The Beard Saga

Beards are here to stay in 2017. Hemchhaya De gives you the low-down on all you need to know about grooming that fuzz-on-the-chin for your clients

Executive style or punk or avant-garde runway trends, beards are here to stay. “They will remain a popular hairstyle ‘accessory’ as more men are experimenting with radical beard styles,” says Vinod Kumar, senior hairstylist, Toni & Guy Salons, North India. India’s best known beauty expert and icon Shahnaz Husain reinforces that the full beard or lumberjack look will be around longer.

So, expect a barrage of demands for good looking beards at your salon this year. Apart from styling, you need to counsel clients about how to groom them too. Rohit Bhatkar, BBLUNT stylist, emphasises the importance of beard upkeep, “Though it may appear to your clients that it’s easy to maintain a beard, but the fact of the matter is that it needs a lot of attention and care.” Grooming a beard isn’t all that intimidating, there are just some basic dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

THE RIGHT FIT AND GROWTH

Facial hair can look stunning provided you keep a few things in mind before consulting your client. The facial cut of your client holds utmost importance according to Husain, “For a round and square face, the beard should be thinner on the sides and fuller on the chin. While for a long face, the sides should be fuller and be shorter on the chin.”

“Tell your clients to grow a beard for some time and then check with you to understand which style complements them.” says Pankaj Killa, Head Turners Salon & Spa, Kolkata. Kumar of Toni & Guy suggests you ask your clients to trim the lower neck while they are growing their beard, “But remember to ask them to be careful not to go too high on the jaw line.”