How to wear a beard at work

BOARDROOM READY

We’ve come a long way since the early 2000s when beards were generally viewed as blue-collar, unprofessional, and essentially a no-go in the office.

That said, there are still some work environments where beards are not viewed favorably. However, this doesn’t have to stop you from having a beard. When done right, a beard can fit in any professional setting.

Here’s how to pull it off.

 1. KEEP IT NEAT 
There are two things at play here—giving yourself enough time to get past the awkward stage and regularly trimming your beard. Start growing your beard during a vacation or whenever you have some extended time away from the office (hopefully, that time away is of your own volition). Before you head back for your first day of work, hit the barbershop and get a crisp beard trim to clean up your neck and cheek lines. Then, make sure you master the at-home beard trim so you can keep your beard neat as it grows in. Our guide to a perfect beard trim will teach you everything you need to know.

How long should you grow your beard? A 2–3 inch beard is what we call the corporate beard. It’s long enough to fill in and look full but not so long that it draws unwanted attention.

2. KEEP IT CLEAN 
Rolling into your morning meeting with a dirty, dry, scraggly looking beard isn’t going to help you convince the powers that be that your beard is professional. Wash and condition your beard with a Beard Wash & Beard Softener and keep it hydrated throughout the day with Beard Oil or Beard Balm. A soft and hydrated beard is much easier to style than a beard that is dry and wiry. This helps add to the neat appearance. It’s not a bad idea to keep a Beard Comb and Beard Brush at your desk to keep your beard in line throughout the day. Just don’t start combing your beard in the middle of a meeting.


3. DRESS TO IMPRESS 
When you have a beard in the workplace, one of the best ways to make sure no one doubts your professionalism is to dress impeccably. If your current dress wardrobe is slacks and button-down shirts, invest in quality suits and get them tailored. Always consider the total package when presenting yourself to clients or the board.


Put these tips to use, and who knows, you might just be part of the reason why beards become even more accepted in the workplace.