Beard Braid ·

How to Braid Your Beard: A Step-by-Step Guide for Epic Facial Hair

Thought braids were just for the ladies? Not anymore. Beard braiding is an awesome way to show off your facial hair and channel your inner warrior. It adds a whole new level of style and rugged charm to your look.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about beard braiding:

Essential tools and products for the perfect braid
Prepping your beard for braiding success
Step-by-step instructions for different braiding styles
Tips and tricks to keep your braids looking sharp

And if you want your braids to look and feel their absolute best, Kingsmen Premium has the beard care essentials to help you achieve beard-braiding greatness.

Gear Up for Beard Braiding Glory: Your Essential Toolkit

Before you dive headfirst into the world of beard braids, you'll need to gather a few key tools and products. Think of it like prepping for battle – you wouldn't charge into the fray without your trusty sword and shield, right?

Must-Have Beard Braiding Tools

Beard Comb: A wide-tooth comb will help detangle your beard and prep it for braiding. Look for one made from premium materials.
Small Hair Elastics: These will secure the ends of your braids and keep them from unraveling. Choose ones that are small and discreet, so they blend in with your beard.
Beard Trimming Scissors: You'll need these to trim any stray hairs or even out the ends of your braids. Invest in a good pair of sharp, precise scissors for best results.
Mirror: This one's pretty obvious, but you'll need a mirror (preferably a large one) to see what you're doing as you braid.

Essential Products for Braid-Worthy Whiskers

Beard Wash: A clean beard is a happy beard. Wash your beard regularly with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. We recommend our Kingsmen Premium Beard Wash, which is formulated with natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish your beard without stripping away its natural oils.
Beard Conditioner: Conditioning your beard helps to soften and detangle it, making it easier to braid. Our Kingsmen Premium Beard Conditioner is a great option, as it hydrates and conditions your beard, leaving it smooth and manageable.
Beard Oil or Balm: These products will help to moisturize and condition your beard, making it more pliable and easier to braid. They can also help to tame flyaways and frizz. We offer a variety of beard oils and balms, each with its unique scent and benefits. Try our Kingsmen Premium Beard Oil for a middleweight, easily absorbed option, or our Kingsmen Premium Beard Balm for a thicker conditioning product with beeswax for styling.
(Optional) Beard Wax or Pomade: If you have a particularly unruly beard or want to create a more structured braid, you can use a small amount of beard wax or pomade to help hold the braid in place. Just be sure to use a light touch, as too much product can weigh down your beard and make it look greasy.

With these tools and products in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to becoming a beard braiding master.

Laying the Groundwork: Prep Your Beard for Braiding

Just like a painter primes a canvas or a chef preps ingredients, getting your beard ready for braiding is crucial. This step ensures a smooth braiding process and helps your braids look their best.

Wash and Condition

Start by washing your beard with a gentle, natural beard wash. This will remove any dirt, grime, or product buildup that could make braiding difficult. Follow up with a nourishing beard conditioner to soften and detangle your whiskers, making them more pliable and easier to work with.

Pro Tip: If you're dealing with a particularly coarse or unruly beard, consider using a deep conditioner once a week to provide extra hydration and manageability.

Dry and Detangle

Gently pat your beard dry with a towel, avoiding any harsh rubbing that could cause frizz. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to carefully detangle your beard, working from the ends towards the roots.

Important Note: Don't try to braid a wet or damp beard. It's more difficult to manage and can lead to breakage.

Apply Beard Oil or Balm

Once your beard is dry and detangled, apply a few drops of beard oil or a small amount of beard balm. This will help to moisturize and condition your beard, making it more pliable and less prone to breakage during braiding.

We Recommend: Our Kingsmen Premium Beard Oil is middleweight, absorbs quickly, and won't weigh down your braids. It's packed with nourishing oils like jojoba and grapeseed oil to keep your beard healthy and hydrated.

Comb Through and Style

Use your comb to evenly distribute the beard oil or balm throughout your beard. Then, style your beard as you normally would, creating a part or combing it into the desired shape for your braid.

Now that your beard is prepped and ready for action, it's time to start braiding.

It's Time to Braid Your Beard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, it's time for the main event. Follow these steps to create your very own beard braid masterpiece:

Step 1: Section Your Beard

Start by dividing your beard into the desired number of sections. For a simple braid, you'll only need one section. But if you want to get fancy, you can create multiple braids or even a braided beard bun.

Use your comb to neatly divide your beard, ensuring the sections are even in size.

Step 2: Begin Braiding

Take the first section of your beard and divide it into three equal strands. Hold the strands between your fingers and begin braiding them, just like you would with hair. Cross the right strand over the middle, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand.

Continue this pattern, alternating between crossing the right and left strands over the middle. As you braid, make sure to keep the strands tight and even to prevent your braid from unraveling.

Pro Tip: If you're having trouble gripping the strands, you can use a bit of beard balm or wax to help hold them in place.

Step 3: Incorporate More Hair (Optional)

As you braid, you can gradually incorporate more hair from the rest of your beard. This will create a thicker, more intricate braid.

To do this, simply take a small section of hair from the outside of your braid and add it to one of the existing strands before crossing it over the middle. Continue this process as you braid down your beard.

Step 4: Secure the End

Once you've reached the end of your beard, secure the braid with a small hair elastic. Make sure the elastic is tight enough to hold the braid in place but not so tight that it's uncomfortable.

Pro Tip: Choose a hair elastic that matches your beard color, or use a clear elastic for a more discreet look.

Step 5: Trim and Style

If there are any stray hairs sticking out of your braid, you can carefully trim them with your scissors. You can also use your scissors to even out the ends of your braid, giving it a more polished look.

Finally, use your fingers to gently shape and style your braid. You can loosen it up for a more relaxed look or tighten it for a more structured style.

We Recommend: If you want to add extra shine to your braid, finish it off with a light application of our Kingsmen Premium Beard Oil. The natural oils will help to keep your braid looking its best all day long.

Tip: Feel free to experiment with different braiding techniques and styles. You can try French braids, fishtail braids, or even multiple braids for a unique look. The possibilities are endless.

Beard Braid Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Sharpness

You've put in the work, and your beard braid is looking epic. Now, it's time to make sure it stays that way. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your braid looking sharp and fresh:

Nighttime Care: Before you hit the hay, gently loosen your beard braid and secure it with a loose scrunchie or soft fabric tie. This will prevent tangles and breakage while you sleep. In the morning, simply re-braid your beard, and you're good to go.
Refresh with Beard Oil: To keep your beard braid hydrated and looking its best, apply a few drops of beard oil to your beard daily before braiding. Gently massage the oil into our beard to distribute it evenly. Our Kingsmen Premium Beard Oil is perfect for this, as it's middleweight, absorbs quickly, and won't weigh down your braid. Plus, the nourishing ingredients will help to keep your beard hair healthy and strong.
Tame Flyaways with Balm or Wax: If you notice any stray hairs or flyaways, tame them with a bit of beard balm or wax. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and gently smooth it over the braid, focusing on any areas that need extra attention.
Avoid Over-Washing: While it's important to keep your beard clean, washing it too often can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Aim to wash your beard 2-3 times per week with a gentle, sulfate-free beard wash.
Be Gentle: When you're re-braiding or styling your beard, be gentle with it. Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair, as this can cause breakage. Remember, a happy beard is a healthy beard.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your beard braid stays looking sharp and stylish for days to come. So go forth and braid with confidence. And remember, a great beard is a reflection of a great man.

Pro Tip: If you want to take your beard care routine to the next level, check out our Kingsmen Premium Beard Care Kits. They include everything you need to keep your beard (and your braids) looking and feeling their best.

Ready for a Braiding Upgrade?

With practice and a little patience, you'll be rocking intricate braids in no time. Remember, it's all about expressing your unique style and having fun with it.

Key Takeaways:

Gather your tools: comb, elastics, scissors, mirror.
Prep your beard: wash, condition, dry, apply oil or balm.
Master the technique: section, braid, incorporate hair (optional), secure.
Maintain your masterpiece: nighttime care, oil, balm/wax, and gentle washing.

Want to take your beard braiding game to the next level? We've got your back. At Kingsmen Premium, we offer a curated collection of beard care essentials designed to nourish, strengthen, and style your beard – making it the perfect canvas for your braiding adventures. Check out our premium beard oils, balms, and washes to keep your beard (and your braids) looking their absolute best.