Braid, did someone say braid?

With a beard as full and thick as yours getting to the point of braiding is just a matter of time. In fact, I bet you could do some now if you're willing to braid only a portion of it rather than the whole thing. Just grab a bunch of hair in the front without trying to grab your whole beard and give it a whirl. It won't be a huge braid but you'll get the hang of it. If you look at my avatar you'll see I'm wearing a braid at the tip and that braid is only about 3 inches long. Wearing a big, monolithic braid of the whole beard does take some substantial length, though.

When it comes to maintaining a big beard the only advice I have, especially with a curly beard like yours, is to use a wide-tooth comb, apply some oil after a shower while the hair's still damp, and comb carefully. Doing so avoids breakage, at least in my experience. Only you get it long enough to braid you'll find that the braids do a nice job of protecting the beard, too, since the hair is nicely contained. If you search for images of guys like Anthony Ibbitson, Bryan Nelson, or Josh Black, all guys with long, bushy beards, you'll see they wear theirs braided most of the time.

Welcome to the board, sir! Great to see another guy here who wants to go big!

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