From the 5 o’clock shadow to the wild and untamed, men are transforming their look, turning beards into a fashion statement, and turning heads in the process.
In this article, we want to pay particular attention to beard styles for black men.
Not everyone has the same type of hair on their heads, and since head hair differs from person to person, beard hair can differ from head hair, even on the same person.
Why is this so?
Well, it’s because different people have different hair follicles from one another and the hair follicles on your body differ from the ones on your face and scalp too.
This is why the hair on your body is different from the hair on your head and different from the hair on your face; and different from the hair on the guy next door.
If you have hair follicles on your face, there is nothing stopping you from growing a great beard.
It can be frustrating if you discover you have patches where the hair won’t grow, but we will share some great tips and advice to help you sculpt your facial hair into a beard that women will love and men will admire when we talk about beard styles a bit later in this article.
Be patient
Facial hair may appear overnight but that doesn’t equal a beard.
Understand that, depending on how fast or slow your hair grows, it can take several months to get the results you are aiming for.
Start with beard care from day one
Moisturise your face and look after your beard follicles with a beard oil so that you establish a healthy beard routine early; then stick to it.
Well-groomed hair grows faster and looks better.
Get to know your beard
It will take a bit of time to discover if you have areas that grow thicker or curlier or where no hair grows at all.
Once you have observed the shape and texture of your natural beard you can decide on the style that best suits you.
Healthy beards start from the inside
Eat well, hydrate, and exercise – your beard will benefit. Foods that are rich in protein, vitamins and healthy oils will profit your beard most. We wrote an article on the diet tips to help with beard growth.
Never compare your beard to another man’s.
You may aspire towards a certain style, but if your natural beard doesn’t allow it you will be disappointed.
Make peace with the fact that your genetic makeup will be the ultimate decider.
You may also enjoy our blog about How to Grow a Voluminous Beard as a Black African Gentleman.
You can choose a style that compliments your best features, shows off your masculinity and typifies your personality.
There are dozens of beard styles out there and because hopefully your hair keeps growing, you can change your style whenever you want.
We took a peek at an article on thetrendspotter.net and spotted cool beard styles for black men.
Anchor Beard
We are tempted to call this style Devil’s peak. It looks like a goatee, just a lot more pointed at the chin.
Regular grooming and trimming is a must in order to maintain this style. The Devil’s peak beard will suit men with round, rectangle or square faces.
It will also suit men who struggle with patchiness on their cheeks as the cheeks are kept clean-shaven.
Garibaldi Beard
This name is a paradox because there is nothing ‘bald’ about this beard. We would name it the King's Beard because it is a strong, masculine look.
The full, rounded beard is crowned with a full moustache. As a slight variation, you could shape the bottom of the beard to be slightly pointy.
To maintain this beard we would recommend regular trims to remove all split ends.
Short Beard with Shape Up
For those who are not averse to grooming, the shape up is a popular choice. Shave your cheeks to create a sharp line between your skin and your beard. The Gentleman's Shave Oil will help you shape up your lines and is also skin friendly so you won't experience razor burn.
A straight line will make your face look more angular. A shape up looks best with a short beard and can be paired with most beard styles.
Classic Beard
Black men are embracing this classic style. It suits most facial features, hair types, and hairstyles so it’s no wonder it’s called the ‘Classic’.
You can ask your barber to shape the beard to balance out a narrow face or enhance a stronger jawline.
For the healthiest looking beard, you can consider products that aid growth either between The Gentleman's Beard Growth Mask or Growth Serum.
Goatee Beard
The goatee is one of the quickest and easiest beards to grow and is very popular amongst black men who struggle with patchy beards.
It suits any face shape and pairs well with a full head of hair or a bald scalp.
Regular grooming and trimming will ensure that your goatee stays in tip-top shape.
Short Beard
If your beard hair is 2 to 5 centimeters long it is considered a short beard.
These are popular because they are easy to maintain, and with your barber’s advice, you can have some areas slightly longer or shorter than others to accentuate your facial features.
This style won’t work for men who have patchy beards as the hair isn’t long enough to cover the open patches. Regular trimming will ensure a neat, short beard.
Bushy Beard
This look can suit any man. It can be trimmed to create a strong jawline and balance your features by making your face appear longer.
Heaps of patience is required to grow this type of beard and it requires a solid foundation of healthy beard hair. If you're considering this style, keep a bottle of beard wash in the shower so you can cleanse any residue build-up beneath the beard. Moisturising and regular trims are definitely recommended.
Five o’clock Beard
To ace this look you have to let your beard grow then trim it all to the same length using an electric shaver.
Clean the edges of your beard at your neck and cheeks using graduated lines, unlike the Shape Up beard.
As you can imagine this beard will require a fair amount of trimming to maintain the look. Unfortunately, this look will not suit a patchy beard.
Chin Beard
Combining a thicker goatee and a shorter barely shaved moustache, this look was made famous by Jamie Foxx.
All other facial hair, including sideburns, cheeks and throat so that the focus is on the beard. This look suits men with diamond and triangle-shaped faces.
Biker Beard
Growing a biker beard takes time and effort and extra care to stop it from looking scraggly or unkempt.
You need to shape your beard so that it’s long at the chin with straight sides. Regular trims and moisturising beard oil are a must. The Gentlemen’s Beard Club has a range of beard oils for you to choose from.
Chin Strap Beard
The chin strap beard and the chin beard differ in that the chin strap beard is shorter and can be grown to extend along the jawline.
It is not a goatee style because it is not connected to a moustache.
This style is perfect for men with rounder faces who want to define their jawline.
Ultimately, your choice of beard is a personal matter.
And as with all things that continue to grow, like head-hair and hedges, you can change your style as often as you wish. Everything you need to maintain a healthy beard can be found in one of The Gentlemen’s Beard Grooming Kits. Men are the luckiest creatures.
The saying goes “A change is as good as a holiday” and you can change your appearance in a week or two.
Image Credits: Instagram - @blackmenandsuits
]]>Hormones responsible for beard growth are dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone. DHT can affect your beard's density while testosterone defines its thickness. Not everyone has the same levels of these hormones and those with lower levels may experience slower beard growth.
It takes some calories (the good ones!) to grow a long healthy beard. If your diet lacks the right nutrition and number of calories, you may suffer from slow beard growth. Just like your skin absorbs the goodness from what you eat, beard growth also starts on the inside.
Just like the hair on your scalp, beard hair breakages can cause a halt to its growth. Breakages are usually caused by fragile and brittle hair due to a poor diet or using products with harmful ingredients.
Split ends is a common cause of slow beard growth. Split ends happen at the end of hair and usually resembles an unravelled rope. There are plenty of causes for split ends, but the most common are exposure to extreme weather (especially the harsh South African sun!) and using high-chemical products.
Growing a beard can be a very rewarding experience – if you enjoy healthy, thick growth! If not, you may be wondering how you can grow your beard faster? Here are a few tips you can follow to get those beard hairs to sprout:
Beard grooming should be one of your main priorities when you want to improve beard growth. The key to a clean, healthy and well-groomed beard is high-quality beard products. While there are a couple of beard growth products on the market, it is still important to invest in the basics: Beard wash, beard conditioner and beard oil. Using these as part of your daily routine will improve the quality of your beard hair.
While improving your diet should still be the number one improvement to a healthy beard, certain supplements can further boost hair growth. Vitamins A, B, C and D, Irons, Zinc and Protein are all nutritional additions that can improve beard growth.
Taking care of your hair and skin should start from the inside. Living from takeaways and fatty, fried food, won't give you a healthy, thick beard! Here are a few foods you should be adding to your grocery list:
Tip: If you want to get the best nutrients, go organic. Organic products don't contain any harmful additives. Luckily, South Africa has plenty of organic stores – find one near you.
From investing in a beard growth kit to changing your diet, there are many ways you can improve beard growth. Whatever you choose, remember that between all the ups and downs of your beard-growing journey, your beard is a part of your identity – so, wear it with pride.
]]>However, if you’re a gentleman with a beard, things aren't always so simple on your journey to your dream destination. Cramped and stuffy cabins, low humidity, different time zones and odd sleeping patterns can leave even the best-groomed men looking a bit weary – not ideal.
If you haven't yet travelled since you've grown a beard, you may be wondering what the ups and downs are. Whether you are a frequent flyer, have to travel for business now and then or simply planning an overseas holiday once a year, having a beard while travelling by plane can get somewhat tricky.
Though, with the right products and grooming routine, you can maintain a clean and professional, but comfortable look while flying. Let's look at a few pros and cons of travelling with a beard and some clever tips on how you can make the most of it.
Besides adding points to your attractiveness and blocking out 95% of UV rays, there is another major benefit of having a beard while travelling: You don't have to worry about stubble.
That's right, you won't look ragged while travelling because you have a well-groomed beard. Bonus!
Unfortunately, though, beards can be somewhat of a divider: People either love it or don't. Sadly, if you land up sitting next to someone from the latter group on your flight, it can get a little tricky.
Certain cultures and countries may also have somewhat of a stigma attached to men with facial hair. The good news, however, is that no one can discriminate against you for having a beard. As long as your beard is well-groomed, you have nothing to worry about.
It may get a little trickier at certain airports. Studies have found that beards can make it hard to identify people, and some facial recognition technology, such as ePassport terminals and Smart Gates, cannot pick up new facial changes. This can lead to long delays and increases the possibility of you and other individuals missing flights.
Your mood and physical condition can also play a role in this. Therefore, it is always advisable to look clean and professional and to stay calm during the entire duration of your trip. Experts also advise that individuals who look even slightly different than their passport photos, should check in at the usual border control desks. This will ensure smooth processes and on time boarding.
Cramped cabins, lack of fresh air and poor sleeping patterns can also wreak havoc on your system – a major con! Furthermore, the temperature and the number of people in the cabin can lead to excessive bacterial growth.
Unfortunately, this will inevitably get stuck to your skin and hair. No one man wants to worry about unknown microorganisms in their beard and, therefore, proper grooming is of utmost importance.
Let's look at a few ways you can take care of your beard while travelling by plane.
Go for a beard trim before you travel
If you have time before your travels, go for a proper beard trim. This will ensure that you look and feel your best for the duration of your flight. You must remember, though, you still have to take care of your skin and hair on your journey!
Travelling with a beard kit
We all know that the bathrooms on planes are particularly small and not exactly the best place to be when you're 7 miles up in the sky! Yet, if you have a long flight, it is wise to pack a beard kit in your hand luggage.
Having this with you, you can quickly sneak into one of these tiny cubicles to groom your beard. It shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes and you'll feel refreshed when you're done – so worth it.
A quick online search for 'Beard grooming kit South Africa' will result in numerous products available. However, it is important to consider which products you require before you buy.
Luckily, most beard grooming kits usually contain beard wash, beard conditioner, beard oil and wax, which are the most important products to have with you. If you struggle with dry puckers, remember to pack a small lip balm too!
Tip: It is also vital to drink lots of water when flying to ensure your skin and hair are hydrated from the inside out. This is often ignored, and many men are left with dry, cracked skin and brittle hair after a long journey. So, make sure you get your dose of H2O.
When travelling by plane, the cabin can get quite hot and stuffy which can lead to sweat and stickiness. To keep your beard soft and shiny, do not skip your grooming routine.
On a long flight, wash your beard and seal in moisture with beard oil or beard balm. Remember that you don't want to strip your beard from its natural oils, therefore, you have to opt for beard shampoo, beard softener and a handcrafted oil, such as The Gentleman’s Beard Oil, designed to keep your beard in tip-top condition. A quick wash, dry and treatment can do wonders!
Caring for your beard should be a priority every day – not only when you're travelling! Investing in quality products should be first on your list when it comes to proper beard care. It’s also wise to buy local. Our South African beard products are handcrafted and made from the finest ingredients.
The best way to keep your beard in excellent condition while travelling is to invest in a beard care grooming kit from The Gentleman's Beard Club. This starter kit comes in a vintage wooden treasure chest but can be packed into a soft toiletry bag should you have limited space.
If you're looking for single products, be sure to include a quality travel-sized beard wash, a travel-sized beard softener and a beard oil. These 30 ml containers are the ideal size to keep with you while you're flying.
Having a beard shouldn't make you miss out on anything in life, especially not something as exciting as travelling! Maintaining a clean and professional look during air travel can be tough, but with the right products in your hand luggage, it shouldn't be.
Make sure you're prepared and become the frequent flyer (with a beard) you've always wanted to be.
]]>All African black hair is, by nature, tightly curled. If you compare your beard with a man from Europe or Asia who also has a beard that’s black in colour, you’ll be able to see the differences in the way the hair grows, as their hair grows straight, and then starts to curl loosely once it passes the stubble stage.
Black African hair is the opposite – it curls tightly due to the flat structure of the hair follicle.
Another common issue men growing black African beards have is a dry, brittle beard, regardless of how moisturised or oily your skin is naturally. It’s important that you keep your beard moisturised and soft by using oils, conditioners, and softeners regularly. Our Beard Softener was the first available in South Africa and doubles as a great leave-in conditioner.
Your hair wants to curl as tightly as possible, but your hair follicles are under the surface of your skin.
When a new hair grows or when you have a very close shave, there is a chance that the hair will curl too soon while it is still under the surface layer of the skin.
If you have yet to try growing a full beard, start letting it grow out. It’s only once you let it grow to a good length that you’ll be able to see the fluctuations in thickness.
Unless you are very lucky, you will likely have patches where your beard won’t grow, or grows sparsely, and patches where your beard is naturally thick and voluminous.
Ingrown hairs can happen to anyone, but it’s far more of a problem for those of us with black hair, and having ingrown hairs on your face is particularly irritating.
If you feel like you are constantly dealing with them, don’t worry, there are a few different things you can do to prevent and reduce how many you get.
A key to preventing ingrown hairs is keeping your skin clean and moisturised.
This is especially important if you work in a hot or sometimes dirty environment, or if you live in a polluted area (like the city). Make sure you are washing and moisturising your face regularly.
As mentioned above, it’s important that you use moisturising products both for your skin and your beard.
As you may have experienced, black beards are susceptible to becoming dry and brittle, it’s important to keep your black African beard just as moisturised and supple as you do your skin.
There are a lot of different moisturising products to choose from for your skin and beard. Any moisturising product will work on your skin, but generally, it’s best to choose a product that is fairly watery and easily absorbed into the skin so it’s easy to work in around your beard.
Beard oils are also great for black African beards as they prevent your hair from drying out throughout the day, growing brittle, and breaking. They make your beard look shiny, healthy, and makes them smell great.
Our beard oils include only natural products and come in two different masculine scents.
If you don’t like the idea of spending a lot of extra time in the bathroom, once again, a leave-in conditioner like our Beard Softener is easy to put on and go about your day without having to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror.
You also need to avoid cheap and non-moisturising soaps. Cheap soap is often harsh and, while it does clean your skin, it also strips it of its natural oils and dries it out. It can do the same for your hair.
Spend a little more and buy soap and shampoo that is designed for sensitive, dry skin.
As you can read about in our article, Does Diet Affect Beard Growth? 5 Diet Tips to Help You Grow a Better Beard, what you eat really does affect your beard. Head over to that article once you are done here and make sure you know how what you are putting into and doing with your body affects your beard growth.
For South African gentlemen, your diet will typically be high in carbs and low in fruits and vegetables, either from desire, habit, or budget restrictions.
Wherever possible, start making food choices that are richer in green vegetables and lean (light-coloured) meats.
Beans, carrots, and apples are typically more affordable but rich in the nutrients your body needs to be healthy enough to produce healthy beard growth, and cut down on your sugar consumption.
If you don’t work a physical job, consider picking up a workout routine. A simple, home body weight routine like this full of push ups, squats, and crunches will stimulate your testosterone production and help you grow a thicker, more full beard. Even 10 minutes when you get up or go to bed will help immensely.
All hair stays in better condition, tangle free, and reduced number of ingrown hairs when it is regularly brushed – and this includes your beard.
Use a beard brush or comb first thing in the morning or whenever you start your beard care routine to untangle the hairs and prevent the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
Brushing your beard can go a long way to preventing it from becoming itchy, too. Ideally, let it air dry after you wash for a little while and then gently use a detangling comb to brush through the curls.
Then, when you apply your beard oil, use a brush to help distribute the oil and style your beard.
Since your beard is tightly curled, you don’t want to grab a plastic-bristle hairbrush and start digging through it and forcing it to detangle – instead, work with the beard and use a soft-to-medium bristled beard brush that will work with your hair and won’t tear it out.
If you want to get started caring properly for your beard and grow it so it looks the best it can be, our beard kits contain everything you need to get started with the right soap (that won’t dehydrate your skin), balm, and oil.
]]>The number one thing standing between you and a great beard is its growth. It’s a struggle most men face, especially in their younger years. Maybe you struggle to grow one, maybe yours comes in patchy, or maybe it’s thin and looks unkempt anytime you let it grow to the length you want it.
Whatever the reason, know that you’re not alone and that you don’t have to surrender to “bad genetics”. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your beard grow in better than it ever has before. Read on to find out.
1. Prioritize Your Health
It may or may not surprise you to learn that your health can seriously contribute to your beard growth. Being fit and healthy will improve your body’s ability to grow a full beard, but it’s not about being lean and eating salads. If you want to grow a full beard, you need to workout regularly, eat the right healthy foods to offer your body the right nutrients and stimulate the production of the right hormones, and (you’ll be glad to hear) eating enough.
When you aren’t eating enough, your body stops sending nutrients to your hair follicles in favor of your organs. When you’re eating enough or even a surplus of nutrients, your body has more than enough to ensure that your organs (including your skin), hair, and nails are all healthy.
If you’d like to learn more about what food, nutrients, and vitamins you should be eating, check out our article 5 Diet Tips to Help You Grow a Better Beard.
2. Look After Your Skin
What you eat goes a long way to ensuring your skin is healthy and ready to grow a quality beard, but it’s not everything. Our faces are exposed to the elements, and the wind, cold, and heat can all damage our skin. If you’re someone who gets dry skin or chapped skin in the winter or struggles with spots and itchiness in the heat, you need to be actively taking care of your skin from the outside, too.
Cleanse your skin at least once a day with non-harsh cleanser (just water and soap for sensitive skin will do), and then use a moisturizer. Use the moisturizer again at the opposite end of the day. Make sure you massage it into the skin beneath your beard whenever possible. When your beard gets longer, a product like The Gentleman’s Beard Balm makes a great next step for keeping your beard moisturized and in great condition.
3. Don’t Fiddle with It
How much time every day to you spend rubbing, picking, or pulling at your beard? Most men don’t even know they’re doing it, but once their beard makes it past the stubble phase it seems like we just can’t keep our hands off it. Problem is, any time we play with our beards we risk damaging the hair itself or even the follicles.
If you want a full, healthy beard, you need to quit fiddling with it. Start noticing every time you touch it and move your hand away. If you’re a chronic picker or puller, you’ll start to see your skin clear up and thinner spots fill in, especially if you’re focusing on points one and two, too.
]]>We all know the food we put in our mouths has an effect on our bodies, energy levels, and even our ability to concentrate, but can it really affect how well our beard grows in? Read on to find out.
Does diet affect beard growth?
Yes, it does – and likely a lot more than you think. Eating a healthy and balanced diet (that means big portions of vegetables) will offer you the ideal nutrients to grow a healthy beard. There are a number of nutrients that specifically benefit the health of our hair, skin, nails, as well as a number of our major organs. These are:
Is beard growth related to testosterone?
Yes, it is. While your genetics will have a part to play in how thick and fast your beard grows in, the right diet and a healthy amount of testosterone can make a serious difference. Testosterone is responsible for “priming” your hair follicles, essentially getting them ready to grow good strong hair, and the more sensitive your follicles are to testosterone, the easier it will be to grow a full beard.
Do beard growth vitamins work?
Yes and no. There have been many studies looking at whether or not vitamin tablets are absorbed by the body or not, and it seems like the answer is “it depends” on the delivery and the individual. If you want to ensure you are getting the necessary vitamins, it certainly won’t hurt to use a supplement.
5 Choices That Help You Grow a Better Beard
As mentioned above, protein is key in making sure you have a big healthy beard, so make sure you get at least 50g every day. If you eat meat at lunch and dinner, you’re likely already eating 50g, but if you don’t eat meat, look to beans and legumes and protein powder to boost your intake.
Broccoli and other dark green vegetables are rich in magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and beta carotene, all of which are central in aiding skin repair and quality hair growth, among many other great health benefits for your mind and body. If you don’t like greens, broccoli is the most appetising green superfood, but spinach, beans, and other greens are also beneficial.
Most men don’t have a problem with getting in their daily calories, but you should be aware that if you aren’t eating enough your testosterone levels will drop. If you decide you want to lose weight but don’t want to jeopardise your beard growth, make sure you monitor what you’re eating each day and take an additional vitamin supplement if you think your diet is lacking.
Of course keeping fit has a number of benefits, but working out – and specifically lifting weights – will help increase your testosterone levels. Studies have shown that you can increase your testosterone levels after just 15 minutes of exercise, so try to fit in a short workout 5 days a week for the best results.
Most of us have felt the energy crash after eating too many sugary foods or drinks, but did you know your testosterone levels drop too? Eating and drinking sugary things will keep you from eating the nutritious foods that help your beard growth, and even a couple of daily Coca-Colas may hinder your progress. Instead, opt for sugar-free versions of your favourite beverages and keep sweet treats to a minimum.
]]>Hopefully, your answer is very. Your trim at the barber shop is an essential part of your look - it sends a message to others, allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin and most importantly, is personal to you. Get yourself a cut that is both stylish and will enable you to feel confident as this is a must for all men out there.
However, where do you start? At what age do the family trips to the hairdressers' stop and you're placed in the situation where you need to find a great barber? Once of the most obvious and easiest methods of finding the right barber is to stop random guys who have impressive beards, whether at work, the car wash, mall or out and about and ask them which barber shop they visit. You wouldn’t find a person not willing to help a fellow gentleman on their beard growing journey.
The remainder of this article will discuss how to choose the best barber for you, from picking up the phone and giving them a ring to reading endless reviews online, we've got you covered.
There are so many different barbers out there that it's often difficult to distinguish which are the best, and most importantly, which is the best for you.
As the first point of contact, we suggest reading online reviews of barber shops in your local area. Look past the comments such as 'great service' or 'fast' and 'cheap' and look for those which convey the barber to be helpful, experienced, going out of there way, and generally giving off a vibe which makes you want to get your haircut there.
Now, here's a step most people skip, mostly because they don't even think of it! Now that you've read endless reviews, have a good idea of what to expect and maybe even know the colour of the barbershop, it's time to pick up the phone.
Think of it like an interview. Ask the barber a few questions if you couldn’t find them online - how long they've been in the business, if they feel comfortable cutting the specific style you'd like, and anything else you can think of to test their knowledge of their craft. The more confident they sound, the better.
So, you've made it to the chair, and you're almost ready to get that fresh cut. It is very intimidating to jump into a barber’s chair especially if it’s your first time trimming your beard at an unknown barber. First, have a discussion with your barber with what style you'd like to go with, most importantly asking them their opinion on whether or not it would suit you. Make sure that you prepare yourself with all the information you would like to convey before the trim. We recommend searching Instagram beforehand and taking a few screenshots of the best beard styles you have discovered to show your barber. Zoom in so your barber gets the best view of what you are looking for.
More experienced barbers will throw in barber lingo you probably won't understand - this is a good sign. The more they know, the better – always trust a knowledgeable barber.
Likewise, upon entering the shop, you want to see how well-groomed the barber is themselves. Why would you trust them to cut your hair if they're poorly groomed?
Ultimately, a great haircut comes down to communication. You must be able to communicate effectively to your barber, letting them know exactly what you want – it’s great visiting loads of high-quality barber shops, but if you don’t know how to communicate you’ll never end up with the haircut you wanted exactly.
If the cut you want is particularly difficult or unique, consider bringing in a few images of the haircut to show the barber exactly what you mean.
Don’t make the mistake most guys make. It’s great getting a fresh, good-looking haircut but if you go to different barber shops all the time then your cut is going to be inconsistent as every barber has their own quirks and ways of cutting hair.
Ultimately, it’s trial and error, remember not to be afraid to ask questions, look them up online, and most importantly learn to communicate effectively. If you find that your barber has slipped up and it is too late to rectify the trim during your visit, not all is lost. With the use of our beard balm and brush you could get your beard looking balanced until you grow out in a few weeks again in time for the next trim.
]]>Ingrown hairs are a well-known troublesome condition that many gentlemen experience in their lifetime – recurring more regularly in some men than others. In this blog post, we examine the causes, treatment and prevention of ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs are small pimple-like bumps that has a hair follicle at it’s surface and is also red in color. As time moves on, these small bumps transform into a much larger one often resulting in a cyst that can be red, white or yellow in color – usually very painful to touch.
In principle, ingrown hairs have grown out of the surface of the skin, curled around and poked back and penetrating the skin. At other times, dead skin clogs the hair follicle therefore causing the follicle to change its natural course of growth. Often times we notice that ethnic men, who have curly facial hair by nature, who shave, actually cause the newly cut sharp follicle to pierce back into the skin causing an ingrown hair.
Exfoliate
Dead skin cells are often the reason for trapping the follicles beneath the skin because they would not be able to penetrate through the surface and as a result, curl back under and continue to grow beneath the surface. Gentle exfoliation with a granular all-natural product will help in clearing out dead skin cells that are keeping the follicles trapped.
Correct shaving technique
Men with ingrown hairs should follow the first rule of shaving, which is shaving along the grain in the direction of growth, not against the grain. It is always best to use a shaving product that reacts well with your skin. Gentlemen, please do not be pound-foolish when it comes to buying a shaving crème or shave oil. Always ensure that your blades are sharp and be sure to avoid using dull blades. Also, always change your cartridge regularly as this will prevent unnecessary shaving nicks.
Use a decent face moisturizer
Winter is often an uncomfortable time for men with ingrown hairs as skin tends to dry out quicker, causing dead skin cells to remain on the surface. A face moisturizer, dependent on your skin type, will assist in hydrating your skin and reduce the possibility of accumulating dead skin cells.
]]>So, how is it possible to have a cooldrink and a burger without getting the food stuck in your beard? The truth is that there are many things you can do to continue to eat with a beard without messing. Read on further to learn more.
#1: Training
One of the things that you can do is to train your moustache on the side. One can apply some moustache wax to train the follicles to stay clear of your lips and mouth. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have any problems. One of the things that might help you is to start training your moustache follicles when your moustache hairs are still sprouting.
#2: Open Wide
While you don’t want to look like a hungry lion when you’re eating out, the truth is that if you open your mouth wider, you’ll most likely be able to avoid all your facial hairs. This will help any ingredients to stay out of your beard. For big bites, brush your moustache away from your mouth with your fingers before the big bite.
#3: Smaller Bites
Even though you may have a tendency to eat fast, when you have a beard you may want to slow down a bit. The truth is that when you take smaller bites, no matter if you’re using utensils or just eating finger foods, you can be sure that your beard will always stay clean.
#4: Cutlery
This is simple – use a knife and fork. Even though you may like to eat finger foods, especially when you’re watching a game on TV, for example, make sure that you lose this habit. Using a fork will give you a much cleaner appearance post meal and allow for less mess. The trick here is not to overload your fork. The less food on your fork, the less chance one would end up getting food in your beard. It’s important that when you bring your fork up to your mouth, come from below your moustache at an angle instead of directly at your mouth.
#5: Straws, Cans, and Bottles
Use a straw to keep any liquids away from your beard or if that fails and you would like to be more adventurous and draw lots of attention, use a Mo Guard! This is one heck of an invention that we think would draw lots of curiosity and keep things in check while you’re drinking.
]]>Although this seems to be a new trend, try to recall the amount of men you remember growing a beard as you've grown up. The result might surprise you that there in fact has always been a culture of this practice in black societies around the world.
The reason we wanted to draw on this topic a little further is because there are clear differences between the hair construct of a black man and with that we wanted to touch on some grooming ideas.
Here are some of the things you need to take into consideration for growing your beard out.
#1: Trimming Is Necessary
Trimming is a must. The truth is that when you don't trim your beard, you'll look sloppy. However, when you trim your beard, you'll be able to have a cleaner and healthy look besides the fact that you'll be able to maintain the shape that you want. Not trimming the beard will cause split ends.
#2: Don't Pick At Ingrown Hairs
Most black men have curly or coarse hair which grows in a spiral which if not cared for, may lead to dreaded ingrown hairs. Also, darker skinned males that tend to pick at their ingrown hairs will most likely end up with hyper-pigmentation. as these skin types tend to have a negative reaction when it comes to inflammation.
In case you are faced with ingrown hairs, picking on them will probably cause you scars that will be take time to get rid of. So, the best thing you can do to remedy ingrown hairs is to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist and figure out the best solution for your case.
#3: Remember The Skin Underneath Your Beard
You need to clean and exfoliate your skin under your beard thoroughly and this is more true if you have a lengthy and full grown out beard.
As a rule of thumb, black men should avoid using products that contain lanolin, artificial fragrances and dyes since these can cause clogged pores, dryness, and even irritation. All natural products are your best solution here.
In addition, applying a moisturizer with sunscreen is a must for general skin well-being.
#4: Your Own Beard Grooming Kit
Black African men should all invest in a beard grooming kit to combat some of the above skin conditions. As we have always punted, caring for your scalp hair is totally different from caring for your beard hair and the truth is that most hair products black men use on their hair are usually waxy, thick and tend to contain harsh chemicals that can cause acne breakouts, clog pores and even dull complexions when used on their hair.
In conclusion and as a rule, always opt for all-natural products as these are best for your body and hair. The Gentleman's Beard Club has your best interest at heart for your beard to look it's absolute best and this means having a good understanding of the above pointers to help you along the way.
Reach out to us if you have any questions - we're here to help in any way we can.
]]>The reality is that when you exercise you tend to sweat. This is your body's natural way to release the toxins and other waste through your hair follicles and pores. When your follicles unclog, you're giving your hair more room to grow. Simply put, the more you exercise, the more your beard will grow, technically. When you are exercising, either at the gym, at home, or in the outdoors, your heart rate increases which increase your blood flow. As you probably know, blood flow is responsible for transporting oxygen through your entire body so oxygen will then supply your hair follicles with the right nutrients they need to grow.
Even though you may be blessed with amazing hair and a masculine looking beard and may never exercise, the truth is that you're one in a million and it's all due to genetics. However, you may be missing an important part - your beard and hair may not be as healthy as you think.
One of the factors that you may not be considering is stress and this has a huge influence on your hair and beard growth. When you don't exercise on a regular basis, your cortisone levels tend to be higher than average and when you have high levels of this chemical in your body, it will lead to the unwanted. In case you're a stressed gentlemen, you probably already noticed that you may be losing some hair and beard follicles or that you just don't see your beard growing as it used to grow. You now have a real reason to get to physical activity.
Which exercises are better?
Every exercise is great as long as you do it on a regular basis. You don't have to run if you don't like to and you don't need to do any weight lifting if you think it's not suitable for you. The truth is that more and more gentlemen are opting for yoga classes. Yes, yoga classes! If you thought this would be just some activity for women, you’ve got it all wrong. Yoga can help you with flexibility, core strength, and even mobility.
Don't forget to take care of your beard after exercising! When you exercise on a regular basis, you will need to take more showers than you're used to. This means that you need to take good care of your beard or you may just end up with dandruff and the dreaded beardruff so make sure that you use a high quality beard oil every day as well as beard wash. You just can't imagine the difference this can make to your beard.
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My name is Mohsin, founder of a start-up called The Gentleman’s Beard Club. I am about to share my story with you about how this all came about. In the summer of 2014, I had the vision to start a side hustle while still being in a full-time job. I had the desire to create something that offered a customer a gift-like product without the need to re-wrap it again - in other words, a person could simply gift it to a loved one exactly as it was bought. The journey started on a very small scale, in the dining room of a one bedroom apartment, experimenting and crafting the various elements of a product which would later become known to many as The Gentleman’s Beard Oil – our hero product of the range and a product very close to me - close in the sense that I had no idea that a 30ml bottle of oil would be capable of having such an impact on my sleep, free time and occupying so much of my thoughts.
Then, there I was with a completed product, with ingredients sourced from five different countries, perfectly scented, that needed to find a permanent spot on the shelves of stores. For the next few months, I spent days and nights walking the streets. Literally with a bag of freshly prepared product in my hand I knocked on shop owners’ doors, introducing myself and delivering a 30 second sales pitch on why they should be buying a product they have never heard about. I already sensed they would think it was too expensive. Suddenly, from nowhere, I was this newfound sales rep with no training or education on the subject that is expected to sell a dream to people. It was tough but I loved every part of it! I was rejected by many, many people while others reluctantly gave my unfamiliar face half a chance in their store – and it turned out that half a chance was all I could work with. I found myself placing the product in as many stores that made sense to get the brand into and constantly followed up with owners to hear about any stock movements and customer interest. In a period of about 4 weeks, I noticed something fascinating – a few stores had recorded sales in their first month and that gave me hope in my dream.
The product had now made itself into the hands of customers and surely onto their bathroom shelf. Somewhere in-between, an online store had been set up as another means of distribution to get the brand to customers even quicker. It just made sense to follow the route of scale, which it did. Soon the brand was in over two dozen stores and counting, being featured in magazines, with feedback coming in from customers saying that they enjoy using the product so much so that they have purchased their second bottle. Over the next two and a half years, my after hours, weekends and public holidays were hours that I needed to scale and bring new ranges of researched products from the ground up. You can imagine that there were all these plans, with hardly any time to execute so that’s when I realised I needed extra pairs of hands. That’s when the process of outsourcing and employment began. Research and development, production, deliveries, hiring sales reps, social media management, photography and blogging had all been outsourced to capable individuals in order to give me time. Things looked in good shape.
But, I do remember the painful times; the times that make one weak, the frustrating phone calls trying to motivate a person to promote the brand in their store and having my request ignored; I also remember the negative feedback from some owners who didn’t share the vision of my dream. I also remember loneliness; you’re definitely on your own, don’t be fooled because I’ve learnt that not one person in the world of business would do for you what you need to have done for yourself. I also remember the times setting up at events, and not really making it as I hoped. These were all important to go through, I suppose.
So why did I do this? Three years down the road feels like the beginning which hasn’t even started. I can really say that being involved in this for the past three years has given me more life experience than the 10 years in a job, absolutely no doubt about that. There is a rush you get from the climb, the daily grind, the hustle being out in the open with no rules but your own and if you stall, you will be left behind so it really is up to me to make this something for you.You can guess where I have the most fun and where my eyes are. One day, I’ll make my move to bring you all of me, that I promise.
Take your time to look around our store, I really want you to walk away with knowledge on how to look and feel better about yourself. If you don't find what you are looking for, please let me know. I’m available at all hours on +27 71 551 4886. Even if you are not already a customer, send me message and I’ll gladly call you back. Nothing makes me feel better than connecting with you.
All the best.
Mohsin Begg
]]>Obtaining a great beard that best represents you takes minimum, a few months. As hard as it may be to resist, DON’T SHAVE! You need to let go of that myth that shaving your beard hair makes it grow thicker. Not even science can back up such a claim.
Here at The Gentleman’s Beard Club, we always want you looking your finest, however we strongly suggest that you don’t cut/shave/trim your beard for at least the first month. The benefit of this is, you also get an understanding of how your hair naturally grows and you’re able to get a sample of what shape of beard you’re growing.
It’s not widely known that your follicles are arguably the most important things (for lack of a better word), for your beard growth. Taking care of your skin is one of the most important steps of growing a healthy beard. Exfoliating before you decide to grow your beard will pay dividends in the long run as you free up the pores, allowing your beard follicles more room to grow.
Along your journey of growing a glorious beard, you might have noticed that the hair on your face doesn't always match up colour-wise with what's on your head.
We're here, with the help of science, to answer one of modern gentleman's greatest mysteries; Why are some beards a different colour to the rest of their hair?
Hair colour, which is determined by different types of melanin and genetics, is inherited from parents, grandparents and even great, great grandparents. As a result, a gentleman's body can express a wide range of hair colour combinations throughout. With the rest of your body where you have hair, genes dominate hair colour - but with your beard this is not the case.
Along your journey of growing a glorious beard, you might have noticed that the hair on your face doesn't always match up colour-wise with what's on your head.
We're here, with the help of science, to answer one of modern gentleman's greatest mysteries; Why are some beards a different colour to the rest of their hair?
Hair colour, which is determined by different types of melanin and genetics, is inherited from parents, grandparents and even great, great grandparents. As a result, a gentleman's body can express a wide range of hair colour combinations throughout. With the rest of your body where you have hair, genes dominate hair colour - but with your beard this is not the case.
So, if you have yourself a red beard, you finally have permission to blame it on someone in your family tree. Or you can thank them silently!
One of the most eligible bachelors in the world is a ginger, Prince Harry and look at the kind of attention he gets. Although his ring finger may be bare, he is committed to the gorgeous Meghan Markle. And if you're not a red bearded man and feeling a bit left out, you're still winning at life just because you’re bearded! Research shows that full beards are attractive to women searching for long-term relationships. The researchers believe beards make men seem more "formidable"— in a red-blooded, strong, and strapping kind of way.
We salute you, red bearded gents :-)
What are the causes of Hair Loss?
One of the primary causes of hair loss is genetics or a family history of baldness. Research shows that hair loss in men is primarily associated with the male sex hormone which is known as androgen. To explain it simply, these are the hormones that regulate hair growth. Each of the hair follicles in the scalp undergoes a growth cycle and as hair loss continues to be experienced, this growing cycle starts to weaken. Apart from that, the follicles also start to shrink and produce finer and shorter hair strands. Eventually, hair loss stops the growing cycle of your hair.
Who is at risk?
It’s interesting that men’s hair loss actually starts from teenage years but it is considered to be commonly occurring in adult men as their age rises. Genetics always plays an essential role to hair loss and men who have relatives experiencing hair loss are also at risk.
Techniques to address Hair Loss
Medical treatments are not necessary if other health conditions are not the main cause of hair loss however, gentlemen may take the following steps to address the situation:
1. Hairstyles
Gentlemen who are experiencing hair loss may hide their condition with the right hairstyle or haircut at a barber. We see so many new styles on the fashion scene which is why you need to ask a trusted hairstylist to give you the most creative cut with the hair that you do have, that prevents a hair thinning appeal. We have a range of barbers listed on our stockist list that can assist you here.
2. Hairpieces or Wigs
Wigs cover receding hairlines, thinning hair as well as complete hair baldness. They usually come in
different colors, textures and styles. If you really want to have a natural look that matches your beard follicle colour, then you need to select the best style, texture and color that looks identical as the original hair that you have.
3. Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an effective topical kind of medication that needs to be applied onto your scalp. This is an effective treatment for gentlemen’s hair loss that stimulates fast and healthy hair growth. However, this kind of treatment takes about four months before producing visible results.
4. Pills
For a quicker response than Minoxidil, one may consider spending more on beard and hair growth pills that have been researched in laboratories and have been studied on actual humans with promising results. We recommend you doing your research before spending money on pills but if the ingredients and results are there to back it up, then we would suggest this option as a good avenue to try out.
5. Hair Growth Serums
Applying a few drops of The Gentleman's Hair Growth Serum morning and night is often a popular choice amongst gentlemen and it usually provides one with a more permanent solution to addressing hair loss and hair thinning as the product addresses the problem from the root of the follicle.
These are just some of the methods we recommend you follow to cope with hair loss or hair thinning. There are still a lot more treatments on the market but the above are the most common. Always remember - you’re not anything less of a gentleman if you experience this. We’ll always be here for you if you need any one on one advice, feel free to get in touch.
- Founder of The Gentleman's Beard Club, M. Begg
Steps to follow
1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
2. Use a blow dryer on high heat for longer hair if you want to add volume.
3. Take a coin-sized amount of The Gentleman's Hair Styling Cream for a looser, casual look or The Gentleman's Hair Wax if you need more hold. Work the product into your hair, beginning at the roots and starting from the back of the head.
4. For a clean part, run a comb lengthwise from the back of the head to your forehead, then separate the hair.
]]>Your shirt cuffs should be narrow enough to sit just above the start of your thumb. If you can fit your hand through the cuff when its fastened, it’s too wide.
]]>To make sure that you're properly groomed for the big event, we suggest a beard balm for those with mustaches and beards that tend to be a little on the wild side or when your mustache needs to be moved a little to make way for your lips. A beard balm is a great styling tool, residue and grease free - and small enough to keep in your pocket when the spur of the moment, gloriously arrives.
Start off by being a gentleman because well, you are one right?
A simple kiss to show her what's to come would be ideal, then move into something just a little more passionate. Taking it slow is always better, gents. Your Mrs will love you for it and it'll just prolong the curiosity for her.
]]>"I've been scouting years and years for a beard wash and oil which will be ideal and would work for my beard and all other men's beard hair types. I came across "The Gentleman's Beard Club" and was convinced that this is the one. My problem had always been me struggling to grow out a fuller looking beard and the challenge was going out there and finding the best products which not only do the trick but also add some amazing aroma to the beard. Ever since I started using the products, everything just fell into place and I could rock the beard which I always wanted.
The Gentleman's Beard Club offers the South African and global market premium beard care products. They only stock products which are natural and free from any harmful chemicals. The Gentleman's Beard Kit contains four products which consists of a beard oil, beard and shave soap, beard balm and a beard wash. It is packaged in a beautiful vintage wooden treasure box. The price for these exceptional products are with free delivery!
If you would like to know what other products are available or would like to purchase this lovely beard kit you can go to www.thegentlemansbeard.club or go via their Instagram page, @thegentlemansbeardclub. Recently I've noticed that @zando.co.za also stock products for beards, so check out their page as well for instant online buying experience. They've definitely exceeded my wildest expectations and I'm proud to be associated with them and their superb beard care products."
Here's how to look your best.
1 | Become a regular at your local barber
Men who look good almost always have one thing in common. Their barber's number is on speed dial. Schedule an appointment in every four weeks and you'll be thanking us. It really makes a difference in how you look and feel to be well groomed. The other bonus is that it's a bit of a treat to leave feeling good, looking good and ready to take on anything. Check out our list of tried and tested barbers who can groom you.
2 | Find a Hair Product that Works
Here's a fact that will make you say what! A Google grooming trends report showed that in 2015 there were 6% more searches online about men's hair than women's hair. It just goes to show that grooming matters but with so many different products out there, where do you begin? Our team spent time developing a new range of hair products, developed for the gentleman who doesn't want to use all sorts of chemicals in his hair. Our new range has a couple of South Africa firsts and guarantees no product build up or embarrassing white flakes.
3 | Cleanse your face
A lesser known men's grooming secret is to look after the skin beneath the beard but you'll need to stay away from soaps and face washes with chemicals. They will just dry out your skin. We would rather recommend a Beard Wash that has a formulation which is known to strengthen beard hair and growth after sustained usage.In addition to cleansing, it would soften and refresh your beard too.
4 | Smell Great, All the Time
A man who smells good can never go wrong. Right? Right. Aside from colognes, the products to choose to groom with should also have a scent that women and men can appreciate. There is something about a gentleman that is well 'cologned' as this usually says something about his personality, mood for the day and obviously his appeal.
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Many of our customers come to us struggling with a patchy beard. Here's some honest feedback from them about what worked for them in growing a full beard they're proud of.
Ismail Moola
Ismail started using our Beard Oil because he was struggling with a patchy beard, but as you can see he says his beard game is strong and our famous beard oil works effectively.
Our beard oil includes premium Moroccan Argan Oil (commonly misspelled argon oil) which is known for promoting healthy beard follicles whilst nourishing follicles from root to tip. Grapeseed and Jojoba Oil also strengthen beard hair so they won't break off or appear brittle.
Dewald van Dyk
Dewald purchased The Ultimate Gentleman's Beard Kit and says our Beard Growth Serum works wonders. He has already started to see a change in his patchy areas and says the following "I also love the fact that your products don't smell like mosquito repellent like some of the other products I have tried."
We're always here to help so if you need some personalised advice, drop us a line via email.
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The Gentleman's Beard Oil contains Moroccon Argan Oil - a premium oil - known for its proven benefits to promote healthy beard hair whilst nourishing follicles from root to tip. Other natural oil ingredients include Grapeseed and Jojoba Oil which also have principle benefits of strengthening beard hair so they won't break off or appear brittle. This vintage beard oil is designed to be lightweight and residue free so it won't grease your beard, while maintaining healthy underlying skin.
Ingredients: Pure Moroccan Argan Oil, Grapeseed and Jojoba oil and a signature blend of essential oils handpicked from around the world.
Beard Oil Product: 1 fl oz/ 30ml flask, packaged in a stylish and minimalist style box.
Amazing results after one month of using The Gentleman's Beard Club Beard Oil.
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I am Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee, a student of the Middelburg Muslim School. I am currently in matric and passionate about cycling. I am a cyclist riding for Team Valencia powered by "Valencia - The Home Of VBike" and "Osman's Optometrists".
What Am I All About?
For those who know me, will surely agree that I am a bubbly young man with a warm personality. I see myself as an extrovert and I love meetings and interacting with different types of people. I try to involve myself in as many community projects as I can (when available). I am also part of the "Green Deen SA outreach Team" which allows me once again to contribute towards the community.
What Have I Learnt In Life?
To always be patient during affliction and when in discomfort. Throughout our lives we continue to face new challenges. Life is like a journey, there are times when it is smooth sailing and sometimes rocky. But what I've learnt, is that for every problem there is a solution. And every difficulty that we face in life is there to make us become stronger. The most important thing is to face our challenges in a positive manner without hasty decisions or panic because if you treat everything as a matter of life and death you will die many times.
What Is Success?
Success to me is to have a good sense of direction in your life because without good direction, you will never get anywhere. Knowing who you are, where you are heading and what your purpose on this earth is, is the key to your success. Having your priorities in order and living in accordance to the commands of our creator is undoubtedly bound to leading you towards a successful path. I believe that the true outcome of our success or whether we have been successful is to be determined when we meet with our creator.
Why Do I keep A Beard?
Being a primary distinguishing factor between males and females, and a practice upheld by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), I choose to maintain a beard. Apart from the beard being a sign of masculinity, there are numerous medically proven health benefits to keeping a beard. Interestingly enough, 95% of UV rays emitted by the sun are blocked by beards, therefore reducing the risk of skin Cancer, so the thicker the hair the better. No need to worry about bacterial infections, nicks and cuts or ingrown hairs and spots, which are some of the hazards caused by shaving. My beard keeps me warm in winter and is an advantage when I cycle as it also provides insulation.
In parting, I would like to thank all my sponsors Valencia Cycling (Vbike), Osman's Optometrists and Bella's Photography for assisting me in all ways possible with my cycling career
]]>Who am I?
My name is Julius Snyman. I grew up in Witbank, matriculated from HTS Witbank in 2011. From there I moved to Durban to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a professional rugby player. I attended The Sharks Rugby Academy in 2012-2013. After a long list of injuries I decided that rugby was not my thing. I came back up north to Piet Retief and started working at Trollope Mining Services and have done that since.
What am I all about?
I am all about going forward in life. I always wanted to make a success of myself and therefore put my everything into whatever I'm busy with. I'm a firm believer in you never stop learning. You can learn something from a little kid sitting next to you on the bench, the old lady you talk to while you wait for your food and even your dog that loves you unconditionally no matter where you are in your life.
What have I learned in life?
I have learned in life that it is never too late to make your dreams come true. Even if it doesn't work out on the first try, if you keep pushing and working towards your goal it will never be too far to reach. But the most important thing that life has taught me is that love conquers everything. Love will win every time.
What is success?
To me success is waking up in bed, being excited to go to work (because that's the job you always wanted) and being happy with the life you have and the people you have in it.
Why did I grow a beard?
At the very beginning I must admit I was a woman. I shaved three times a week, looking all neat and young. Then one day I got hungry, there was no food in the house so I ate my razor. And from that day my life changed, I became a man and started bearding.
]]>Who am I?
I am Reza Boltman from Cape Town. My personality and character are two important features that makes me who I am. My outlook on life is optimistic; my character is dynamic; my self-control is relaxed; my composure is easy going; my attitude is traditional and my resilience is practical.
Naturally, I have always been known for having a bubbly, and energetic personality. I love to smile, this making others smile along with me.
What am I all about?
Weekly, from 9 to 5, I am a Financial Operations Clerk at PayFast. Daily green tea and Sunday drives are a must. Weekends I like to carry my camera with me so I can get a killer sunset picture. Generally, my city as a whole.
I am a car enthusiast, mostly in the stance scene (it’s all about how low your car is).
I am part of the Bearded Villains brotherhood, they showcase bearded men with character from all over the world.
What have I learned in life?
What is success?
Success is simply be willing to give it your all.
The man who has done his level best, and who is conscious that he has done his best, is a success, even though the world may write him down as a failure. – B.C. Forbes
Why did I grow a beard?
I started growing my beard in 2012. It was a stake with a close friend about who is able to go without shaving for the longest, obviously I won. I grew to love my beard, it is just one of those things that makes one feel manly, you know? Besides, when I do shave, I look like an 18 year old.
]]>GQ South Africa has featured The Gentleman's Beard Club in its June edition. Flip through the mag to find The Gentleman's Beard Wash and The Gentleman's Beard Oil feature.
]]>Who I am
My name is Ricardo Rodrigues, I was born and bread in the South of Johannesburg (though those who meet me afresh would never say so). I was brought up in Bassonia in a Portuguese home with two SUPER awesome parents (who are both amazing in the kitchen) and two older siblings (just as awesome). I have walked many roads in this life learning many, many lessons.
What I'm All About
I strive to live each day to the best of my ability in serving society despite my shortfalls. I consider myself a chivalrous and humbled gentleman who is learning so much about my walk in this life and will continue to do so indefinitely. I strive to be as humanitarian in my career as possible and at every off hour, get lost in music as much as possible. As an emerging Architect I am currently completing my Master's Degree at UJ while running my own practice part time which pays all the bills, and buys me my beard maintenance kit from The Gentleman's Beard Club. As a Musician/Songwriter I have three main avenues down which I venture; writing Music that inspires people through my life's experiences & then writing what I like to term "doodles", just light hearted songs about mundane issues (this proves to be very fun).
My hobbies include snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer. Not that this next one is really a hobby but, often when I'm alone I find myself pulling ridiculous faces in front of the mirror, mouthing sound effects to match and then laughing away at how crazy people would think I am if they could actually see me, its a great pass-time... I do encourage it.
What have I learned in Life?
My destination in this life is unknown, like a breeze you don't know where it came from or where it is going but you can sense its direction. I guess I do my best not to worry about tomorrow, today has enough worries of its own hey. I have also learned that no matter how much you think you know, there is always infinitely more to learn. Lastly, no matter how down and out you think you might be, as long as there is breath in your lungs... there is hope.
What is my biggest Achievement?
In 2006 I was admitted to a rehabilitation center for a narcotics addiction, I was 22 years old. So overcoming that, then later starting and completing my education in Architecture, I guess would count as one. You're never too old to study. Aside from that my biggest achievement I would say was walking down a road which lead me to realising what true success really is and in my opinion, it doesn't lie in riches and fame. I always keep God in mind and am a firm believer in receiving his assistance.
What is Success?
As cheesy as it sounds... Love! People nowadays are way too quick to use that term loosely. We liken it to shoes and a good burger which subconsciously waters down its true meaning. Love! Love towards people and towards what you choose to do with this life. To me, its very easy to have crowds around you and to be liked on the surface by many, but establishing the deepest kind friendships and relationships that last a lifetime... now that's what I call success. Over and above that, truly loving others. It's easy to love the likable, but loving an enemy is next level...
Why I Grew a Beard
It is my 30th birthday gift to myself ;) I've always wanted to grow one... I feel that it adds to my adventurous spirit and reinforces in me the notion that this life will be lived the way I choose to live it! It has become such a part of me. It also teaches me that like everything in life, maintenance and balance is everything. I'll be honest, if it wasn't for the Beard Kit that I bought from The Gentleman's Beard Club and following your sound advice on maintaining my beard on a day to day basis, people would not be able to distinguish my chin from the crown of my head, and I would probably have shaved it off ages ago. Alas, with the right guidance and proper tools, it has taken a shape that sparks many conversations and has become an extension of my personality, so thanks guys!
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