GQ recently published an article called How to Grow a Beard for the First Time featuring yours truly, our Dude No. 1 Beard Oil. The article has proven to be been wildly popular, and lived on their homepage for several weeks as one of the Top 5 reads and we have been seeing tons of traffic to our site because of it. So, I thought I'd share their tips + tricks here for those of you in need of some beard growing, grooming, and styling tips.

1. Have Patience

It'll take most guys about a month to grow out a full beard. Resist overshaping it in those early days till you can see what's really going on. Though, do use a trimmer to give the hair an even look.

2. Accept the Itch

New beard hairs can feel like a cactus poking your skin (sorry fellas!). The prickly sensation goes away after about a week so stay strong.

3. Wash That

It's hair, so you need to clean it or dirt can get trapped underneath. You can just wash it with shampoo about twice a week, when you're showering.

4. Soften It Up

Here's the important step: use Dude No.1 Beard Oil! Hair that's supple will lay flat and won't itch your girlfriend. Plus the subtle herbs and wood scent is sure to woo her. 

5. Avoid Hard Lines

Your beard look is really customizable, but a natural look is in right now. AKA, a beard shouldn't end at your chin. Let the hair grow naturally up to about an inch or two above your Adam's apple, then allow it to fade using a few different settings on your trimmer.

6. Shape Your Face

Christian Olvera, from LA's Baxter Finley barber shop says," Everyone should aim to trim in tighter on the cheeks and leave hair a littler longer where a goatee would be."

Article edited and condensed from GQ's How to Grow a Beard for the First Time / Photo by Nathaniel Goldberg for GQ