Ever looked at Elvis Presley or Hugh Jackman and marveled at their suave sideburns? There’s no denying that a well-grown and trimmed set of sideburns can significantly enhance your facial aesthetic and give your personality a distinct edge. But how does one go from bare to flare when it comes to sideburns? Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand what sideburns are, how to grow sideburns, and how to maintain them in their full glory. So, whether you’re a sideburn novice or someone looking to refine their look, stay tuned. Your journey to sensational sideburns starts here.
Table of Contents
What are Sideburns?
Sideburns are strips of facial hair that run down from each side of the face in line with the ears, usually ending level with the bottom of the earlobe or extending down further along the cheeks and jawline. Named after Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who sported an impressive set himself, sideburns are a timeless element of men’s grooming.
History and Cultural Significance
Sideburns have had their moments of glory throughout history, becoming symbols of fashion, rebellion, and status for many men at various times. In the 19th century, large sideburns were a sign of masculinity and power. Fast forward to the 1960s and 70s, sideburns made a massive comeback, particularly in the rock n’ roll and pop culture scene, with icons like Elvis Presley donning a pair of burns that are remembered to this day.
From being worn by soldiers in the Civil War to making a statement on the red carpet, sideburns have become a grooming staple for men around the world. In today’s era, they are worn in a variety of styles, customized to personal preferences and face shapes.
Deciding Your Sideburn Style
When it comes to the shorter sideburns and styles, the sky’s the limit on how to grow sideburns. However, here are a few classic and contemporary styles that have stood the test of time:
- Short and Classic: These are the most common type of sideburns. Short and well-groomed, they typically extend to the mid-ear level and are kept close to the skin. This style suits a variety of face shapes and is a good starting point for beginners.
- Long and Slim: This style is a bit more daring, with sideburns extending down towards the jawline but kept relatively thin. The long and slim style can help elongate round or square faces, adding balance and symmetry.
- Mutton Chops: A throwback to the 19th century, mutton chops are for those willing to make a bold statement. The sideburns are grown thick and long, extending along the cheek, and often connecting with the mustache (no matter what kind of mustache you have). They suit a variety of face shapes, but can especially add width to a longer face.
- Tapered Sideburns: This style creates a smooth transition from the hair to the sideburns to the face. They’re wider at the top and gradually become narrower towards the bottom. Tapered sideburns suit almost all face shapes and add a refined touch to your look.
Choosing a Style Based on Your Face Shape
Picking a thicker sideburns style that complements your face shape is paramount. Here are a few suggestions on how to grow sideburns:
- Round faces: Longer, slim sideburns can help add length to the face, making it appear more balanced.
- Square faces: Similar to round faces, long sideburns can help soften the angular features of a square face.
- Oval faces: This face shape can pull off a variety of styles, from short to long sideburns. However, avoid excessively long sideburns as they might make the face appear overly elongated.
- Long faces: Shorter or bushy sideburns can add width, helping to offset the length of the face.
As you decide on your sideburn style, remember to take into consideration your lifestyle, profession, and personal preference. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect fit.
Absolutely, let’s revise this section using H3 headings for a more in-depth explanation.
How to Grow Sideburns
Sideburns are a bold and stylish facial feature that can transform your look. Whether you want to channel your inner Elvis Presley or just try something new, growing sideburns is a journey. From the initial decision to the final trim, there are key steps and considerations along the way. In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of growing sideburns, dealing with potential challenges like patchiness, and ensuring comfort as they come in.
Starting the Process
The journey on how to grow sideburns begins with patience. Unlike other parts of the body, facial hair can take a bit of time to fully grow in. Depending on your genetics, you might have to wait a few weeks to a couple of months. So put down the comb and the razor, let nature take its course, and resist the urge to shave.
As your sideburns start to grow, you’ll need to decide on their length. Visualize the look you’re aiming for – do you want them short and subtle, or long and bold? This decision will guide your grooming process as they grow in.
Similarly, determining desired length and the width of your sideburns is crucial. Are you looking for thin, curly sideburns that blend into your hairline, or do you want them to stand out? Again, your face shape, desired look, and current hairstyle will all play a role in this decision.
Dealing with Patchiness
Patchiness is a common obstacle when growing sideburns. If you’re dealing with this issue, the first solution is to give it time. Often, the patchy areas just need a bit more time to fill in. Don’t be discouraged – remember, growing sideburns is a marathon, not a sprint.
If you’re still struggling with patchiness after shaving for some time, you might want to consider using a beard growth serum. These products are formulated to stimulate hair growth and can be an effective tool in achieving the sideburns of your dreams.
Managing Itch and Discomfort
Growing sideburns isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about comfort too. As your sideburns grow in, you might experience some itchiness and discomfort. This is perfectly normal and part of the process.
To manage this, maintain good skin hygiene. Regularly washing the skin under your chin and sideburns can reduce irritation and discomfort. Consider using a beard oil to moisturize the skin and hair. Not only does this treatment help reduce itchiness, but it also promotes healthier hair growth.
Growing sideburns is a commitment that requires time, patience, and care. But with these steps, you’ll be on your way to rocking your new look.
Maintenance and Grooming
Growing sideburns is just the first part of the journey. Once you’ve achieved the length and style you want, the next critical step is maintaining and grooming your sideburns. This will ensure they continue to look their best and complement your overall look.
From regular trimming to skin and hair care, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to keep your sideburns in top-notch condition. Ready? Let’s dive into the maintenance and grooming tips.
Trimming Tips
Once you’ve grown your sideburns, maintaining them becomes the next important step. Regular trimming is essential to keep your sideburns neat and tidy. Invest in a good quality beard trimmer now, which will allow you to control the length and maintain the shape of your sideburns. It’s advisable to trim your sideburns every 2-3 days to ensure they stay in check.
Maintaining the Shape
The shape of your sideburns plays a major role in your overall look. Over time, sideburns tend to grow out of their initial shape. To keep them looking sharp, regular reshaping might be necessary. Depending on the style you’ve chosen, you may need to trim more from the bottom or the top. Remember to trim and shave both sides evenly to maintain symmetry.
Skin and Hair Care
Maintaining your sideburns isn’t just about the hair—it’s also about the skin underneath. Regular washing and moisturizing is important to prevent itching and skin irritation. Consider investing in products specifically designed for facial hair, such as beard shampoo and beard oil. These products are designed to keep both your skin and facial hair both healthy and well-maintained.
Remember, maintenance and grooming are the keys to ensure your sideburns look their best at all times. So take time, be patient, and your sideburns will remain a stylish feature of your face.
Common Facial Hair Mistakes to Avoid
As we’ve explored the ins and outs of growing and maintaining sideburns, it’s equally important to highlight common pitfalls to avoid. Even with the best intentions and efforts, it’s easy to stumble into mistakes that could jeopardize your sideburn journey.
From symmetry issues to maintenance neglect, we’ll delve into common errors and how to steer clear of them. With these tips, you can ensure your sideburns are always on point. So, without further ado, let’s explore the common mistakes to avoid when growing and maintaining sideburns.
Neglecting Symmetry in Hair Growth
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to sideburns is neglecting symmetry. It’s crucial to make sure both sideburns are even in length and width. Unbalanced sideburns can significantly impact your overall look, drawing attention for the wrong reasons.
Ignoring Your Face Shape
Selecting a sideburn style without considering your face shape can result in an unflattering look. As we discussed earlier, certain sideburn styles complement specific face shapes better than others. Remember to keep your face shape in mind when choosing, styling, and maintaining your sideburn style.
Poor Maintenance of Facial Hair Growth
Just like the hair on your head, sideburns require regular maintenance. This includes frequent trimming and use of hair care products to keep the hair healthy. Neglecting maintenance can lead to unkempt sideburns, which might detract from your overall look.
Lack of Patience with Hair Follicles
Growing sideburns is not an overnight process. It requires time and patience. Rushing the process or getting frustrated with slow growth can lead to mistakes like uneven trimming or giving up on the growth process too soon.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way straight back to rocking a pair of sideburns that suit you perfectly. Remember, patience and regular maintenance are your best friends in this journey.
FAQ – How to Grow Sideburns
How long does it take to grow sideburns?
The length of time it takes to grow sideburns can vary widely depending on your genetics. On average, it can take a few weeks to a couple of months. Patience is key during this period.
Can everyone grow sideburns?
While most men can grow sideburns to some extent, the thickness and speed of growth can vary greatly due to genetics. If you’re having difficulty growing sideburns, don’t be disheartened – there are products like beard growth serums that can help stimulate growth.
My sideburns are patchy. What can I do?
If your sideburns are growing in patchy, first give it some time. Often, hairs in these areas just need a bit longer to fill in. If after some time the patchiness persists, you might consider using a beard growth serum to help stimulate hair growth.
How often should I trim my sideburns?
Trimming frequency can depend on the rate of your hair growth and the style of sideburns you’ve chosen. On average, a trim every 2-3 days can help keep head hair and your sideburns neat and well-groomed.
