The Road To Beardtober 2010: Week 3

Little late putting this one up. We played a friend's wedding the weekend before last, did a taping in Boston, and then I started my week playing cello for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. So here's the missing week. I'll be doing a wrap-up on Friday. (click photos for full size)

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 23

September 24

September 25

Not really any tips this time, as I'm saving a few for the wrap-up. As you can see, my beard has more or less leveled out. At this point, you may wish to think about how you plan to style your beard. If you're feeling adventurous, I recommend the "Friendly Mutton Chops" (think Lemmy from Motorhead). See you on Friday!

The Road To Beardtober 2010: Week 2

WEEK 2! Played some shows, grew some beard. I was a bit lazy with the daily photos due to gigs (and that's going to continue this week). I also picked up a cello that I have to learn to play by next weekend, so that's taking up a lot of time as well. The band's in Boston this weekend for a post-wedding gig, so come on out if you're in the area! Anyway, on to the photos... (click for full size)

September 9

September 10

September 12

September 14

September 15
September 16

And some more beardly tips:

• At this length, you may want to start shampooing your face. Think about it: you'd shampoo this length of hair if it was on the top of your head, right? You can wait a while to start doing this, but shampooing (and conditioning) will keep the hair soft and manageable, as well as minimizing dandruff and other itchy things.
• Continue to resist the urge to shave the edges of your beard to create an outline. At this point, you're almost there, but there's no shame in playing it safe.
• If you have pre-existing facial hair like me, keep trimming it back every few days until it syncs up with the rest. If it's not exact, don't sweat it: once the entire beard grows out, no one will notice.

See you all next week!

The Road To Beardtober 2010: Week 1

It's been a pretty eventful week for us. We went into Akdar Studios in Bernville, PA, to do a test recording, which came out pretty awesome. I threw a Labor Dabor BBQ, which was also pretty awesome. And, as promised, I've been keeping tabs on my beardiness. So here it is, the week in review... (click photos for full size)

September 02

September 03
September 04
September 05
September 06September 07

September 08

And now, some helpful tips for maintaining your awesome beard:

1. WASH. YOUR. FACE. I know it sounds like a given, but all that new hair is going to retain even more facial oil and grime than you're used to. Thoroughly wash your infant beard daily to prevent buildup and dandruff.
2. It's going to be itchy. Really, really itchy. Use a moisturizer if it gets out of hand, but the daily washings will help significantly.
3. Resist the urge to style. Yes, that means having a neck beard for a little while, but the wait is worth it. The hair lines won't be fully defined for at least 2-3 weeks, but most likely a month, and you risk ruining your beard by attempting to shape it too early.

See you all next week with more photos and tips, and good luck on the road to Beardtober 2010!

- Josh

The Road To Beardtober 2010: A Photo Essay

Beardtober: A portmanteau of "beard" and "October"; the event of growing a totally awesome beard for the month of October.

For the uninitiated, Beardtober is an annual event of dubious origins (I credit the creation to my old college buddy Charlie), in which participants attempt to grow the best beard they can during the month of September. This adequately prepares one for the events of Beardtober, mostly due to the fact that one now has a beard.

Those who know me, know that I occasionally grow an awesome (or "fuck-off") beard during the winter months. While I've participated in these hirsute festivities before, I've never attempted to document the transformation. To that end, I'll be photographing myself daily during September. Every week, I'll post a progress report showing the week's growth, as well as helpful tips for maintaining your beard, should you choose to join in.

Now behold, the commencement of Beardtober 2010! It should be noted, as I look real funny with no facial hair, I have kept my goatee. I will trim it back as the beard comes in.