On Thursday night, at an undisclosed bearded location, we met up with the incredible Jack Passion to discuss the joys, thrills, and slight annoyances with sporting the best beard in the world!
As a woman, it took me a while to take in the large-scale beauty of Mr. Passion's beard. Certainly, as co-founder of this blog, I love facial hair of all shapes and sizes, but this got me to thinking.... what if... what *IF* your significant other wasn't down with your facial hair?
Jack: Your partner needs to understand where you're coming from and what this process can mean to a man. S/he is seeing the beginning stages and maybe cringing, but you're seeing the potential. It takes a little time before the beard starts looking how you want it. But if you're close with your partner and if you support one another, s/he will be there for the bad - before it gets good. You could also just ask him or her if they love you... and follow it directly by saying - #PROVEIT!
I am sure eating gets in the way with a beard that size. Am I wrong?
Jack: It's only the mustache that makes eating difficult. I keep mine trimmed, and I know guys who just manage. If you can't handle the heat, get out the kitchen. Sacrifices must be made in the path to legendary greatness.
How do you manage that mane? Do you comb it? Do you hire someone to handle it?
Jack: I use a comb, but only because my beard is long. You don't have to buy into the hype and get a really expensive comb, but just don't use a plastic one. Avoid seams because seams snag. Bakelite is cheap, easy, and readily available. However, most guys only need a quality boar bristle brush to distribute oils and stimulate the face underneath.
And what about the men who have patchy beards? Any advice?
Jack: A lot of men's faces don't fill out 'til much later in their life. Despite evidence that men peak sexually in their early 20s, they might not get a full beard until their 40s. Rock what you've got. So what if you've a patchy beard? Nobody's going to know that because your mustache (or sideburns, or goatee, or whatever) looks so fresh.
*Build-a-Beard founders hanging with Passion.