THE JOURNAL

EH

THOUGHTS ON GROOMING, DISCIPLINE, LIFESTYLE, TRANSFORMATION, AND MODERN EXECUTIVE CULTURE.

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The Beard Is Part of His Signature

A man’s presentation begins speaking before he does. The beard is part of that signature—and how he maintains it reveals his standard.
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Discipline eventually becomes identity.

— ERIC HECKSTALL

The Journal

Should I Use Conditioner on my Beard?

Should I Use Conditioner on my Beard?
When choosing a beard conditioner, look for products specifically formulated for beards, as they are designed to cater to the unique needs of facial hair. These conditioners often contain natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, argan oil, shea butter, and aloe, which provide hydration and nourishment without leaving residue or weighing down the hair. Continue reading

The History of Barbering 1.0

The History of Barbering 1.0

Barbering is one of the oldest documented professions. Understanding its evolution can help provide a new appreciation for the prominent role it has achieved in different cultures throughout the ages. Barbering has a wealthy history that goes back millennia. From metal shears to electric to lithium battery operated cordless clippers in modern times but we can go back even further where sharped flint, oyster shells, and even bone was used to shave and get that fresh cut. Technology has come a long way. Many primitive cultures believed that both good and bad spirits entered through the hair and in order to get rid of the bad spirits the barber had to cut the hair. Those belief systems elevated tribal barbers to positions of importance, such as medicine men, shamans, or priests. The Egyptians are credited with being the first people to cultivate beauty in an extravagant fashion. According to Milady Standard Barbering excavations from tombs have revealed such relics as combs, brushes, mirrors, cosmetics, scissors, and razors made of tempered copper and bronze. High-ranking men and women of Egypt had their heads shaved for comfort when wearing wigs and for the prevention of parasitic infestations. Every third day, barbers would shave the priests' entire bodies to ensure their purity before entering the temple. The work of the barber Meryma'at (mare-a-mott) was held in very high esteem. Several Biblical passages give insight into the works of the barber. It was in Greece during its golden age (500-300 BC) that barbering became a highly developed art. Well-trimmed beards were status symbols. Greek men had their beards trimmed, curled, and scented on a regular basis. Barbershops  became the gathering places for exchanging sporting, social, and political news, while barbers themselves rose in prominence to become leading citizens within the social structure. 

The word barber is derived from the Latin word barba, meaning "beard." Another word derived from Latin, tonsorial (TON-SORE-ee-ahl) (derived from tondere, meaning "to shear") means the cutting, clipping, or trimming of hair with shears or a razor - barbers are sometimes referred to as tonsorial artists.

 

The privilege of haircutting was reserved for the barber, priest, medicine men, or spiritual leader of the tribe. According to the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the hair was the source of the brain's inspiration, and cutting it decreased an individual's intellectual capacity. Barbering has evolved over the centuries and will continue to be a staple in our communities. As technology advances and trends emerge it will be interesting to see what the future of the guild looks like.  

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Are beard products worth it?

Although some guys grow beards out of laziness or to be warm in the winter, the fact that you are reading this suggests that you have a little more invested in the topic.

Not because we might give you one of our own products, but because there are more and more men out there who care as much about their beards as we do, we're excited that you're looking for reasons to buy beard oil.

beard oil for black men

So let's get started right away.

Are Beard Oils Priceless?

Beard oils have several benefits for your beard, including well-known ones like moisturizing and softening, but there's just so much more to it.

We wouldn't be producing beard oils if they weren't worthwhile.

However, since we know you want more evidence than just our word for it, we've put together this thorough yet succinct list of 6 reasons beard oils are well spending your hard-earned money.

Beard Oil Promotes the Growth of Beards

One of our main concerns while starting to grow a beard is beard hair growth.

Beard oil will provide your facial follicles with everything they require to work as swiftly as possible to grow your beard as soon as feasible.

Vitamin E, which is found in many of the best beard oils on the market, is the major component that encourages the growth of your facial hair.

Despite the fact that genetics do play a role in this, you'll see a difference in the growth of your beard when you pair it with a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise.

Your Beard Is Nourished with Beard Oil

The best beard oils are made from ingredients that have been proven to nourish beard hairs and the skin beneath them, repair damage to existing hair, and offer protection from the effects of the environment.

When buying beard oil, look for carrier oils such as argan oil and jojoba oil. These are loaded with vital nutrients like vitamin E and other necessary vitamins and minerals that moisturize and restore both facial hair and the skin underneath them.

Argan oil and jojoba oil are often combined by modern beard care companies with lighter, silkier carrier oils, such as sweet almond oil and rice bran oil, because they can be a bit on the heavy side and lead certain people to have excessively greasy beards.

The Softening Effect of Beard Oil

You'll notice that as a result of the natural elements in beard oil penetrating your facial hair, it gets considerably softer.

The great thing about beard oil is that this advantage is experienced right away after application. Consistent use will ensure that it starts to stay softer for longer, even though it may dry out a little more during the day.

You'll adore your new softer beard if you establish a daily beard care routine that incorporates beard oil.

Beard Oil Hydrates Your Beard's Subcutaneous Skin

Due to the superior nourishment provided by beard oil, your skin will receive the proper quantity of moisture treatment, ensuring that it is taken care of as it should be.

As a result, issues like beard dandruff will go, and you'll be able to resume sporting black t-shirts with confidence once more, just like you did throughout your emo phase.

Reduces Skin Inflammation: Beard Oil

Even the treatment of razor burn and other serious skin irritations with beard oil is a possibility. Additionally, it helps lessen skin irritation and inflammation.

Because of its nourishing and moisturizing properties, beard oils, particularly those containing jojoba oil, have been said to be effective in treating skin conditions including acne.

Stray beard hairs are tamed by beard oil.

Without beard oil, beards frequently have a dry, unhappy, and even depressing appearance. No one desires to see that.

Don't let bothersome hairs take over and erode your self-confidence. Using beard oil to style your facial hair will help it look more cohesive.

 

STYLE - INSPIRED - GROOMING

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How to Take Care of Your Beard at Home Like a Movie Star

How to Take Care of Your Beard at Home Like a Movie Star

Your morning routine—brush, spit, and rinse—is mostly automatic. You know exactly how long it takes to get ready each morning, and everything works great.

Then, one day, you decide to grow a beard, and your carefully rehearsed performance falls apart. How can you make the most of your beard without worrying about it excessively? Is balm applied after beard oil? And when exactly do you comb?

A quick and simple at-home beard care routine with 5 steps has been developed by us. The outcomes will also speak for themselves.

Brush the beard

Before taking a shower, you should first brush your beard (dry).

To exfoliate and bring any beardruff to the surface, use a boar bristle brush. For optimal results, gently rub across and against the grain. You'll see it collect on the tips of your bristles if you have a tendency toward dry skin and beardruff. Don't worry, though. This makes washing it off in the shower simpler.

Next, gently touch the skin behind your beard in a circular manner using a brush with soft bristles on the ends (ideally rubber). The follicles and blood flow are stimulated by this. It also feels good.

Trim your mustache.

The second step is to trim your beard, though this doesn't have to be done every day.

The goal here is to maintain a clean-looking beard by shaving the neck and upper cheeks and trimming the mustache line.

Consult your neighborhood barber if it's time to trim your full beard or if you're hesitant to tackle it on your own. These people are talented artists who can do amazing things with your beard.

Because wet hair is longer than dry hair, you might find this to be simpler before taking a shower. Wet hair could be over-trimmed.

Whether using scissors or a trimmer, make sure your instruments are well-kept and precise. Cutting your beard with rough tools is as unproductive as it sounds; rather than getting a clean cut, the hair gets broken off, leaving you with tattered ends that may split.

Don’t forget the mustache line

First, trim any extra hair using clippers or scissors, paying special attention to the area around and beneath your nose. Additionally, don't be scared to shave the hair inside your nose.

After that, straighten out your mustache and pluck any hairs that are below your lip line. A trap for lunch is hair that grows longer.

Upper cheeks and the neck

Here, getting rid of unwanted hair outside of your beard is the main objective rather than altering the contours of your neck and upper cheeks.

Prepare your face as you normally would for a clean shave, but use less product to make the lines more visible.

Clean your beard

We're confident that we don't need to lecture you on the importance of hygiene. You might not be aware of it, but your beard needs special care because it is more likely to get dirty than other parts of your body.

In contrast to hair, your beard is more likely to be touched frequently throughout the day, both by you and your significant other as you contemplate life's great mysteries. As a result, all the germs from door handles, car steering wheels, and computer keyboards are quickly woven into your facial hair.

Use BLVD beard oil

After getting out of the shower, thoroughly massage your beard with your preferred beard oil or balm.

Oil is thin enough to pass through hair and cover your skin, leaving it nourished and protected, unlike thick moisturizing cream.

These items moisturize your skin and seal in moisture to your hair.

Style and brush your beard

Use your boar beard brush to evenly distribute the oil or balm after applying it to the beard.

To ensure that everything is covered, apply delicate, lengthy strokes that are side-to-side and against the grain.

You're almost done now! The final step is to style your beard to your preferences.

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