Competitive bearding is a sport.

That's right, growing an awesome beard is not only an impressive hobby, but it's also a sport.

Bearding competitions take place on the world stage. Having an epic beard is the ultimate symbol of masculinity.

When you think of the greatest male figures of all time, there's a good chance they had a beard. From Abe Lincoln to Thor, many great fictional and historical figures are memorable for their facial hair.

Growing a beard worthy of the World Beard and Moustache Championships takes time and serious dedication to beard care.

If you have been wanting to grow a beard that will make your friends jealous but aren't sure where to start, you're in luck. Keep reading for our ultimate guide to beard care with tips on how to grow and groom a great beard.

Patience is a Virtue

Beards take time to grow and the best beards belong to those who are patient.

When you first start growing your beard, you have to resist the urge to touch it. You can't trim it or style it yet.

You'll need to leave it alone for at least 4-6 weeks. This will ensure that your beard grows in evenly.

Some hairs will grow faster than others. Allowing it to grow to its full potential will allow you to see its true length and thickness.

It might look messy during this time, but you have to resist the urge to mess with it.

Choose the Right Shape

Beards are not "one size fits all." It's important to choose a beard style and shape that works with your overall style and more importantly your face shape.

Beards are like haircuts in that certain shapes will be more flattering to your face than others. If you aren't sure what style of beard suits you best, consult a professional or check out this article.

Choosing the best beard shape to match your face will not only make your face look better but your beard as well.

Trimming

Once the growing out period has passed, you will need to regularly trim your beard.

Trimming your beard is an art in itself. You'll probably want to trim it yourself, but if you don't it's okay to go to a professional.

If you choose to go the DIY route, it's important to invest in a good quality trimmer or beard roller. With all the work you are putting into your beard, the tools you use to groom it are worth spending some cash on.

After all, you get what you pay for.

The style of beard you choose will determine what sort of trimming techniques you will use. We recommend checking Google and Youtube for videos on how to trim the style of beard you choose.

Washing

Properly washing and drying your beard is essential to its health and happiness. Your beard is made of hair like the hair on your head, but it requires even more TLC.

When you first start growing your beard, it's going to be itchy. It's especially important to regularly wash it during this time. Food and skin cells will get trapped in your beard and can make itching worse.

So how often should you wash it? It's recommended to wash your beard several times a week with a special beard wash.

After washing, gently pat your beard dry. Just like with the hair on your head, rubbing it too hard with a towel can cause frizz and split ends.

Beard Oil

Beard oil should be a staple in the bathroom of anyone with a beard.

Regularly using beard oil is the best way to keep your beard in top shape. Beard oil works to condition the hairs in your beard, making them soft and shiny.

These products always smell great and come in scents that will make you and your beard feel like a man.

Training Your Beard

Did you know you can actually train the hairs in your beard to lay the way you want?

Trimming your beard regularly will help maintain its shape but you can also train your beard to stay in line. At a minimum, you should comb or brush your beard daily with a specialized beard comb or beard brush.

This will teach hairs to grow in a downward direction. If you want to take things to the next level, you can even use styling products on your beard.

Soft-hold styling products will keep hairs in line and help you sculpt your beard into the perfect shape.

Don't Neglect Your Mustache

When you're trying to grow a great beard, you're probably also growing a mustache.

You want to make sure that mustache is in top shape as well. Regularly trim the area under your nose with grooming scissors.

You can also sculpt the hair in this area with a medium-hold wax product designed for mustaches.

Care for Your Body

The hair that makes up your beard is the product of your body so it only makes sense that properly fueling your body is necessary in order to grow the optimal beard.

Beards are primarily made of protein and fat, but also contain B vitamins. Vitamins B5, B3, and  B9 are especially important to beard health.

Consuming enough of these vitamins is essential to growing a beard worthy of competition. If you are having trouble getting these vitamins in your regular diet, you can purchase supplements designed to support beard growth.

The Importance of Beard Care

Proper beard care is critical to growing a beard on the level of the greats. One does not simply grow an epic beard without time and consideration.

The greatest beards take years to grow and train, so don't give up if your beard isn't perfect right away.

For more beard care tips, check out this post.