Let’s suppose you’ve never grown a full beard before. You’re a young lad ripe with optimism for your first attempt, or an older gentlemen, a late bloomer of the bearded realm.  Maybe you’ve never gone for more than a mustache or goatee, or you’ve been oppressed by your wife, boss, or local culture. Let’s also suppose that while you’re interested in embarking upon the journey of growing a lusciously full face farm, you’re more than a little curious [nervous?] about what’s in store. You wonder, will it be thick, and full? Will it have streaks of gray, be patchy, fire engine red? Will my significant other, coworkers, laugh and poke fun? Will it be wondrous, a thing of beauty, or possibly end up something you want to lock in a box under the stairs never to speak of? 

Growing your first beard can seem daunting at times full of uncertainty, but once you commit and push through all the amazing stages it brings, you’ll come out a better man. Or at least a hairier one.

With that in mind, let me present to you, the various stages of growing a beard. And... a few random bits and bites along the way.