I don’t enjoy shaving for the simple reason that no matter what I do I can’t seem to avoid razor burn along my neckline. So to avoid walking around like I’ve contracted some rancid skin disease, I almost always sport facial-hair coverage. Sometimes that means I go full lumberjack, other times it’s a mere 5 o’clock shadow.
Here’s how I maintain it … 
#1. Keep it Clean
I wash my beard when I wash my hair. Sometimes I use regular shampoo, and other times I’ll use a beard shampoo. I can’t really tell a difference, but the whole idea is to make sure no gunk is stuck in there and the hair isn’t too course or wiry. Beginners can go with an inexpensive Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit ($22 @ Amazon.com), which softens and detangles beard hair. It even comes with a boar air bristle brush.
Also: How to Maintain Your Scruff
I don’t use a brush or comb on the regular — except when I’m trimming with scissors — but if you’re as hairy as the chef from The Great Outdoors (watch the clip), invest in a beard comb to get rid of the dead strands and to keep yourself from ever again having the same facial hair as the chef from The Great Outdoors.
NEXT: MANAGING LENGTH
