Welcome - post some pcs so we know what you are working with. there is a link below in my signature box that helps explain how to do that. As far as softening the beard. it's really going to take some time and growth for that to happen. In the mean time you can try using a conditioning oil. any good plant based oil will work ie. jojoba, coconut, avocado etc. it only takes a couple drops rubbed in to help.

"If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done." ~ L. Wittgenstein

"If you want to look like the people next door, you're probably smothering yourself and your dreams." ~ Clive Barker

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