A greying beard is the ultimate grootman look.
As such, many men have committed to the salt and pepper look, making it their signature look.
Grey hair has always been a phenomenon within society, with people who had the look at a young age deemed unique. Speaking to TRUELOVE, Durban-based specialist dermatologist Dr Nokubonga Khoza says grey hair is usually genetic among younger people or is just a process of aging.
“Grey hair is a natural process of ageing. Some people are genetically predisposed to grey hair. And so, you'll find those individuals will tend to grey earlier in life. There can be diseases or scalp or skin diseases that can interrupt hair growth and lead to hair loss. And then sometimes you find that if that is present. When the hair grows, the initial scalp of hair is grey. But that is in the context of hair loss or genuine scalp disease or skin disease.
“And that can lead to diseases that have sort of attacked the hair follicle and destroyed it. But under normal circumstances, the salt and pepper look is from grey hair, which is usually genetic or is a process of ageing,” Dr Nokubonga says.
The likes of Muzi Mthabela, Idris Elba, Dumisani Mbebe, Thapelo Mokoena are among the men who have been celebrated for the grey beard look. These men ooze confidence and are usually the first to come to mind when you think of men who nail the look.
Some men, such as Sizwe Dhlomo, Swizz Beatz, are slowly emerging within the salt and pepper gents.
Meanwhile, Thapelo saw a chance within the accelerated look and turned it into an income stream. The actor launched a beard grooming brand called Bakoena Brands in January 2023, including a range of oils, beard washes and butters.
READ MORE | Thapelo Mokoena on excelling as a multifaceted performer – ‘Everything boils down to storytelling’
There's been much emphasis lately on the significance of grooming your beard because it accentuates your entire look. But if your goal is to have a strong, healthy greying beard as a younger man, you might have to wait a few of years for that.
In the meantime you might want to take care of the beard you do have. Dr Nokubonga shares tips to grow and care for your beard.
“I think growing your beard is almost the same as growing your hair. Obviously, it's clipping it in the direction of the hair and shaping it in the desired shape. But again, it's hair so you don't want it to be dry. The emphasis is on moisturising the skin.
“I wouldn't advise for heavy, heavy oils on the beard because sometimes they can clog the pores and lead to ingrown or lead to folliculitis. But I think daily grooming involves washing, moisturising and combing to loosen the beard and making sure that the skin underneath is not dry and flaky,” she says.
Dr Anna Chacon, also a dermatologist, tells Healthline that washing your beard two or three times a week, including maintaining other good grooming habits, like regular brushing, can keep your beard clean is recommended.
The usage of correct products and tools as well as trimming and moisturising techniques are the key factors to caring and maintaining your beard.
Dr Nokubonga says, “We also recommend that you get a specific comb, like a beard comb, to comb the beard daily. Also comb in the direction of the hair.”
Here's some inspiration from celebs who rock the salt and pepper look well:
Thapelo Mokoena
Idris Elba
