As I’ve mentioned before, I LOVE bearded men. I’ve actually been called out by friends for stopping mid conversation to STARE at a man with a beard—and not just because he was homeless looking. But even with my love of all things facial hair, I have learned a few valuable tidbits for those brave souls who choose to hide their faces, such as proper trimming and conditioning. Here are a few things for all beard enthusiasts to remember when maintaining that sexy face-scape.

IS A BEARD RIGHT FOR YOU?
This is the first thing to keep in mind, because not everyone can rock a beard. You could have patchy facial hair, a handsome face that has no business hiding behind a bunch of scruff, or a beard just may not suit you. Ask around, figure out if a beard is right for you. Beards are sexy, but sometimes they hide parts of your face that you are less than thrilled with. Maybe you have less than perfect skin or you chin comes in multiples; a beard will mask imperfections and highlight the best parts of your face.

ALWAYS CONDITION YOUR BEARD
A beard is the ultimate symbol of manliness (wearing flannel and hanging out with a big blue ox is a little over-kill though). I can think of nothing I love more than feeling a man’s beard on my skin. Be it a little stubble or a full deliciously bushy beard, once you decide to grow it you’ll need to start thinking of the hair differently. Just like you shampoo and condition your hair (and if you’re not conditioning your hair after shampooing, then you need to get on that too) in the shower, adding a little conditioner to your beard will soften the hair, decrease the occurrences of ingrown hairs, and leave the follicles silky smooth and touchable. Your beard will be way more manageable for you, and your lady friend will be so thrilled I promise she’ll start thinking dirty thoughts about where on her body you can test the softness.

A TIDY BEARD IS A HAPPY BEARD
Women keep themselves tidy down there, so consider that when rubbing your face all over a lady pocket. I’m not suggesting you need to trim it every day that would defeat the functionality of the beard. Keep your neck shaved and the length of the beard the same—a patchy, yet full beard, looks more hobo than appealing. Long beards are totally acceptable, but remember that you are a man with a beard, don’t let the beard overshadow you. We still want to see the man behind the beard.

IT’S TOO HOT/COLD FOR MY BEARD!!
ALWAYS mind the weather when deciding to grow out your beard. Why would you want to wear a full beard in the middle of a Texas summer, when a little stubble would do suit you just as well? Also, does it make sense to shave that beard you spent months growing two weeks into December when the wind chill is as cold as the Arctic Tundra? Yes, beards are more function than fashion, however if you start to think of it as an accessory you can figure out the perfect times to have a fuller beard versus a shadow beard.

AND FINALLY, REMEMBER THE BEARD MAGNET
Beards will undoubtedly attract a hand or two. Be prepared when a beard loving lady asks to rub your beard. It’s her way of getting close and expressing interest in you. Decide if this is something you are willing to have happen—if not, shave that beard, you are not worthy!

P.S. Facial hair funniness! Source: Holy Taco