Whether you know it or not, you're probably doing or have done at least one of these things at some point in your life. And a few of these happen subconsciously. If you're looking to improve on your beard growth, and how it looks and feels, stop doing the following...

1. Picking at Your Beard

Now this is something that a lot of men do without even knowing they're doing it. Whether it's a nervous tendency or just a bad habit, often times throughout the day we tug on our beards in some sort of way. 

When you pick or tug on your beard, or even grab it, you will alter those hairs and can lead to thin spots or dents in your beard. This means that your little beard stroke can actually cause damage! 

Now breaking a habit isn't always easy. But try to bring awareness that you're doing it and that alone will reduce the amount of times you pull on it. If you find you're still having difficulty stopping, try replacing your hands with a proper beard comb. 

2. Over Combing

Combing your beard is definitely better than pulling at it with your hands, however over combing can actually cause damage as well. You want to make sure you avoid a plastic or metal beard comb entirely, and opt for a wood comb to prevent beard frizz from static and snagging. That said, try to keep your combing and brushing to a few times throughout the day to make sure it stays in place. There is no need to comb it every 5 minutes.

3. Trimming When Your Beard is Wet

Now beard trimming is the hardest part of growing a beard. I can write a full blown article of how to properly trim a beard which I've done HERE. But for the purpose of what to stop immediately, never trim your bear when it's wet. The water will elongate your beard hairs and they won't lay where they naturally do when your beard is dry. So before any beard trimming commences, make sure you dry your beard fully and apply any beard products you use. 

4. Not Using Beard Products

Beard products were made to serve a very specific purpose, and that's to make your beard grow, look and feel better. It's really just proper hygiene. The hair on your face is very different than the hair on your head and body, and it should be taken care of differently as well. 

Don't use bar soap, body washes or regular shampoo on your beard. They are much to harsh and will leave your beard extremely dry and damaged. Instead, use a beard wash designed specifically for your face and beard. It will give you the cleanse you need, without the damage. 

Follow your wash with beard oil, which is designed for the skin under your beard, not just your beard itself. Bead oil will moisturize your skin and lead to better beard growth and eliminate that nasty beard itch we've all experienced. 

Lastly, apply some beard butter to your beard hairs for style and condition. The beard butter will keep your beard hairs soft and healthy as they grow out, and it offers just enough hold to keep the flyaway hairs laying down and your beard looking great.

5. Compare Your Beard to Everyone Else's

Let's be honest, beard envy is a real thing. And if you're human, it's easy to focus on all the things you dislike about your beard. It's ok though, we've all been there. And I'll be the first to tell you that even the guy who's beard you'd love to have, has things about his beard he wishes he could change. Now comparing your beard to everyone else isn't exactly going to destroy your beard...but it will definitely destroy the way you feel about it which is arguably even worse.

So embrace the beard you have. If you have some patches, take Ryan's advice and rock it with confidence. Or trim it in a way to compliment the areas you're strongest. Don't beat yourself up over it. 

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these 5 things may be difficult for some of you guys but they are all avoidable. Just being aware of what you're doing is half the battle. If you have any questions about any of these, or about anything else, don't hesitate to contact us anytime. 

Our mission here at Live Bearded is to help Beardsmen look, feel and be their best. Let us know how we can help!