I starting growing my beard November 1st. I've never had a beard before because I didn't think I could grow one, and I've been pleasantly surprised. My density isn't the greatest, so the "stubble" look looks horrible on me. I feel like I either need to be clean shaven or have a decent length beard. Right now I'm measuring the hairs around 1.25".
I'm a dental student and will be graduating in about 4 months. I love my beard and want to keep it up, but I'm afraid if I can't get this thing to look professional, it's going to have to go. I haven't used any product on it, but I have some Firehouse Moustache Wax on order, and am about to order some Honest Amish Beard Balm and some Jojoba Oil.
I try brushing it with a comb, but it only does so much to tame all the curlies. I'm also 6'2", so that chin shot below (which looks really messy) is what a lot of people see of me. Here's another huge problem... I put a dental mask on and off all day long, and pull it up and down to talk to patients. I feel like even if I can use the oil and balm, and get it brushed down nice, the dental mask strings are going to fluff it up. Does my line of work mean I'm kind of hosed for having a long beard?
My Questions:
1) Any advice on taming this besides the oil, balm, and wax?
2) Should I take scissors to the stray hairs sticking out? (I'm not positive they are the same ones each time.)
3) Should I use an electric trimmer and shorten the sides and cheeks?
Here are some pics. Keep in mind this is just after having brushed it. It gets much worse throughout the day (as far as stray hairs all over), and every time I'm finished with a patient I have to go try to "de-fluff" in front of the mirror.



The pic below is what it looks like after putting a mask on, pulling it up and down a few times, then taking it off:
I'm a dental student and will be graduating in about 4 months. I love my beard and want to keep it up, but I'm afraid if I can't get this thing to look professional, it's going to have to go. I haven't used any product on it, but I have some Firehouse Moustache Wax on order, and am about to order some Honest Amish Beard Balm and some Jojoba Oil.
I try brushing it with a comb, but it only does so much to tame all the curlies. I'm also 6'2", so that chin shot below (which looks really messy) is what a lot of people see of me. Here's another huge problem... I put a dental mask on and off all day long, and pull it up and down to talk to patients. I feel like even if I can use the oil and balm, and get it brushed down nice, the dental mask strings are going to fluff it up. Does my line of work mean I'm kind of hosed for having a long beard?
My Questions:
1) Any advice on taming this besides the oil, balm, and wax?
2) Should I take scissors to the stray hairs sticking out? (I'm not positive they are the same ones each time.)
3) Should I use an electric trimmer and shorten the sides and cheeks?
Here are some pics. Keep in mind this is just after having brushed it. It gets much worse throughout the day (as far as stray hairs all over), and every time I'm finished with a patient I have to go try to "de-fluff" in front of the mirror.



The pic below is what it looks like after putting a mask on, pulling it up and down a few times, then taking it off:
