You have so many options when it comes to your facial hair style. You can go beard or no beard, with everything from a clean shave, some subtle stubble, a mustache or goatee, or a full beard. Each facial hair style says something a little different about you; beard or no beard, it projects a unique message to the people around you.
Even though it takes some time and effort to grow a beard, you can always adjust your facial hair if you want to try something new. If you’ve been rocking a beard, mustache, or goatee for a while, you may not even be aware of the many clean shave benefits.
Is it time to ask "Should I shave my beard" and go for a smoother look after years of having thick facial hair?
Before you decide, consider beard vs clean shave differences that may affect you and the benefits of shaving more or less often.
Beard or No Beard
The main difference between having a beard or no beard is how it looks. A beard tends to give off a more masculine and potentially strong or even intimidating appearance. One study found that people perceive men with beards as less generous, caring, and cheerful than guys without facial hair.
That’s not to say that a beard is off putting in any way. But clean shave benefits include that you tend to come off a bit less aggressive and nicer (even if it’s not true personality-wise).
If you’re considering the beard vs clean shave style for yourself, think about these factors:
Beard vs. Clean Shave: Both Require Lots of Upkeep
Regardless of whether you choose a beard or no beard, both options require a lot of time and energy to look great. If you have a beard, you have to keep it clean, brush out debris, and apply natural beard oil regularly for the best texture and shine.
But if you’re clean shaven, that requires daily shaving and the right techniques to prevent shave irritation (more on that later). You’ll also need to invest in quality shave products for men - like a natural men’s shave cream and an alcohol-free aftershave.
Depending on whether you choose a beard or no beard, you’ll need different grooming tools. A beard trimmer, comb, and scissors are essential for keeping a clean beard that's neat and trimmed at all times. But for the facial hair-free look, you’ll need razors too.
Should I Shave My Beard?
The reality of having hair all over your face is that things are going to get messy from time to time. There are some foods and drinks - like soups, ribs, and anything with a lot of sauce - that are almost guaranteed to get stuck up in your facial hair.
That’s OK - but if we’re talking beard or no beard and what the main clean shave benefits are, it’s definitely easier to eat whatever you want without worrying about making a mess if you don’t have a beard.
Is It Better to Shave More or Less Often?
One of the major distinctions between have a beard or no beard is how often you have to shave. A beard still requires regular trimming and some clean up shaving, but nothing like if you choose the clean shave look. Both have their own pros and cons.
Benefits of Shaving Less Often
If you have sensitive skin or tend to experience shave irritation, there are clear benefits to shaving less often. You’ll experience reduced irritation - you can’t get shave bumps or burns if you’re not shaving.
That doesn’t mean that shaving is all bad. Guys often wonder if it's bad to shave everyday, and sometimes they're asking, "how often should I shave my beard?". This varies from person to person depending on factors like how fast your facial hair grows, if you want or need to have totally smooth skin, and how sensitive your skin is.
How to Use Beard Oil
Our beard oil soothes and moisturizes the skin beneath your beard, while also making it easy to shape and style. Here's how to use it:
- Use just a few drops of beard oil.
- Rub the beard oil in your palms.
- Gently massage the oil into the base of your beard.
What Are the Benefits If I Shave My Beard?
Another of the clean shave benefits is that shaving exfoliates your skin. As your skin renews itself, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface. These can dull your appearance and clog your pores. But when you shave, you remove some of that outermost layer. This reveals the brighter, newer skin below.
Regardless of where you fall on the beard or no beard debate, there are very real clean shave benefits. Exfoliating regularly is great for your skin.
If you choose to shave, use our Renewing Face Scrub beforehand to soften your whiskers, unclog your pores, and prevent shave irritation. If you have a beard, use our natural face scrub for men every 2-3 days to exfoliate the skin beneath your facial hair and thus prevent blemishes, flakes, and other skin issues.
How Often Should You Shave Your Face?
Most guys shave every other day, but that depends. Ask yourself these two important questions:
- Does my skin tend to get irritated after shaving?
- Do I need to always be clean shaven for any reason?
If you answered yes to the first, it’s better for you not to shave everyday. Shaving every other day can still keep you looking mostly clean shaven while reducing your risk of dealing with shave irritation and ingrown hairs.
If you answered no and you don’t have sensitive skin, there’s no problem with shaving daily.
Of course, if you answered yes to the second question and a clean shaven beard is important for you, you don’t have much of an option. But even guys with sensitive skin can shave daily without irritating their skin.
How to Get a Clean Shave
Clean cut beards don't just happen overnight - they're the product of hard work and due process. Read below for step-by-step instructions on how to shave a goatee, or any facial hair for that matter, like a GOAT.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Start by exfoliating skin and facial hair with Renewing Face Scrub. This will make it easier to shave and reduce irritation. It's designed specifically to gently remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities from the face.
Step 2: Apply a Shaving Cream or Gel
Next, apply some Smooth Brushless Shave Butter. This foundational product lubricates the skin and hair to make it easier to shave while reducing any irritation.
Step 3: Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
Beard or no beard, you never want to shave against the grain. This prevents irritation and ensures you get a smooth result.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you've finished shaving, rinse your face with cool water and pat dry.
Step 5: Dry Your Razor Completely Between Uses to Prevent Bacteria
No one wants icky bacteria to ruin their freshly clean-cut beard. So, when you're done shaving, make sure you dry your razor completely before putting it away.
Step 6: Apply Aftershave
Instant Relief Aftershave is an essential last step to close with. This cooling, alcohol-free aftershave lotion can be used to soothe the skin immediately after shaving.
Beard or No Beard, Choose What's Right for You
Consider the beard vs clean shave pros and cons. Decide what’s right for you - and go with it! Of course, you can always change your style later if you want. Regardless of whether you choose to wear a beard or no beard, make sure you’re using the best natural grooming products for men to treat your skin right.
