A beard is more than just facial hair — it’s a lifestyle. Though historically grown to protect men’s faces as they hunted and gathered, beards have evolved to become stylish male accessories and, for at least one #GirlDad, a pillow.

Javed Jackson, manager — treasury at Sagicor Group Jamaica, realised five years ago that his newborn daughter Zoraya was fascinated and soothed by his facial hair, so he decided to let it grow out. His second daughter, Zoelle (now two years old) had a similar response to his beard, and so his thick beard has become a permanent fixture.

Jackson shared with Tuesday Style Dryer (TSD) that it has been a fulfilling experience learning to grow and care for a beard, at the same time he and his wife of six years, Cynara, were learning to care for their daughters.

“Because it has been such a source of comfort for my girls, my beard became intertwined with my identity as a dad, and I love it,” he said. “But just like children thrive on a healthy routine, so does a beard, and I take mine seriously.”

Jackson shares his beard care routine.

1. Cleanse

This is important, especially when you consider that the beard is close to the mouth, and that it can trap food particles and other unwanted materials every day. I cleanse my beard every time I wash my face, which is usually at least twice per day. I use the products from the Lokdlawen beard-care kit, which includes a beard wash that produces a rich lather.

2. Condition

Of course, just like the hair on your head, a beard needs to be conditioned after being washed so it does not become dry and brittle. I use the Lokdlawen beard conditioner after washing and comb the beard while the conditioner is in it.

3. Balm

After rinsing away the conditioner, I go in with my beard balm by the same brand, which acts as a leave-in conditioner by moisturising and softening the beard and makes it more pliable to combing and styling.

4. Iron (occasional)

I sometimes use an electronic beard dryer to help straighten the strands after balming, as it helps in achieving that full, lush look. But beards can become heat-damaged too, so I try not to straighten it more than once per week, or before I go to my barber for a trim.

5. Oil

This step is really to seal in the moisture from the conditioner and beard balm and to keep the beard shiny throughout the day. I also use a Lokdlawen beard oil, after using a beard comb and brush to tease the hair in the shape I want it.