The two most common questions I get about my beard are how long have you been growing your beard? And what do you use for to take care of your beard? This short review is an effort to answer all of your beard-curious questions because the bottom line is that every man should have a beard and if you can't have one, hang out with someone who does.

As far as the length of my beard, I have been letting it grow for about 2 years and in various seasons, namely every couple of months, my lovely wife trims it. I cry a little and ask not to trim any of the length, but she does a pretty snappy job at cleaning the sides. When released, my beard can grow pretty out of control so trimming the sides helps me to look somewhat like a person.

Now, in terms of what I use for care, I'm a huge fan of Valley Vintage Shop's (VVS) beard balm. It's what I've always used and have zero complaints about it. In May, Amanda at VVS released the Pipe Tobacco scented beard balm and before I get into the wonders that it is, let me give you two quick reasons on why you need to take care of your beard and then a final reason as to why you should check out Valley Vintage Shop.

Beard Care

First, taking care of your beard is a big deal especially if your beard is the type that requires maintenance. It is a fact that some beards simply don't need as much as others. The majority of us need help. Beard balm provides essential oils that help keep your beard healthy.

Second, the oils in balm are vitamins for your beard and the beard needs them! Your hands suck. The oils secreted by your hands can actually damage the health of your beard. If you mess with your beard often, then buy balm and a comb!

Valley Vintage Shop

Here's what I love about VVS beard balm: every ingredient that is used is natural and safe for you and the beard. This is a big deal because many beards can be sensitive to various products that can damage facial hair.

While there is an array of options, I suggest the coffee scented balm or the pipe tobacco balm. In my opinion, the textures of these two balms and their oils help increase the health of the beard (I've noticed a difference). Additionally, beard balm keeps the beard soft and moist whereas beard oil, I feel, can make it dry causing you to reapply more.

Beard balm is a great gift for the man, ladies. And men, you simply need to buy it because it's time. Trust me.

Check out Valley Vintage Shop for their balms and other great gift ideas.

Recent shot of my beautiful wife, myself, and the beard.

By: Marco De Leon

In a few short days, by God's grace, I will be blessed with an amazing woman, Rebecca, of who I will be given the pleasure of calling my wife in addition to having an awesome 8-year old son, Seth.

The first thoughts that cross my mind are that I must lead out of humility, patience, and selflessness.

Humility

I can give you a list of reasons as to why I absolutely love my Mexican-American culture, but unfortunately humility is not one of them. My culture tagged the "macho" in Machismo and stands firm in the "I" of pride. Humility is weak. Humility is not manly. But for my bride, she needs to see that I cannot do it on my own a part from my relationship with Jesus Christ. And my son needs to see his dad shed tears because in my weakness, the Lord is strong.

Patience

I was raised by two teachers and fortunately patience was a virtue greatly instilled because with work comes time so you might as well wait. My bride needs to be comforted because just like me she has a story; one covered in truth and redemption, but the pain and hurt is difficult to forget. As I lead, I must be patient in an effort to serve her better. I get to watch my son play baseball and as I teach him the value of sports, I will need to coach with patience because the philosophy of "figure it out" is cancerous.

Selflessness

My father and I differ in beliefs and teaching, but he taught me that the man comes last when there is a family. Their needs become priority; spiritual, emotional, and physical. My goal is to point my family to the cross of Jesus, especially in my failure. That is contrary to my culture but a pillar in my faith as a follower of Christ.

The Wedding

I love Rebecca more than she could know, but it has only been possible because Jesus loved me first. My love for Seth grows deeper each day and just like Jesus adopted me into His line, I can do the same with Seth and he will never be snatched from my hand.