First of all, it's great to see you back, Maverick! I hope you won't wait until you reach 4 inches before posting. That will be a long wait!

Now, on the topic at hand, I think that, as with most anything, one size or routine doesn't work for everyone. We all have to find what's best for us. In your case it seems that just treating your beard like your head hair (which, I hope, doesn't mean you're planning on shaving it again ) works fine for you. It wouldn't for me. My beard is noticeably drier and more brittle after I use shampoo, so I only wash it once a week or so. I rinse it with hot water when I shower (I HATE cold showers!) and find that if I don't apply oil afterward I simply can't get my beard under control. To your point, does that make it less healthy? I don't know, perhaps not, but I do know that after using my current routine of weekly washing, daily oiling, and occasional use of balm my beard looks and feels healthy.

I won't argue with any one man's perception of his own results, and your photos speak for themselves, but I think we all have to experiment to find what works for us.

Thanks for starting this thread. It will be very informative and useful.

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard
Last Edited By: Tom E Jun 20 14 12:56 PM. Edited 1 times.