Classic Movie Beards and How to Achieve Them

Facial hair is an underappreciated part of cinema. Without beards and mustaches, some actors wouldn’t have the aura and majestic looks that made them famous. How can you emulate the most renowned movie beards? Here are the eight best examples and how to achieve them.

1. Johnny Depp: “Pirates of the Caribbean”

“Pirates of the Caribbean” has made $1.45 billion since its 2003 debut. When you think of the movies, you likely picture Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow with his fashionable beard. The braids and beads make his facial hair iconic and recognizable, even from a silhouette. While challenging, it’s one of the best facial hair styles to emulate.

Start by growing a full beard because you’ll need plenty for the braids. Once grown, shave your cheeks and most of your neck as if you’re creating a goatee. Divide your chin hair once it reaches 4 inches and braid it. You’ll look even better with the soul patch, so don’t shave it. This beard is excellent if you don’t have a lot of facial hair but still want a fun style.

2. Sir Ian McKellen: “The Lord of the Rings”

Speaking of successful movies, “The Lord of the Rings” features Gandalf and one of the most legendary beards. Sir Ian McKellen rocked this look that gave the wizard his superior wisdom, helping Frodo and Sam on their journey. Practice patience — you’ll need it for this style.

Let your mane grow for multiple months to get the Gandalf beard. Length is the primary goal, so maintenance is necessary to keep it stylish. Your grooming routine should include a conditioning wash, consistent brushing and occasional trims to improve appearance. The white and gray dyes are optional for this one.

3. Hugh Jackman: “X2”

Wolverine is famous for his hair and sharp claws, but you shouldn’t forget the iconic mutton chops. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal in “X2” is unforgettable and worthy of Halloween or cosplay ideas. This facial hair concept is pretty manageable, though you’ll need attention to detail for perfection.

Focus on your cheeks and the mutton chops for Hugh Jackman’s beard. Shave your mustache and the soul patch down to stubble so people see the rest of your face. Your mutton chops should be around 1 or 2 inches, so let the hair grow for a while. Don’t worry if it looks unkempt.

4. Clint Eastwood: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

Clint Eastwood has numerous iconic movies, but his looks stand out in “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” from 1966. Eastwood’s appearance is iconic for his hat, poncho, grubby cheroot and era-defining cowboy stubble. If you want simplicity, this movie beard is for you.

The Man With No Name has a surprisingly groomed beard for being an aggressive bounty hunter. Grow the hair on your cheeks, but trim it to ensure it doesn’t go wild. Your neck hair can grow slightly, but keep it shorter than your cheeks to emulate the style.

5. Tom Hanks: “Cast Away”

Not all cinema looks need grooming. In “Cast Away,” Tom Hanks has to survive on a deserted island. The setting had no razors, so he had to let his facial hair grow. While grooming is part of any good maintenance routine, it won’t be for this beard.

In “Cast Away,” Tom’s facial hair gradually grows, so your beard comes in phases. Start with heavy stubble before progressing to a more unorganized look. Your beard should be about 3 mm long by the third day, so let it progress. Eventually, your facial hair should reach scruffy and unkempt levels to mimic Hanks.

6. Kurt Russell: “The Thing”

If you like sci-fi and horror, you probably recognize the greatness of “The Thing.” Kurt Russell starred in this 1982 movie and made headlines because of his fantastic beard. His facial hair embodied the full-hair-and-beard look famous in the 1970s and 1980s.

Russell’s big beard was essential for filming in Juneau, Alaska. Emulating his facial hair requires growing it out for a few weeks, depending on how fast it grows. That said, your R.J. MacReady beard needs plenty of grooming to ensure it stays intact. Use beard combs and regularly trim to ensure cleanliness on your face. You could also use some frost to emulate the Alaskan cold.

7. Gerard Butler: “King Leonidas”

Some men command great power with their beards. If you want to look like a king, take lessons from Gerard Butler. The famous actor portrayed King Leonidas of Sparta as he led 300 Spartans into Thermopylae. Pair the outfit with a cape and sword for an authentic look.

The 300 beard requires an extended growing period, so don’t shave for a couple of months. If you want a touch-up, clean the upper half of your cheeks. Otherwise, ensure a pleasant and even style across your mustache and soul patch. Volume is critical here, so use good beard products and a healthy diet to emulate one of the best movie beards.

8. Zach Galifianakis: “The Hangover”

“The Hangover” was one of the best films from the late 2000s, boasting over $460 million at box offices worldwide. This franchise is synonymous with Zach Galifianakis and his big beard, sunglasses and baby carrier. If you combine all three, you could craft an excellent costume. Grab a couple of friends to portray Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.

The Zach Galifianakis beard requires grizzly bear genes because you require full facial hair. You can get an occasional trim to clean it up, but you won’t need much more. Keep the beard entirely brown for the first “Hangover” movie, but later portrayals require some gray mixed in the middle. Curl your hair if you want to complete the look.

Growing the Best Movie Beards

While performance goes a long way, appearance puts actors over the top. Captain Jack Sparrow, Chuck Noland and Gandalf are a few men who wouldn’t be the same without their beards.

When growing movie beards, pay attention to the specific maintenance needs. Some appearances need consistent grooming, whereas others can remain unkempt.

Posted on by

Dry Air and Its Impact on Your Hair Health

Good hair is the secret to a great appearance. Unfortunately, some environmental factors may be out of your control. Low humidity can create a questionable environment for your hair and beard, resulting in an unkempt appearance and troublesome quality. Fortunately, you can improve care and maintenance routines to mitigate such conditions.

Your Hair vs. Dry Air

Dry air is typically a problem in wintertime, but some areas constantly deal with a low-humidity environment. These conditions can cause hair itchiness, dandruff, flakes and more.

1. Itchiness

Dry air can make skin more itchy. Even if the head and beard area are covered with locks of hair, they are still prone to smaller irritations. If you have sensitive skin, it may even feel like the skin stings.

An itchy scalp is associated with hair loss in many different ways. Scratching it can scar the skin and follicles, reducing hair health. It also works both ways, as less coverage means more exposure to dry air and even more itchiness.

2. Dandruff

Dry air can also cause dandruff on the head and beard area. A lack of moisture can make the skin even more flaky. Scratching exposes those white speckles, but if the skin gets bad, it can shed them even without contact.

The flakes may also be attributed to seborrheic dermatitis. Its main difference with dandruff is that it triggers redness on light skin and light patches on dark skin. Contact a dermatologist if there’s swelling or discoloration on the scalp and beard.

3. Weakness

Strong hair is advantageous because it is of good quality and easy to style. However, dry air can make it much weaker than usual. If you already have frail strands, the dry air can make your head and beard even more of a nightmare.

Dry hair is more prone to split ends and frizz, which is visible close-up. If you’re cozying up with a partner, having these flaws show up close can make you quite self-conscious.

4. Dullness

All extreme weather conditions impact your locks. Low humidity can cause dullness, and the lack of moisture can also cause it to lose its natural sheen. This is a problem for those with longer hair and beards since the matte effect is more obvious.

Straight hair may manage with a lack of vitality. Unfortunately, dullness is more evident with naturally wavy and curly hair, as they get a flatter volume and lackluster appearance.

How to Take Care of Your Hair

Dry air may be inevitable, but there are preventive measures and home remedies for protecting hair after exposure to such a harsh environment.

1. Avoid the Outdoors

Low humidity is much more apparent when you head outdoors. To protect your hair, stay at home instead. Consider working from home or inviting people to your household if possible.

If you do need to go outside, make sure to cover up your hair to minimize exposure. A hat can cushion your head. For the beard, you can opt to wear a face mask. Wrapping a handkerchief around also works.

2. Optimize Your Home

Even if you are indoors, dry air from outside may seep inside. Make sure to close all the windows. Insulation material is also a good way to keep the outdoor conditions out of your household and vice versa.

You can also install a humidifier to distribute moisture throughout the home and combat lingering dryness. Find the right temperature settings for you. It can also reduce the spread of bacteria, further protecting the hair and skin from getting the itch.

3. Sleep and Eat Well

Dry air is an external condition that is hard to get rid of. However, you can fortify your internal health to prevent cumbersome hair conditions. For example, food with vitamins A and C and omega-3 fatty acids can renew your skin cells and restore moisture. Sneak in seafood and chia seeds in your diet.

Drinking water can also maintain hydration. Set an alarm to get a glass throughout the day to ensure you get enough fluids. A shower can also give your scalp a break from dryness.

Try to get a good night’s sleep to keep your immune system intact too. You can also invest in a silk pillowcase since its natural material lets the skin and hair breathe in the long run. It can also regulate temperature better than other materials like satin or cotton.

4. Change Up Your Style

Dry air makes hair maintenance quite challenging, especially when you have a longer style. During low-humid seasons, consider changing up your style. You can experiment with a shorter cut or shave while simplifying the upkeep.

For the hair, chop off an inch or two to make it easier to manage. If you want to take things to the next level, a short textured crop or crew cut will be easier to manage.

With a beard, opt for a short stubble instead. This style lets you peek at your skin to check for rashes. This style grows half an inch monthly, so shave to maintain the same length if you wish.

5. Apply Essential Oils

Essential oils are usually associated with adding extra scents, but they can also improve health. For example, lavender and peppermint can prevent hair loss and stop breakage. Stronger hair can withstand the colder weather.

To apply this, formulate your own hair perfume by adding lavender and peppermint oil to a spray bottle. You can use argan or coconut oil as the base to add an extra spritz of moisture to the locks. Dilute with water if you have more sensitive skin.

6. Shift Products

Look into more moisturizing products for the hair and skin amid dry air. This can compensate for the weather and prevent flakiness from occurring. Cream-based products should do the trick, but you can also opt for gel.

If you’re taking a shaver to your hair or beard, take extra care of your skin. A moisturizing shaving cream or oil is extremely important to prep for cutting.

Afterward, you can pamper your skin with extra product. Home remedies can also be quite helpful. Honey can heal brittle hair by stimulating cell regeneration. Combine it with milk to soften existing strands. Apply this liquid mask liberally.

Save Your Hair Health

Dry air can affect your hair’s health and style, as well as the skin underneath. Take matters into their own hands and care for the head and beard area. The right changes can help you look fresh and well-groomed.

Posted on by

Best Beard Grooming Habits When Dealing With Extreme Heat

Summertime brings late sunsets, terrific barbecues and fun days on the water. However, the scorching temperatures can make your outings much more difficult. How should your grooming habits change when extreme heat arrives? Caring for your beard is a priority because of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here’s how to take care of your beard in the dog days of summer.

beard

What Grooming Habits Should You Use in Extreme Heat?

When the temperatures hit triple digits, it’s time to turn on the air conditioner and care for your beard. Here are five habits for protecting your beard and grooming for the summer heat. 

Sunscreen

Your skin needs sunscreen to reduce the risk of sun damage and prevent discomfort. Heat waves typically mean intense UV rays beating on your arms, face and legs. While rubbing sunscreen on your skin is standard practice, you also need it for your beard.

Sunscreen is most advantageous for guys with thin beards. Apply it to your facial hair for enhanced protection against dangerous UV rays. Protect your beard and keep it soft all summer by making sunscreen one of your extreme heat grooming habits.

Trimming

You might not want to hear about trimming if you enjoy your long beard. However, it’s a worthwhile part of your routine because it cools down your face. Less facial hair means a lighter beard and an easier time in the sun.

Your beard keeps heat under your hair and makes the weather feel hotter than it is. Find the beard length you feel most comfortable with in the summer and make it a part of your routine. Alternatively, try a shorter and trendy style like the chinstrap or the Balbo beard.

Exfoliation

When you think of exfoliation, you likely picture acne prevention. However, it also matters for your beard. Exfoliating is one of the most essential grooming habits for your face because it aids blood circulation. It’s also complementary to beard oil after you apply the product.

Exfoliating eliminates dead skin cells in facial hair and makes it more comfortable during extreme heat. The process is easy when you have a beard brush, so find one with the proper stiffness. This tool also aids facial hair in absorbing beard balm.

Beard Shampoo

Going outside may be unavoidable, so you’ll return with a hard day’s work on your face. Sweat, dirt, dust and other contaminants seep into your beard, meaning you need a body and beard shower afterward. Cleanse your face with beard shampoo as one of your grooming habits.

Beard shampoo cleans your beard by removing the contaminants clogging your pores. You’ll also protect your facial hair’s natural oils with restored moisture and a healthier appearance. Find a gentle shampoo that protects your beard instead of introducing harsh chemicals.

Beard Oil

Being in the sun for extended periods means caring for your skin and beard afterward. Your skin may need aloe due to the sunburn, and your facial hair craves beard oil. Experts say extended heat exposure makes your hair feel brittle, so moisture restoration is necessary for your beard.

Beard oil is an excellent remedy for drying facial hair because it hydrates your beard and the skin underneath. Apply a few drops after you’ve been in the sun to prevent the worst UV ray damage and smell great at the same time.

How Else Can You Protect Your Beard During Extreme Heat?

beard

Solid grooming habits are essential during extreme heat. However, there are other factors you should consider for your facial hair. Here are more tips for beard upkeep this summer.

Shade

Prolonged sun exposure harms your skin and facial hair, so stay away from UV rays as much as possible by finding shade. Have your outdoor picnic under a tree or hang out with your family on a shaded porch. Take whatever measure necessary to keep your beard from the sun.

What happens if you’re in the sun too long? While your beard faces dryness and brittleness, your entire body is at risk during heat waves. Research shows heat stroke and heat exhaustion cause hundreds of fatalities annually, emphasizing the need for self-care.

Timely Outings

You still have things to do during heat waves, so sitting inside all day might not be an option. If you must go outside, time your outings to avoid the worst UV rays. Your body and beard will thank you when you finish your errands before the sun starts beating heavily on your skin.

When should you avoid outdoor activities? The American Cancer Society says the six hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the worst because that’s when UV rays become their most potent. Go for a swim after sunset or play in the park with your kids in the early morning.

Hydration Breaks

Remember a couple of things if you must go outside in the middle of the day. First, you need adequate hydration throughout your outdoor activities. Your body loses water through sweat, so you need replenishment. Plus, your water intake throughout the day keeps your beard hydrated.

Another essential reminder during a heat wave is taking breaks. Schedule regular rest periods for your body to ensure you don’t overdo it. While you may feel tempted to tough it out, the extreme heat and UV rays are no joke. Take the time to hydrate and cool down.

Diet

Diet

While grooming habits take center stage, don’t forget the minor details concerning beard health. For example, your diet matters during extreme heat because it affects your facial hair growth. Maintaining a healthy diet is a small but significant part of your day. 

How can your diet maintain beard health? Experts say lean proteins and iron-rich foods make your facial hair look healthier and fuller. Chicken and salmon are terrific light protein sources, so make cold sandwiches when heat waves arrive. 

Careful Swimming

Jumping into swimming pools is an excellent way to cool off and stay fit in the summer. While enjoyable, they can impact your beard health due to the chemicals. Therefore, you should watch what you put in the pool when it’s time to clean.

Chlorine is a significant reason to limit your time spent in swimming pools. This chemical element makes you vulnerable to dryness and discoloration as it seeps into your cuticles. Consider chlorine alternatives or spend more time in natural bodies of water.

Remembering Your Grooming Habits in Extreme Heat

Heat waves can cause even the toughest guys to succumb to extreme temperatures. You need solid grooming habits and safety precautions to stay healthy in the summer heat. Beard products, shade and hydration are excellent options during dangerously hot weather.

Posted on by

Keeping Beards Protected From Pests

Dropping food into your beard isn’t unheard of, but it could invite unwanted guests. If you don’t manage it well, your facial hair could be a bug’s next feeding ground.

While it may seem unimportant, beard maintenance can go a long way in deterring mosquitos, flies and other insects. Here’s what you need to know about pest prevention for your beard.

beards

How to Keep Pests Away From Your Beard

Growing a beard comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean — otherwise, you could set up a red carpet for bugs to enter your facial hair. Here’s how to keep pests away from your beard.

Consistent Cleanings

Your beard experiences a lot during the day. Work, exercise, parties and family time can take your facial hair anywhere indoors and outdoors. While showing off your beard is fun, you must clean it consistently to remove unwanted contaminants.

Food, dirt, sweat and bacteria build up inside the hair, even if you don’t notice them. A clean beard is essential to keeping pests out and maintaining good hygiene. Experts recommend washing two to three times a week for beard upkeep.

Routine Trims

A messier beard provides an attractive resting spot for pests. Routinely trim your beard to reduce the chance a bug will set up camp inside. This is similar to cutting the grass in your yard to eliminate habitats for snakes.

If you let your beard grow, you could risk trapping moisture and growing bacteria. Thus, trimming your facial hair is critical to fostering a cleaner environment under your chin. A smaller beard is also easier to clean, letting you spend less time in front of the mirror.

Neutral Scents

Smelling fresh is critical to your hygiene. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and cologne impact how people perceive you. While the scents from these products are great, they could bring unwanted pests to your beard. Research shows carboxylic acid attracts mosquitoes, so refrain from using products with it in your beard.

When in doubt, select neutral scents for your beard care. For example, unscented shaving cream leaves no scent while delivering a fresh feeling. If you like more complex smells, experiment with products to see which ones repel pests better than others.

Careful Eating

When you haven’t eaten in a while, it’s time to chow down. However, overzealous eating can harm your beard if food leaves your mouth. Accidents can happen, so careful eating is essential for beard protection. Sometimes, covering your mouth might not be enough.

Protect your beard by eating slower and taking smaller bites to make it easier on your mouth. Consider using a fork, knife and other utensils instead of your hands to control the food as it enters your mouth. Enhance your beard protection with nearby napkins and wipes to cleanse your face.

Beard Protection

When the ultraviolet (UV) rays are dangerous, people wear hats to protect their scalps. Should you take similar measures for your beard? While there aren’t beard hats, there is some gear to safeguard your facial hair when you walk outside. For example, a beard scarf could be your solution.

Why Bugs Are Attracted to Facial Hair

Why do pests like making themselves at home in your beard? Here are a few reasons they like your face.

Attractive Smells

While bugs may like your artificial scent, there are other natural smells they can’t get enough of. Humans emit carbon dioxide (CO2), thus benefiting plant growth because they need it for respiration. What else has an attraction to this gas? Mosquitoes can sense CO2 from 50 yards away, making it hard to hide.

When bugs smell CO2, it indicates where their next meal could be. Mosquitos use this scent to find your skin, take refuge and begin feasting. While on your body, they find other attractive smells in your beard and take refuge.

Food Search

While humans and insects seem different, they’re both animals at heart. Invertebrates and vertebrates have daily goals to find food. Bugs typically eat plants, but they won’t pass up the opportunity to feast on you.

Beards provide a unique opportunity for insects because the hair traps tiny food particles. While a shower can help the beard, you could be vulnerable to less noticeable messes. Suppose you sweeten Greek yogurt with honey for a healthy snack. The honey could get stuck in your beard and invite bugs for their mealtime.

Temporary Shelter

Shelter is another critical need for insects. If you’re unlucky, they may seek a home inside your beard. Facial hair might not seem large enough for a habitat, but it’s the right size for a tiny bug. Pests see your beard as a refuge from the dangerous outdoor environment where their predators are.

Beards keep you warm during the winter, giving you a natural advantage in the cold. Pests also recognize this opportunity and want to take advantage of it regardless of the season. Research shows insects prefer higher temperatures, so your beard provides the needed spot.

Laying Eggs

When bugs find a safe and warm place, they may see it as an optimal spot for laying eggs. Their spawn needs moisture and warmth inside the egg, so your beard could be a suitable place. Consistent sweat and hot temperatures make your facial hair their next destination.

For example, experts say lice affect up to 12 million people annually, and these tiny bugs can get in your facial hair.

Bacteria Haven

Working hard in the gym or outside means you’ll break a sweat. While it’s a sign of a job well done, the sweat dripping from your face to your beard could bring negative consequences. This fluid contains bacteria that don’t smell great to humans but are attractive to pests.

When you sweat, your body calls pests and tells them to come over. Mosquitos enjoy human sweat because it contains lactic acid and ammonia. Excessive sweat makes it worse, so grab a towel and clean yourself after workouts.

Posted on by