According to Mealey, “I would say to think of facial hair as makeup for men, contouring like a woman would with her highlighter.”
The key, Mealey says, is blending the sides of the beard with the hair, especially if the sides are short. This keeps the transition between facial hair and your haircut smooth and natural. So no matter what length your hair is, focusing on the sides is a simple way to make sure the combo is natural.
“If it’s a really tight fade and they have a really long beard, you need to transition the sideburn areas, so it’s not just cut off,” Mealey advises.
Just like women’s contouring, using facial hair strategically can add a slimming effect and balance to the face. For example, tightening in the hair around the cheeks and leaving the hair long under the chin is great for elongating the face, according to Mealey. But, he notes, “Remember the shorter your hair, especially on the sides, the longer your beard will look! Do the haircut first and finish with the beard.” Don’t put the cart before the ... haircut?
Other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a beard to match your cut include:
Your face shape. What are areas you’d like to highlight? Tone down? Take a look at your facial proportions and think about where you’d like to draw eyes to.
Your lifestyle and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to undertake. If you can’t stand the idea of shaving three times a week, a goatee, mustache or undercut may not be for you. Instead, consider a full or scruffy beard, both of which are a bit more forgiving if you can’t get the clippers out for a few days.
Your willingness to experiment. Try out a few different styles. Remember: hair always grows back!
Once the cut is done, remember that the fun doesn’t stop there. Maintenance is crucial, but we promise it’s simple! Facial hair tends to not be quite as soft and silky as the hair on your head, and we’re sure your significant other has pointed that out. Great Clips hair salons sell a wide variety of beard oils, balms and other moisturizing products to keep the hair on your face looking GREAT, just like the hair on your head.
Mealey’s secret tip: “I use a deep-conditioning balm.”
Bed Head Lion Tamer Beard Balm is available at Great Clips salons. Conditioners like these can be used in the shower to add moisture. Great Clips salons also carry a great variety of beard oils, like Redken Brews Beard Oil, that are especially handy post-shower.
Ready to move your new look from good to GREAT? Check in online at a Great Clips hair salon near you where stylists are ready to create the perfect combo.
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