Gyllenhaal. McGregor. Essentially any guy on the set of Game of Thrones. With impressively bearded men just about everywhere right now, it feels like high time to abandon your own clean-shaven ways and go full dandy wildman.

But before you go ahead and throw away your razor, consider what you’re up against. The task might seem simple—just don’t shave, right?—but it actually requires a good amount of grit, especially at the beginning. You've got to be adequately prepped for the endeavor—otherwise, you're likely to take a blade to what's less a beard than itchy, stubbly mess on your jaw. To give you the best shot possible, we've plotted out all the obstacles you’ll encounter (and how to overcome them) during the first five weeks on your path to facial-hair nirvana.

Week 1: Loud and Proud

Expect a hearty dose of “Did you forget to shave?” and “What, is your razor broken?” As with any new style choice, confidence will quickly win over supporters, so be sure to establish intent right off the bat. Reply calmly and confidently to naysayers, letting them know that they can either get used to your new look or get out. Also, sit down with significant others and prepare them for the facial changes to come. Discuss kissing logistics, understanding that your stubble might suck for a few days, before the hairs get longer and less stabby.

Week 2: Battle the Burn

Holy hell, is it itchy in here? You’re going to be tempted to rub your face raw to quell what feels like a million mosquito bites, but resist; not only will scratching make the itch worse, it’ll also up the odds of a breakout. Instead, opt for a beard conditioner and/or oil. Like the stuff you use on your head, conditioner will soften the hairs, helping to soothe your burning jawline; plus it’ll provide a bit of hold to keep stray hairs in check. Beard oil, on the other hand, is more like a moisturizer; rub a few drops into your face fur each day to minimize chafing and irritation.

This is also the time to think about what form your beard will take in the long run. Are you going to go au naturel, or style it a bit more squared-off? Pick a path and stick to it for now; if it ends up not being your thing, you can always go back and adjust your work, like a facial-hair Michelangelo.

Week 3: Missing Pieces

At this point, patchiness abounds for anyone other than the most follicularly gifted. This is normal. No, you do not look dirty, and no, not everyone is judging. (That is, unless you keep on bringing it up. So stop bringing it up.) Hair grows at different rates in different places for different people, and chances are those thin spots are going to fill out just fine in time. Patience, friend! (Also, if you haven’t started using a beard comb by now, get on that. It might just help.)

Week 4: Brush It Off

Sooner or later, you’re going to run into someone with whom you’ve neglected to discuss your newfound facial bounty. Maybe it’s a client whom you only meet with a few times a year, or a friend you only see every so often, or your mother. This person will react to your beard visibly, if not vocally, when they see you. Sometimes their reaction will be positive. Others, not so much. And look: Haters gonna hate. But you didn't do it for them—stay the course.

Week 5: Moving Forward

You’ve made it. Beard and all, this is just what you look like now, and you know what? Not half bad. But unless you plan on letting the forest grow wild (see: Fuck It All McConaughey), there’s still work to be done. Invest in a solid set of scissors to trim your whiskers, always annihilate the neckbeard, and please, please keep the damn thing clean. There’s nothing worse than face funk.

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