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How to Braid Beard: Viking-Inspired Styles for the Modern-Day Warrior (2024)

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how to braid beard

To braid your beard, start with a clean, softened mane at least 4 inches long.

Divide your beard into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle section, alternating hands.

Continue this pattern, incorporating decorative embellishments if desired, until you reach the desired length.

Secure the braid with a hair tie or bead, then apply beard wax for a lasting style.

Experiment with intricate Viking-inspired looks like the traditional chin braid or sorcerer’s whirl.

Still want to learn the secrets to beard braid mastery? There’s more to discover.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a clean, softened mane that is at least 4 inches long.
  • Divide your beard into three equal sections and cross sections over the middle, alternating hands.
  • Secure the braid with a hair tie or bead and apply beard wax for a lasting style.
  • Experiment with Viking-inspired looks like the traditional chin braid or sorcerer’s whirl.

How to Braid Beard?

To braid a beard, start by dividing it into three equal sections, then alternately cross the right and left sections over the middle one until you reach the desired length. This technique, inspired by Viking styles, transforms a full beard into a braided masterpiece.

Preparation

Preparation
Preparing Your Beard for Braiding:

Before embarking on the journey of beard braiding, it’s crucial to guarantee your beard is clean, dry, and free of knots. Begin by washing your beard with a mild beard wash, followed by a beard softener and beard oil to nourish and soften the hair. For a more thorough grooming solution, consider the King C. Gillette Beard Care Kit.

Minimum Beard Length:

Your beard should be at least 4 inches long before you can begin weaving your braid together. This length enables you to grasp three distinct strands of hair to initiate the braid.

Braid Difficulty:

Braiding a beard can be a straightforward process, especially with the French braid as your initial example. However, as you progress, you can explore more intricate styles like the Wizard Twirl, Classic Viking, and various other braided beard styles.

Braid Accessories:

Invest in a good assortment of elastic bands that aren’t too tight, but can still secure the braid style in place. Additionally, use beard wax to secure the style and keep your braid in at night for training purposes.

Braid History:

The braided beard has a rich history, with styles inspired by Viking, fantasy, and Medieval films. It has long been popular among indigenous tribes and musicians, and is currently experiencing a resurgence.

Braided Beard Styles:

Once you master the technique of braiding, you can create a variety of styles, such as half braids, small braids, or combined braided patterns. The choice is yours, depending on your desired look and the length of your beard.

Beard Care:

Maintain your braided beard by washing it regularly with beard shampoos and conditioners, and avoiding scratching or brushing it too vigorously. Nourish your beard from within with a healthy diet and from without with beard oils, moisturizers, and balms.

Steps to Braid Your Beard

Steps to Braid Your Beard

After readying your warrior mane, it’s time to embark on the artistry of braiding. With a minimum beard length of 3-4 inches, you’re set to triumph.

Split your beard into three equal parts, a key step for balanced braid placement.

Cross sections over the middle, alternating hands like a skilled blacksmith crafting a sword.

This isn’t merely about knotting; it’s about entwining your heritage.

Discover embellishment options and artistic combinations, staying abreast of popular trends.

Your beard care kit is your shield; use it judiciously as you braid your beard into Viking grandeur.

Finishing Touches

Finishing Touches
Once you’ve braided your beard, it’s time to add those final touches to make it look even more impressive. Here are four key steps to enhance your beard braid styles:

  • Secure with Hair Ties or Decorative Beads: Use hair ties or decorative beads to keep your braid in place. Hair ties are great for a more casual look, while beads add a touch of elegance.
  • Apply Beard Wax: If you want a more long-lasting style, use beard wax to help hold your braid in place. This will keep your beard braids looking great throughout the day.
  • Train Overnight: If you’re going for a more intricate braid, consider training your braid overnight. This will help your beard adapt to the new style and make it easier to maintain in the morning.
  • Remove Before Bed: To avoid beard bedhead, remove your braid before going to bed. This will prevent any tangles or knots from forming while you sleep.

Different Beard Braid Styles

Different Beard Braid Styles

Embrace your Viking essence with these eclectic beard braid styles that will distinguish you from the rest.

Commence with the traditional Viking, a solitary braid descending down the chin.

Or opt for the sorcerer’s whirl, a modest, pointed twirl.

For an intricate appearance, try the beard braid crown, a multi-strand braid that encircles your head.

Adorn with beard embellishments, such as beads or rings, to impart a personalized flair.

Bear in mind that the length of your beard will dictate which style suits you optimally.

Hence, select judiciously and bestow upon your beard the status of a crown.

Maintaining Your Beard Braids

Maintaining Your Beard Braids
To keep your beard braids looking their best, follow these steps:

  1. Condition your beard: Regularly condition your beard with beard oil to keep it healthy and nourished.
  2. Healthy nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, Beta-carotene, protein, Vitamins C and E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc to support beard growth and health.
  3. Grooming routine: Establish a grooming routine that includes washing, conditioning, and combing your beard regularly to keep it clean and tangle-free.
  4. Braided beard maintenance: When braiding your beard, use a small comb for precision and secure the end with a small hair tie or elastic to prevent it from coming undone.

Growing a Beard for Braids

Growing a Beard for Braids
To grow your beard for braids, follow these steps:

  1. Determine your beard length. For classic Viking, goatee, and three-prong styles, aim for 3-4 inches. For fishtail braids, aim for 5-6 inches.
  2. Develop a grooming routine. Cleanse with beard wash, condition with beard oil, and detangle with a comb.
  3. Nourish your beard from the inside with a healthy diet.
  4. Stimulate growth with beard oils and balms.
  5. Keep your beard healthy by washing regularly and avoiding harsh products.
  6. Trim your beard to maintain desired length.
  7. Experiment with different beard textures to find what suits you best.
  8. Remember, patience is key. Growing a beard takes time, but the rewards are worth it.

Viking Beard Braids Are Worth the Effort

Viking Beard Braids Are Worth the Effort
After nurturing your beard to the perfect length for braiding, you’re ready to embrace the Viking heritage with a style that’s both a nod to the past and a personal expression of strength. Viking beard braids are a labor of love, but they’re worth every minute. Here’s why:

  • Cultural significance: Your braids aren’t just a style; they’re a tribute to a rich history.
  • Beard adornment: Adding beads or rings transforms your beard into a statement piece.
  • Style evolution: From the wizard twirl to the beard bun, your look can evolve with your mood or the occasion.

Channel your inner warrior and let your braided beard be the canvas for your creativity and power.

Beginner Braids

Beginner Braids
Braiding your beard can be a fun and creative way to style your facial hair. Here are some beginner tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose the right length: Your beard should be at least 3-4 inches long before you start braiding.
  2. Prepare your beard: Clean your beard with beard wash, remove tangles with a brush, and condition with beard oil.
  3. Start with an easy three-strand braid: Divide your beard into three equal sections, cross left over center, then right over center, and repeat until you reach your desired length.
  4. Use the right tools: Invest in a good box of elastic bands that aren’t too tight but can still secure the braid style in place.
  5. Try different styles: Experiment with styles like the French braid, rope braid, or cornrow braid.

Intermediate Braids

Intermediate Braids
Intermediate braids take your beard game to the next level.

Fishtail braiding is a popular choice, where you separate your beard into two sections and move small pieces from one side to the other. You can add leather cord embellishments for a unique look.

Conditioning your beard is essential for styling versatility. Braiding can be customized with forked, boxer, or infinity braids. Double and triple braids are also options.

With these styles, you’ll stand out from the crowd and showcase your mastery of beard braiding.

Conclusion

Awaken your primal Viking warrior by becoming adept in the technique of beard braiding.

Through perseverance and experience, you’ll conquer intricate braids, embodying the spirit of ancient Norse adventurers.

Embrace this enduring practice, creating a bold, rugged style that demands admiration.

Braid your way to self-assurance, distinguishing yourself from the masses as a contemporary legend with a skillfully crafted beard braid.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.