But this fall, I let it go. Now my face is big and bushy. And I really didn't know what I was doing with the thing. It grew in all different directions. It got dry, and I wanted to scratch my face off.

So while working on this story, I decided to learn the best way to grow and maintain a beard from the professionals at Elephant in the Room. Last week, I went to get my beard trimmed by barber E.J. Ghazal and get some tips on beard maintenance from Justin Moore, owner of the men's grooming shop.

For those looking to grow a beard or for people looking to take control of their existing facial hair, Moore and Ghazal have tips to make the best beard, mustache, goatee or any other facial creation.

PATIENCE AND GOALS

A beard isn't going to grow overnight. In fact, it can take a couple of months for a full beard to really start to show. Moore said it takes patience. People come in frustrated and want to give up, but Moore tells them to stick with it.

"Ultimately, what's the goal, you have to ask yourself," Moore said. "Is it to maintain that length, to grow it out? We're going to look at that final destination  where you're going."

CLEAN THE BEARD