Saying hello and asking for advice.

[adriancttnc]

Hi guys! I'm Adrian, I'm 29 and I live in the UK.

I've recently taken the decision to let my beard grow, but I'm now going back and forth between keeping it or not.

It looks messy at the moment and I don't know how to trim it the right way, hence I haven't tried at all, except on my neck line. I know that it isn't the most majestic beard but I have see worse cases too, but I have received compliments on it and have also been told that I looked nicer beforehand so I don't know where I stand.

I'm hoping that I could get some advice here on whether to keep it or not (look better with it, without or with it trimmed short) and suggestions for trims/cuts.

If I were to keep it I'd like to have it grow slowly yet look good(ish) than let it grow hobo-style until it's long enough to be turned into something nice.

Happy to post more photos if some are needed on request.

I don't have any photos with it shaved off clean as I haven't done that in years, at most, I've trimmed it to 1-2mm.


Edit:
Forgot to add that eventually I'll be either trimming the hair (or what's left of it) on the head using a trimmer on the lowest settings (not attachment) or shave it completely clean.
I guess the whole idea behind letting the beard grow was getting jacked from the gym, growing a fabulous beard and having a bald head.

 

[blethenstrom]

Welcome to B&B Adrian! We are so glad you found your way here. Greetings from Raleigh, NC, USA.

I am sorry but I am probably not the right person to give opinions on beards and such since I have always been clean shaven. I am sure though that there will be others that can help you out better.

 

[Eric_75]

Hello from Nashville, TN.

Welcome to B & B, Adrian!

 

[DesertIguana]

Don't ask for advice, you will only get confused from being bombarded with comments. What do you want to do? Don't give up you clean look, or beard to please people. You will never make 100% of population happy.

I have had Beards several time in my life, shaved off only because I want too.

Not from pressure from someone else.

 

[adriancttnc]

Hi all and thanks for the warm welcomes!

Don't give up you clean look, or beard to please people.

Thing is I like myself with and without the beard so I'm comfortable in both scenarios, but I can't see myself as other see me.
I know some people can pull off beards and some can't and I reckon the best way to find this out is to get feedback from external sources (other people) so I literally don't mind if people come and say yes/no.

 

[BigJ]

Welcome aboard!

Since you asked, I prefer to be clean shaven. But that’s me, I have no problem with folks who prefer beards.

 

[Frito Ray]

Hello and welcome.

Please take this as a well meaning opinion from a stranger.

When was the last time you were completely clean shaven? You have a youthful face, would I be correct in assuming that you first grew the facial hair as a young man to be taken more maturely?
I can relate to the youthful face issue but luckily(?!) I started getting white hair in my twenties and never had to go the beard road.

I believe you could pull off the clean shaven look now.

If you have vacation time coming up, shave it off and see how it looks. If you do decide to keep the facial hair I believe the shorter style looks better.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

Welcome to B&B! I think your beard looks better short but I have never favoured a look where the beard is longer than the head hair, except perhaps in the moustache area. That said, I suspect your best look is clean shaven with your hair kept short. I asked my wife and she agrees that your short beard is better, but clean shaven would suit you best. That said, it is your opinion that counts

 

[adriancttnc]

Thank you all for the advice! Clean shaven?! That is something I haven't done in years!

I might actually try that, but I usually get irritated after shaving, any advice for that?

 

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to the forum !!

 

[helicopter]

Thank you all for the advice! Clean shaven?! That is something I haven't done in years!

I might actually try that, but I usually get irritated after shaving, any advice for that?

Most of us use a double edge razor with a good blade, some shaving soap, and a brush.

We can recommend things if you want.

Welcome from Michigan.

I agree clean shaven with short hair, but I don't have the best aesthetic sense for men.

 

[slackskin]

Welcome to B&B. To take a different approach, there are reasonably priced beard trimmers out 'there that will give you a trimmed appearance; then you can trim the outline with a safety razor as desired. I don't think I can mention a trimmer brand name without getting in hot water. Maybe we can PM and not violate the rules. Mods, please advise.

 

[dmshaver]

Welcome to B & B, enjoy!

 

[DEgeezer]

Welcome to B&B!

 

[Dave himself]

Hi and welcome to B&B.