Grooming gear helps keep beards in check

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. — While watching the amount of men with facial hair expand by double digits since 2008, Howard Brauner, VP of new product development at Universal Beauty Products, saw an opportunity in the market.

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“There were relatively no products for taking care of beards,” Brauner said. “It was really an online cottage industry.” On the other hand, there was swelling demand for beard oils and balms for styling. “The problem was there were so many different suppliers online, each with different oils, that there was confusion,” he added.



But with some studies showing that beards can be dirtier than toilets, Brauner knew he was onto something. The result was Beard Guyz, a complete regimen for beard care. The lineup includes Daily Wash 35 (the total number of ingredients in the formula), Deep Conditioner 25, Balm for Course Hair, Balm for Fine to Medium Hair and Beard Oil 25. The ingredients are high quality, natural and organic. All SKUs are priced at $14.99. The company plans to add a fragrance next year.



“Men want to see their choices and not just be forced to buy what is on shelves,” Brauner said.