I’m at I think 1.5” length. I am very goblin mode and have just been letting everything grow out as much as possible.
Sensory issues compel me to wash my beard with soap every time I enter the shower - this is currently the 3-in-1 old spice, which I imagine strips oil. I have taken to drowning my face in old Amish oil, which seems to be an effective counter.
I work in a profession which will tolerate and appreciate things like beading, which I feel would be more feasible in an inch or so? Any tips on the hobby would be appreciated.
Really the question is - I want to have an extremely lengthy and healthy beard. What do I do to not look like a gross neckbeard, to convey less “this is long because I’m too lazy to do anything about it” but more “I love this thing and will actually maintain a routine for it.” I would like to at some point be a mall Santa. I want to lock in. Pretend you are my dad for a minute.
Use beard balms to maintain moisture and health so it looks more full and less scraggly. Trim the sideburns and maybe chops every so often, as those are the main areas that will make you look homeless if they are unkempt.
Once you have some length, trim a half inch to an inch every 3-6 months (less often if it grows slower than that) to prevent and get rid of split ends, which can be a problem.