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The lockdown experiment was fun while it lasted, but now that the world is open again, there's something, well, kinda tragic about your face looking like Grizzly Adams's Chia Pet. Sorry, man. It's time to start taking care of the beard. Fortunately, the process isn't as intimidating as you might think. Just make like Mr. Adams and sharpen your knife, gaze at your reflection in the still waters of a mountain lake, and get to work. Or simply follow along with our instructions and wind up looking 272 percent better than a hermit who hangs out with bears all day. Your call.

BEARD CARE 101

Whether you're new to the beard game or just need a refresher, these are the basics.

For God's Sake, Wash Your Beard

Think of a beard wash as part of shampoo (for the hair) and part face wash (for the skin underneath). Use one every day to keep your whiskers clean, shiny, and food-particle-free.

Brush It Out

Use a boar-bristle brush to detangle and smooth the hair after you wash it and always before trimming. Even if you brush it dry, it will help make the areas that need to be trimmed more noticeable. (Plus, it helps distribute the natural oils.)

Trim With The Right Tools

When using a beard trimmer, always start with a longer guard and work your way down to your desired length. (Cutting it shorter on both sides will help lengthen and slim your face.) Then use scissors to gently trim away any flyaways that fall out of the overall shape.

Style It Up

Beard oil hydrates your whiskers to keep them from getting wiry and prevents the skin underneath from drying out. Really massage it in so the oil covers your bristles and the skin on your chin. And if you want more control over the shape, swap the oil for a beard balm. It's like pomade for your facial hair. Oh, and make sure you like the scent. It's going to be sitting on your face all day.

PRO-LEVEL BEARD HACKS

Celebrity groomer Jessica Ortiz has had her hands on the best beards in the biz. These are her secrets for A-list facial hair.

Trim With The Grain

There's nothing like a sharp-edged barber cut, but if you're looking for a longer beard with a more natural vibe, Ortiz recommends following the grain of your hair as you trim: "It maintains length and keeps it nice and soft."

Edge With A T-Liner

A T-liner is how pros get perfect neck and cheek lines. Use one that has an adjustable blade; when it's set at "zero gap," you'll get a fresh, crisp line. When it's adjusted to a slightly longer length, you'll achieve a more natural look.

Pay Careful Attention To Your Mustache

Whiskers should be trimmed so they hit just at the lip line. Ortiz holds a T-liner vertically and uses the corner to gently trim from the center of the lip to the corner. "You can create a softer edge on the lip instead of holding it flat and creating a straight line," she says. While you're at it, trim your nose hairs to keep things tidy.

Bust Breakouts

Often, pimples and bumps underneath a beard aren't acne -- they're ingrown hairs. Ortiz recommends dabbing on Bevel 2-in-1 Spot Fader to gently release the hair underneath the bump without gunking up your beard.

Blend Away Gray

There's no shame in having a little salt in the pepper of your beard, but if you're not ready to let your inner silver fox run free, you can even it out. "Delicately brush Color Wow Root Cover Up onto gray or white hair and it will color it without coloring the skin around it," Ortiz says.

- Garrett Munce
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