So, as the title says, I'm growing my first beard...ever. I have never been allowed to grow a beard. Long story short, I was on active duty, and then the job I started when I got out had an appearance standard/department policy that didn't permit beards. I didn't mind, though, because I'm fine with being clean shaven. Especially since I started using safety razors last summer. But last year there was some legal stuff and all appearance standards were dropped by the company. Upper management in my department had a back and forth with legal and HR about our department but the legal team doesn't want to touch it. This had been going on for a few months and it has calmed down and now I have an opportunity.
My last shave was on Wednesday morning, 6 January, putting me at day 4. So far so good, and I'm surprised at how relatively quick my beard is growing in. Still have some patchy areas on my cheeks but these are minor and everything else is beyond what I was expecting. Family genetics = men in my family normally can't grow much of a beard quickly.
I figured I would check in here so that I can communicate with other bearded men as I give mine a go because of the temptation to shave. I also packed away all of my shaving stuff into a cabinet so it's not on the counter to tempt me. I'm sure it will get better, but right now I'm indifferent to it since I have never grown one before and don't know what to expect. But that is also kind of exciting, the not knowing what to expect part.
Itchiness hasn't been bad, at least not yet. I have been using a balm on my face to keep my skin moisturized and I think that may be helping. I still want to set a neck line to clean up a little, but I'm holding on for another week or so to let my barber do it so I don't mess it up.
One of the best parts is that The Wife is on board, but she is unsure about it as well. For the same reasons as me though, she doesn't know what to expect or how it will look on me. She did promise to admit it if she likes it .
Anywho, pardon me for getting a little long winded. So, I'm growing a beard and I'm excited about it, although a little uncertain. I'll give it a month, and if I'm (realistically) satisfied with my progress I'll keep going. If not, it's an excuse to get a hot shave from my barber.
My last shave was on Wednesday morning, 6 January, putting me at day 4. So far so good, and I'm surprised at how relatively quick my beard is growing in. Still have some patchy areas on my cheeks but these are minor and everything else is beyond what I was expecting. Family genetics = men in my family normally can't grow much of a beard quickly.
I figured I would check in here so that I can communicate with other bearded men as I give mine a go because of the temptation to shave. I also packed away all of my shaving stuff into a cabinet so it's not on the counter to tempt me. I'm sure it will get better, but right now I'm indifferent to it since I have never grown one before and don't know what to expect. But that is also kind of exciting, the not knowing what to expect part.
Itchiness hasn't been bad, at least not yet. I have been using a balm on my face to keep my skin moisturized and I think that may be helping. I still want to set a neck line to clean up a little, but I'm holding on for another week or so to let my barber do it so I don't mess it up.
One of the best parts is that The Wife is on board, but she is unsure about it as well. For the same reasons as me though, she doesn't know what to expect or how it will look on me. She did promise to admit it if she likes it .
Anywho, pardon me for getting a little long winded. So, I'm growing a beard and I'm excited about it, although a little uncertain. I'll give it a month, and if I'm (realistically) satisfied with my progress I'll keep going. If not, it's an excuse to get a hot shave from my barber.