oils can help you tame your beard while it grows in, then keep it healthy once it's reached the length and shape you want.

Balm is the perfect solution when you need to tame an unruly beard and when you want your hair to get a little extra moisture. It can also make a beard look thicker and fuller. Just make sure to choose a product that's made from natural, organic ingredients.

A high-quality beard oil also moisturizes your beard as well as the skin underneath. They're also helpful for stimulating beard and mustache growth.

Pro Tip

Order your beard balm and oil online so you don't have to remember to pick it up at the store. You can often find higher-quality products online, anyway, and once you know how much you use, you can order it on a regular schedule so you never run out.

Shape Your Beard Gradually

Shaping your beard can take practice, but eventually you'll settle on the look you want. Try getting your beard professionally trimmed by a stylist for the first few times so you get an idea of how it works.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different beard styles. You might start out with something short and sweet, then gradually grow it out until it's long and lustrous.

Pro Tip

Remember that your hair will keep growing. If you trim your beard too far, don't fret. It'll come back in a few weeks and put your style back on track. 

Keep it Clean

Regularly cleaning your beard will prevent itchiness and dry skin as well as clear out any debris that might have gotten caught in the hair. Your skin will continue to shed under your beard, so you'll want to remove those dead cells.

Use a high-quality beard wash to thoroughly clean the hair, then gently pat it dry with a clean towel. If you scrub with a towel, you'll wind up with a frizzy beard and split ends, so keep it gentle.

Pro Tip

Make beard care part of your morning and evening ritual. After you clean your beard, apply beard balm or oil to moisturize it, then get on with your schedule.

Use a Beard Brush

A beard brush allows you to train your beard and to keep it from looking scraggly. Use the soft-bristle variety to prevent damage to your beard. You can also use a beard comb if you prefer it, but be careful not to break hairs or cause split ends.

You don't have to brush your beard several times a day. Once in the morning should suffice. However, a beard comb can come in handy for quick touch-ups during the day, such as before a big meeting or a hot date.

Pro Tip

Training your beard can prove difficult, especially if you play with the hair too often. Get in the habit of stroking your beard in a downward motion if you need to touch it. The hair will gradually learn to grow and fall in the desired way.

Growing Your Best Beard

Now that you're armed with all this information, you can start growing your best beard — and making all your friends jealous. 

Just remember that it takes time. Focus on growing the most attractive beard possible rather than growing a beard the fastest.

If you're ready to grow your own beard, you'll need to stock up on supplies. Don't forget to buy beard balm, beard oil, a beard brush, a beard trimmer, and multivitamins so you're ready for the experience. If any of your friends or family members are thinking about making facial hair changes, you should also check out our gift box. It comes in a masculine container and includes beard balm, beard oil, and a beard comb for the recipient.