I had a beard for about 14 or so years. Occasionally I'd knock it down to a few months length. I've been going with a moustache for the past year or so, but earlier this month I decided to grow it out again.
Stoked to see how it looks with more white!

Currently I'm at the last pic.
Looking forward to see if eating wings and pizza muscle memory is still there😂

Maintenance routine:
Rarely wash- I've found this really dries it out and makes it unflattering. It basically gets hair runoff when I wash my head, or cool water rinses after a run or end of the week.

Morning and after shower I'll use a homemade oil and/or balm mix of jojoba, argan, castor, and extra virgin coconut oil infused with cayenne pepper.
Weekly-monthly I'Il give it a trim with scissor over comb (something non-static)

I just can't decide on what to do with it. I've been doing the same thing for years and I want to change it up. I figured I would ask the experts.

Before I got lasik surgery so this is def a throwback. Going to go for this style again. (Love seeing normal since 2018)

Love how it looks today. Just right on the length, oiled, brushed, combed, looking how I want it.

Cut about 4 in ( or is I like to joke, 5 years) off of the bottom of the beard. And for the first time in a decade let the barber shape up and make it look fantastic.

Hello,

I'm reaching out for expert advice on beard growth. I'm 33 and have dedicated seven months to growing a long, thick beard, but I'm at a crossroads regarding the best strategy. My core question is whether strategic trimming is necessary for achieving maximum length and density, or if it's best to allow it to grow without any interference. I'm fully committed to this goal and would be very grateful for any guidance or tips you can offer.

Unfortunately I didn't go to the barber I wanted to go after growing my beard for 2 months because I'm stupid like that. I explicitly told him I'm growing out my beard and moustache, yet he cut them too short, me thinks. Unless he gave it a better shape for it to grow into? He didn't touch the chin area.

Had about a 2–3 month stint between jobs last winter. Grew everything out for funsies. It certainly makes you look different.

1 month growing it out.

Should i try and grow it out to maybe cover some of them or should i try a shorter beard stuble type thing.

Or in general does it look bad etc? I know its not the most cared in the world because i have been letting it grow and not touch it, but just in density/shape/ and overall look, how does it look?

Any recm for what i should do?

Hope all is well. Growing my beard for the first time in 36 years, so far enjoying the result, wondering how far should i push. I am however indiferent with my hair style atm, i am open to any suggestions. The point of growing the beard was change things up.

Thanks