Beards can make a man look very masculine and distinguished…or they can make a guy look like a lumberjack gone wrong. While beards are becoming the latest trend for men these days, especially in Hollywood circles, not all men can pull this hairy look off. If you’re toying around with the idea of growing a beard, you’ll want to know the pros and cons before making your decision.

One of the first things to consider before growing a beard is your face shape and your hair (on top of your head). The beard you may potentially grow should flatter both. For example, if you are currently sporting a bald head, you may want to be careful about how much of a beard you grow. Having a beard that is too bushy or wild can enhance your bald head in an unflattering way and throw the balance of your face off whack. However, sporting a closely shave beard can create just the right style to complement your bald ‘do. For men that do have hair on their heads, you’ll want the assistance of a professional stylist to shape, trim and style your beard to go along with your hairstyle. Never attempt this alone - it will lead to disastrous results.

Growing and wearing a beard involves a lot of maintenance so if you’re the type of guy that doesn’t care to spend too much time on your face and hair, then a beard may not be for you. In order to stay on top of your beard, you’ll want to make sure it’s trimmed and well groomed (no crumbs or chunks of food allowed). The act of growing a beard can be time consuming and a hassle in the beginning stages. Usually it takes about a month or so to grow a beard. The presence of newly grown facial hairs can result in itchy, dry skin. If not maintained, you can experience “beard dandruff,” which is dry, flaky skin on your face. Keeping the skin well moisturized and cleaned is the best way to avoid this condition. As you wait for the beard to grow in, be prepared for it to not look so great. However, in order to successfully grow a beard, you will have to avoid trimming or cutting it in any way until it has fully grown out.

Additionally, you may have to invest in special tools to keep your beard in top shape. This can include a beard trimmer, razor, brush, and comb. There are special beard kits that can be found both in your local stores and online.

If you choose to grow a beard you will need to have a lot of patience, discipline, and time to dedicate to maintaining, grooming, and styling your new look. Lacking in any of these areas will give you a negative experience so unless you know you’re truly ready to commit, give it some time and serious thought before diving into this look.

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