Payton Harris

Staff Writer

   Let me take you on a journey – a journey through time. The date is March 4,1861, and Abraham Lincoln is taking office as the 16th President of the United States. This is the start of one of the greatest presidencies in the history of America.

    Flash-forward to November 1863. Ulysses S. Grant leads the Union Army through the fall of Vicksburg and the capture of New Orleans to gain control over the entire Mississippi River. This move is crucial in helping the Union win the Civil War.

    Now let's move on to October 2010. San Francisco pitcher Brian Wilson throws the final pitch to defeat the Texas Rangers 3 - 1 in game five to win the World Series.

    What do these great Americans have in common? Could it be, perhaps, the great accomplishments they have each achieved in their respective fields? Or the fact that each man is now universally regarded as a hero? Though both traits are common among these men, the substantial similarity that I would like to draw attention to is the BEARD.

    What does it take to grow such beautiful beards? Could someone like you be capable of growing a beard like the beards of Lincoln, Grant, and Wilson? Well, my friends, you can, and I'm going to tell you how. Based on my personal experience, I have developed an easy four step plan to successful beard growth!

    Step 1 - The Start - Some of you may think, “I'm just a boy, I don't even have the slightest amount of hair on my face.” Well one short year ago, I didn't either! But you have to start somewhere! Shave Upward, my friends, and pay no attention to the “shaving down” that you usually see in commercials and television shows. Shaving upward helps grow hair faster. Shave upward twice a day for a month. I know it may seem like it could be a difficult task, but if you do it, I promise you will see growth!

    Step 2 - Sanitation - The hair on your head isn't the only thing that needs to be clean; the hair on your face does as well! Once you start seeing a promising amount of hair growth, and you believe it's time to start growing your beard, keep it clean by shampooing. It doesn't matter what you use. In fact, the shampoo you use on your head is perfect! If you're unsure, I recommend “Horse Mane and Tail.” It's a great shampoo that will help your beard grow faster and thicker!

    Step 3 - Transition Stage - Your beard is getting longer! It's almost time for the “Transition Stage.” This is a time when your beard hits an awkward phase. You might look in the mirror and feel like you just don't look good. Fight through it. After about a week, your beard will look better and you will start to feel great about it!

    Stage 4 - Fluff - The beard is here, and it looks great! “Fluff” that bad boy out and show it off!