Know the beard that suits you

Apr 03, 2009

Three of the most famous beard designs in Uganda currently belong to Ivan Koreta and David Tinyefuza both of the UPDF and to Charles Onyango-Obbo of The Nation Group.

By Timothy Bukumunhe

Three of the most famous beard designs in Uganda currently belong to Ivan Koreta and David Tinyefuza both of the UPDF and to Charles Onyango-Obbo of The Nation Group.

While men have been sporting beards since biblical times, certain beard designs like a moustache does not suit everyman. While I sport a goatee, I cannot have a full blown beard because my facial hair does not grow evenly. Rather it grows in patches.

Some men who appreciate the appeal of a moustache believe that they should be worn "neat" without a beard to hamper the image. Therefore some men wear mustaches without beards. Other men wear a full mustache in addition to a full beard.

While growing a mustache is mostly easy for most men baring the initial unshaven look, as it grows, it also starts to itch and other issues pop up. How long should the moustache be? Should it be as long as Koreta’s or Tinyefuza’s? Should the mustache be groomed by the wearer or it is better to have a professional barber or hairstylist shape and groom the mustache?

Experts say the actual size and fullness of the beard should work with the size of the man's facial features. The general rule of thumb is that men with smaller facial structures should wear smaller mustaches or less prominent beard sizes. Men with more prominent features should go with a larger or more prominent design.

Moustaches of other facial hair can also punch up the overall face shape by adding good balance and definition, while a well maintained mustache and, or beard will camouflage a soft or ageing jaw line.

A moustache will shorten an overly rectangular or oblong shape or help to balance a large or round face. A carefully trimmed goatee can also infuse an element of squareness to a soft chin.

Fisal Mukasa, a barber on Dewinton Road, argues that it is important to keep any facial hair clean, neat and well groomed. He says: “If you decide to keep your moustache groomed and trimmed at home, there are many excellent tools on the market that can assist you.”

Stylists who specialise in working with men are more knowledgeable about trimming and styling facial hair.

There are two basic parts to trimming a moustache. One is to define and adjust the overall length of your moustache hair. The other one is the shape of the moustache.

When you are trimming, keep in mind that just as the hair grows in different directions, you must trim in multiple directions. You will have to trim both with and against the grain to catch the hairs that are bent.

If trimming with a comb and a scissors, comb against the grain of the moustache hair, to get it to stand up against the normal grain. Then use the scissors and cut against the base of the comb to achieve a uniform length. Remember to take your time and work carefully. Once you chop hair, you cannot glue it back.



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