BEARD CARE BASICS WITH MICK "THE CHOPS" WALLAGE

Hello folks,

Mick Wallage here. In recent years I’ve done rather well at the odd beard competition or two and as a result of that a lot of people get in touch with me to ask what they can do to make their beard grow faster or thicker. Well I’m sorry to disappoint, but a hell of a lot depends on genetics. You can grow a healthier beard by following proper beard care and nutrition. A lot of guys will take some multi vitamin with Biotin in it. I reccomend Mad Vikings Beard Boost formula personally.

What I am saying is that there are loads of beards out there that are good when in fact they could be AWESOME if they changed their beard care routine slightly. I’m not saying the way I do things is the best way or the only way, but it’s worked so far for me and won me a world title. The very first thing to point out is that your beard ain’t gonna get longer or thicker if you keep cutting it. I’ve heard people say, “I’ll have it trimmed, it grows back thicker.” …. Not in my opinion.

Barbers

Always, but ALWAYS use a barber who knows his way around a beard. No matter how thick and fast your beard grows a bad barber can destroy it far faster than you can ever grow it, that is a FACT.

Washing

Unless you’ve a dirty/dusty job then in my opinion there’s absolutely no reason to wash your beard more than once a week. I’ll quite often use Mad Viking Conditioner even if I’ve only rinsed my beard. Don’t forget to give the conditioner time to be absorbed, otherwise you’re literally pouring money down the drain. Rinse your beard every day when you bath/shower of course, but too much washing will strip all the natural oils, leaving it dry, itchy, and brittle. When you do wash your beard, use only the best products from a reputable beard care producer who will have had their products tested and approved for sale. Stay clear of any shampoo/beard wash that contains parabens and sulfates, they dry the hair and lead to breakages.

Oils and balms

Unlike the hair on your head beard hair is somewhat coarse and liable to breakage. That’s why I believe it’s important that you keep it well hydrated and supple. if it’s snapping off faster than its sprouting from your handsome face….. well that’s BAD. It’s going to appear to have stopped growing or worse still, recede. Sometimes I’ll oil twice a day, always in the morning, and more often than not, in the evening too. A lot of people have asked, “Should I oil when the beard is still damp or when it’s dry?” My personal preference is to oil when it’s dry. I’ll carefully comb once I’ve applied oil, first with a wide toothed comb, then a finer comb, and finally with a soft bristled brush while applying gentle heat from a hair dryer.

In short, don’t cut it. Definitely don’t try and cut it yourself
If you insist on cutting it, only go to a knowledgeable beard barber.
Don’t wash the life out of it.
Avoid harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates
Keep it hydrated with good quality oils and balms
Oh and if you’re gonna style,use heat protection.
Most of all enjoy the beard journey and BEARD ON…!!

Mick “The Chops” Wallage currently resides in the United Kingdom and is a proud member of the official Mad Viking Beard Team