I’m at I think 1.5” length. I am very goblin mode and have just been letting everything grow out as much as possible.
Sensory issues compel me to wash my beard with soap every time I enter the shower - this is currently the 3-in-1 old spice, which I imagine strips oil. I have taken to drowning my face in old Amish oil, which seems to be an effective counter.
I work in a profession which will tolerate and appreciate things like beading, which I feel would be more feasible in an inch or so? Any tips on the hobby would be appreciated.
Really the question is - I want to have an extremely lengthy and healthy beard. What do I do to not look like a gross neckbeard, to convey less “this is long because I’m too lazy to do anything about it” but more “I love this thing and will actually maintain a routine for it.” I would like to at some point be a mall Santa. I want to lock in. Pretend you are my dad for a minute.
Bearded person here. My basic advice, stop using your body wash as shampoo, even 3-in-1. Find a quality shampoo and figure out a conditioning regimen. It’s different for everyone, some people use a traditional conditioner that you rinse out, some use oils, others use balms/waxes/butters, and generally some combination. I’m lazy so I’ve found a two product system for myself.
Oils/balms/butters/waxes are typically put on when the beard is damp, and they have different levels of hold. Some things to know about those products: apply the oils to your skin under the beard and then comb or brush it through; also, use a product with quality oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut.
Lastly, find someone who can style it the way you want or get clippers and watch some videos and style it the way you want.