A New Start

Well, I was just notified that it’s been 2 years since we announced the launch of Viking and Anarchy. I’ve always intended to make this blog a priority, however running a company in it’s infancy, as well as expansion and crazy growth, is as you would expect-crazy busy. Creating content sort of got pushed to the back burner. However, seeing the notification really got me thinking that I would love to give this blog a real honest go. So stay tuned for weekly content. Not just about beard products but about entrepreneurship and the ups and downs of growing a company from just a local buzz to Canada wide. I’ll also be sharing about family and relationships as that is what I strongly believe business is all about…relationships.

Announcing the release of Anarchy, Viking and the Knuckle Duster Beard Comb

It’s been a little while since my last post, since the start of September I’ve been crazy busy. I’ve spent the last month perfecting 2 new fragrances to which there were a few bumps in the road, as well as found a Canadian maker for our Beard Combs. The 2 new fragrances are Anarchy which was inspired by the popular T.V show Sons of Anarchy and Viking as Vikings are popular right now, we decided to capitalize on the Norse Warriors. So after some long hours blending and testing I’m proud to Introduce to you the latest from Better Beard Company

Anarchy

 Anarchy implies lawlessness within society. With this blend we’ve broken all the rules in mens grooming and instead of putting together a scent that is sweet or woodsy, we’ve blended something earthy, spicy and a little bit dirty.  Inspired by the popular t.v show Sons of Anarchy, we started with patchouli as an earthy base note and added all spice for that strong spicy middle and topped it off with tobacco.

Viking

Picture yourself standing, swinging a two-handed axe. Every swing splits helmets and shields like butter, a mound of your fallen foes lies at your feet as you sing a glorious battle song. Fear of death is something foreign to you as death brings glory and the winged valkyrie carry you to Valhalla. With this blend you’ll feel like a Viking Champion on the field of battle. Blended with spruce, lime and clove, Viking leaves you feeling fearless and unstoppable.

Knuckle Duster Beard Comb

The Knuckle Duster Beard Comb is all natural and made here in Atlantic Canada. The Comb is made from 1/4″ Canadian Maple  and finished with a homemade beeswax finish. The comb is small enough to fit in your breast pocket so it’s a take anywhere, groom anywhere comb. Honestly, it’s a knuckle duster comb and that’s bad ass. Why are you still reading this? Order the comb and punch your gnarly unkempt beard in the face.

To purchase any of our new products visit us at betterbeardcompany.ca

Combating Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown Hairs. It’s a problem both men and women deal with, and frankly I’ve only had a few, but I hate them. A few weeks ago I was asked on Twitter how to deal with ingrown hairs. I told the individual that I rarely get them but when I do I attack it with a needle and some tweezers and just pull it out. Another maker of beard oil jumped in and gave his spiel about how beard oil containing Castor oil will clear up ingrown hairs. Wouldn’t you know it, their beard oil just happened to contain Castor oil. How convenient. I naturally responded saying “thank you”. I guess you learn something new everyday but really in my head the bull shit alarms were going off. So I did what I normally do when faced with the unknown. I do a ridiculous amount of research. So today I present to you everything I’ve learned about combating ingrown hairs.

Cause of Ingrown Hairs

At first you may see what looks like a pimple, a red bump and sometimes even a white head. they are painful and squeezing one generally brings no relief as the hair is still not removed. An Ingrown hair is when a hair grows around or sideways and back into the skin instead of out from the skin. Anyone can get ingrown hairs but it is more prevalent in people with curly hair.

Natural Treatment

It turns out that the individual who said Castor oil will clear up ingrown hairs was…wrong…kind of. Here at Better Beard Company we make no medical claims concerning our products, however Castor oil may assist in the relief and prevention of ingrown hairs. Castor oil will not do it on its own and it’s not the only oil that may help…it’s just the cheapest, most readily available to the average person. Jojoba oil has the same effect on skin. Actually, it’s better for your skin as it is a wax esther and it is close to the natural sebum your skin generates (it’s almost the same as your natural body oils so it won’t clog your pores). What does the oil do? The oil will open your pores and allow the pus and bacteria to escape. The second part to the treatment is an antiseptic. One I personally use is Tea Tree essential oil.  The antiseptic will help prevent further infection and relieve the burning and itching feeling. Now I’ve tried this out myself using just straight up beard oil which you can find here, however to get the most out of your treatment every source recommends that you exfoliate the area which will remove dead skin from around the pores and follicles. It may also help the tip of the ingrown hair to break the skin and then you can grab it and remove the loop. But, don’t pull it right out because you want the skin to heal naturally so you won’t have any scars. You can mix your own exfoliate by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water then massage the paste into the affected area. The final step to your ingrown hair treatment is time. Give the treatment time, stop shaving, waxing, or tweezing the area that the ingrown hair is located and give it time to heal. When I applied my beard oil to the ingrown hair it was significantly reduced the next day. It was also no longer red and painful, but it took 3-4 days for the hair to be completely gone.

So there you have it. Beard oil may help prevent and relieve ingrown hairs. Make sure it contains Jojoba oil or Castor oil along with a natural antiseptic.  Don’t forget to exfoliate and to wash your beard at least twice a week.

Sales Pitch

Did you know that we make our products in Canada, we use all natural ingredients as well as the highest end cosmetic grade carrier oils on the planet.  We use Argan oil and Jojoba oil, very light weight and won’t leave you feeling greasy. You can find and order all our products right here.

Thanks so much,

Clayten Willington

Better Beard Company

 

Beard Oil vs Beard Balm

This is one of the questions that I’m getting asked a lot lately whether I’m working at the Alderney Market or visiting one of our awesome retailers. What is the difference between Beard Oil and Beard Balm? Really it’s all about what you prefer. Honestly ,I use both. Especially in these harsh Canadian winters, you’ll find that using the beard balm will provide more protection against the elements. Oil works well in all types of beards from short to long, soft to course. All of our beard oils contain Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil with different blends of essential oils that are great for hair and skin and is really light and non greasy so it won’t feel gross and clog up your pores. Now a Beard Balm has a little more hold to it as we mix in Canadian Bees Wax and organic Shea Butter along with the same oil blend that is used in our Beard oils without being really heavy and waxy. You’ll find yourself reaching for the beard balm if your beard gets a little out of control or needs some extra taming and shaping. So whats the answer? Beard Balm for taming and shaping and Beard oil for every other situation. Either way, it’s essential to include one of these products in your daily grooming for healthy skin and a healthy beard. You can find our beard oils here and beard balm here

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Redefining Gentleman

Hey guys! I’ve been thinking about this blog post for awhile. It’s been hard to wrap my head around. I’ve been brooding over redefining the term “Gentleman” verses what the original term meant according to the English gentry…

“Gentleman signifies a man who is independently wealthy but could not claim any other title or Rank.”

Well…I’ll tell you what I think and then leave the rest up to you.

When people think of a Gentleman, images of top hats, smoking jackets, monocle’s, and a finely tailored suit are some of the first images that come to mind. I personally have images of Homer Simpson slapping people in the face with a glove while the B52’s sing “Glove Slap”.

So, the other day I was hanging out, having some post work patio beers with a friend and colleague and we discussed it briefly.

Do you want to know what we discussed?

We discussed how the title of Gentleman is not driven by wealth and that it is an attitude; it’s something that a man has purposed in his heart. It involves treating others in a respectful and honourable way; not taking advantage of others and standing up for minorities and the down trodden. Gentleman are courageous not just in the face of an enemy but in the dealings with yourself and your friends. Gentleman are strong, not always in the physical sense..but they have a lot of heart. The title of Gentleman is attainable by all men, no matter where you are in life, and the smoking jackets, top hats, tailored suits, fine whiskeys, and cigars are really cool too.

Is this an all encompassing definition?

My definition is by no means all encompassing. This is just a quick overview of the discussion my colleague and I had over some beers. I think the title of” Gentleman” is what you make it and it is relative to the person claiming it. I would love to hear your feedback. Feel free to add to this definition of Gentleman in the comments below.  Beard Strong Gentlemen….

 

Clayten Willington

Better Beard Company

Who is Better Beard Co

As I sit here and contemplate “who is Better Beard Co”, I find myself using the word “we” when referring to the Better Beard Company but really, Better Beard Co is me, because we are a company of 1 and my name is Clayten Willington…

This is where a handshake would be appropriate, followed up with a “nice to meet you”. I’m not going to delve into what we do in this first blog post, but instead I’m going to establish who the man behind the Better Beard Company is and what our philosophy for the business is. If you want to know what we do, follow us here, or on twitter and facebook and don’t forget to check out our website at http://www.betterbeardcompany.ca.

So, to tell you who we are, I’ll tell you who I am. I’m a father to 5 children ages 7 and under. I’m a husband to my wonderful wife, Kelly. I’m a proud Canadian and I absolutely love being Canadian. I’m addicted to the Rick Mercer Report. I love watching it and seeing the diversity that this nation offers from coast to coast. I love MMA, Football, and Hockey. I belong to a board gaming group and I also collect miniature games, such as 40K or Infinity.

I’m a walking contradiction because I love tattoos and piercings, but… I hate needles… which my wife is thankful for because I would be covered head to toe in ink.

I am a very spiritual person.  It defines me and is the core of my identity.

Obviously, I’m a business owner. I like being an entrepreneur because I like people.

I believe in human business because I love relationships and that is what business is to me. It’s creating and maintaining relationships. I love the work and I don’t do it for the money (okay… the money helps). I don’t think money is the road to happiness but I think it is beneficial. Money makes the road to happiness more like a newly paved road, easy to travel and somewhat pleasant for those on the journey with you, as opposed to a gravel road or one riddled with pot holes.

I was born and raised in rural Alberta…so I guess I lean more to the hillbilly side than most of my friends.  I’m not a writer and this blogging thing is new to me. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to know more, I’m always up for a Tea, or you can just email me.

So, “who is Better Beard Co”?

Better Beard Company values people and family. We value tolerance and honor for all people. We are proudly Canadian. We value hard work and doing the job right because, like my grandfather always said,

“if the job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.”

I hope you have a great day and follow us for new blog updates and all that fun social media jazz.

 

Thanks so much,

Clayten Willington

Better Beard Company