There comes a time in a man's life when questioning "How do I grow a beard?" arises. You may have just experienced a hastening of natural growth, you may have simply just moved to East London. For many of us it's just a glimmer of a thought, for others however this urge can turn into an obsession. Most of us have certainly tried to grow a beard. For many who have attempted, it may just not have worked out the first time. You were young, you were silly and it truly did look awful didn't it? Getting back on the horse further down the line however is something that the Murdock barbers truly advocate. Beards enhance confidence, allow men to stand out and can even define careers. They unite men socially - have done for years and essentially represent a right of passage in the marathon that is life. It is also something that some manage to achieve seemingly easier than others. This is, however by no means due to a natural difference in hair type or skin tone as commonly believed. As you will soon discover, it is all down to a crucial difference in approach and attitude. Treat this guide by Murdock Master Barber Alex Glover as the essential lifestyle propaganda that it is. This gentlemen, in assured writing, is how you grow a beard...

1-Start from afresh

If you’re looking to start growing a new beard, be sure to start from nothing. Set aside some time and have a proper shave so that your skin is fresh and well treated. This will minimise any early signs of irritation and underlying skin problems. Remember that thorough preparation is crucial in regards to how your skin will respond to your blade. Before shaving you should wash your face using Face Wash to cleanse pores of excess oils, dirt and dead skin. After gently drying your face, applying Pre Shave Oil will help soften facial hair and nourish the skin ahead of applying your Shave Cream lather and beginning to work with your blade.

2-Persistence - Overcome the itch!

Your beard may be itchy for the first two weeks or even up to the first month and a half of growth. Primarily caused by a daily accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells and dehydration, the levels of discomfort endured can be a struggle - even a few day's worth of stubble can be enough to spur irritation. It's also important to remember that no matter how clean you keep newly grown facial hair, natural itchiness as part of your bearded initiation will occur, generally caused by new hair's capability of collecting rogue dirt. It won't last forever however. Products such as Beard Moisturiser and Beard Oil can be used to combat this, but the main thing to remember is that the itchiness will eventually leave. You realistically want to grow your beard for about three months before you can appreciate its true potential and the true fullness. Be sure to also read the Murdock Barbers' expert 3-step grooming guide, guaranteed to help treat immense levels of irritation. *Extra quick tip: If you're not keen on sporting a shiny beard during the day but still want to redeem the benefits of Beard Oil, simply apply it at night and stick to Beard Moisturiser once you leave the house. You will not only display a completely smooth, natural looking beard but also gain the nurturing benefits of both products.

3-Find a shape that suits you

There’s always the temptation caused by beard envy to hack away and try something that really just looks better on your mate or that model. Different shapes suit different beards however and there are all kinds of charts that can help you look for realistic inspiration and facial comparisons. Ideally though, you should pop in to your local Murdock barbershop and get some professional advice from one of our expert barbers. Once you’ve decided where you want to go with your beard, stick to it.

4-Play to your strengths

Growing a beard is a full-time job. Even when your facial hair has reached a desired length there is much work to be done. The best course of action is to visit an expert barber and have them assess the required amount of trimming and shaping. Beard Trims can range from £20 -£45 so if you’re in the mood, book an appointment to treat yourself and your beard. If your beard happens to be patchy in areas - don't worry, you can still work with this. Your barber will always be able to advise on the best options to take and also help reach those tricky areas. From this point you can build a healthy relationship and continue to visit for frequent shorter trims to maintain a consistent style.

Look how happy having a beard makes these chaps!

5-Take pride in your beard - Show off that hard work and share it online

To maintain your beard at home, be sure to use a specialist Shampoo & Conditioner to cleanse, soften and untangle long and coarse hairs. A well-groomed beard is also second to none when further combed or brushed through - leaving no knots and a healthy shine. From this point on, just enjoy your fine facial hair and the compliments that should come with it. We see some fantastic examples of well grown and maintained facial hair across the Murdock shops on a daily basis and want the rest of the world to see them too. Share your style with us by tagging @murdocklondon on Instagram and Twitter. Our barbers are also always at hand to answer any grooming questions that you may have. So do get in touch! For a complete beard maintenance guide, be sure to read more of the Murdock Barbers' expert recommendations.