I started growing beards at about 17, my mother went away for two weeks holiday, then I went away for two weeks. Her first words when she saw me sporting my Van Dyke (the sides weren't doing to well) "You can get rid of that thing" My last and current beard started at 21, that was 31 years ago now. It gets trimmed with the scissors once or twice year whether it needs it or not. My advice, "Nike", just do it, don't mess around though, it's ALL or nothing.
JohnB ;)}}