(We use the word “beard” often to mean not only a full faced beard, but facial hair in general. It’s a lazy shorthand, but more often than not, we’re referring to goatees, moustaches, full beards, and everything in between.)

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Tips for growing a beard:

• Take good care of yourself.  A healthy you grows a healthy beard.
• Let it grow out for a solid month to 6 weeks. That way you know what you're working with.
• Genetics plays a large role, and a full beard doesn't work for every face. There's an entire spectrum of facial hair options. Go with what suits you best -- a crappy beard with a great moustache doesn't do anyone any favors. 
• Summertime beards are just as awesome. They're kind of like Panama or Straw Hats -- they keep the sun from beating down on your face, and can let the breeze right on through to cool you off.

Tips for maintaining a beard:

• Conditioner is your friend.
• Measure twice, cut once.