First and Foremost, Be Patient

A truly epic beard is the product of self-restraint. When you first start growing, resist the urge to trim or style, and leave it untouched for the first 4-6 weeks. This will allow the hairs to grow in evenly (some grow faster than others), and help you pick a style that suits its length and thickness.

Match Your Beard to Your Face Shape

Like any wild animal, a beard should be in-tune with its surrounding environment. After the first month of growth, choose a final style that complements your face shape. Your beard will look better, and so will you.

Know How (and When) to Trim

Pruning is essential to a well-groomed beard even if you plan on growing it out. Invest in a quality trimmer, and find the right technique to suit your master plan. 

Love Thy Beard Oil

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Nothing tames a beard like regular use of beard oil. There are many varieties to choose from, in a range of manly scents, but all of them will condition hairs to make them softer and shinier.

Don't Forget Your Nose Neighbor

Unless you've chosen a chinstrap and we really hope you didn't, growing an epic beard also means growing a mustache. To keep it looking neat, trim the area around your philtrum (the area under your nose) with a pair of grooming scissors, and keep it naturally sculpted with a medium-hold wax.