How to grow a beard, Part Two

In Part One we got you through the itchy weeks. Now you have a real short beard. This is where a little shaping and the right products turn it from scruffy into deliberate.

Set the neckline

The single biggest improvement you can make is a tidy neckline. Find the point two fingers above your Adam's apple and clear everything below it in a gentle curve from ear to ear. Leave the cheek line mostly alone, just tidy the strays. When in doubt, take less off.

Feed it

At this length the skin underneath is hidden and produces less of its own oil, so a daily beard oil does the heavy lifting. Add a weekly balm for softness and a little control. Wash a couple of times a week so product and grime do not build up.

Trim with intent

Trim little and often rather than rarely and drastically. A guard on the clippers keeps things even, and scissors handle the stragglers. Brush the beard down first so you cut it as it actually sits. Every few weeks is plenty.

Then leave it alone and let it fill in. The best beards are mostly patience.

Read next: Part One, best beard balms and choosing a brush and comb.