Having a beard does not only give you a distinguished and masculine look, it also requires grooming and maintenance. Proper beard care can involve following a regular routine and including a onetime deep-cleansing in order for the beard to remain healthy, look, and feel its best. Learning how to properly clean the beard can be a challenge for the novice, so allow us to help you with an all-inclusive guide.
Beard Supplies You’ll Need
To properly clean a beard, you need to use the right supplies. The essential items are: beard cleanser, beard conditioner, beard oil, and a brush or comb. It’s also a good idea to have a soft towel and mirror on hand.
Beard cleansers are a special type of shampoo that are specifically formulated for beards. They are designed to still clean the beard without stripping it of the natural oils that keep it healthy, soft and manageable. Not using a beard-specific cleanser can lead to a dry, less manageable beard.
Conditioners are just as important as the cleanser because they help nourish and protect the hair and skin. A good conditioner helps to replenish and hydrate the beard, making it soft and easy to comb.
Finally, beard oil is an excellent way to add moisture to the beard, which can help keep it healthy and soft. Finally, you’ll need a brush or comb to help evenly distribute the oil and detangle the beard.
How to Clean a Beard
Once you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to begin the cleaning process. First, wet the beard with warm water. This helps to open up the pores, allowing for a deeper clean. Next, apply the cleanser to the beard and massage it in. It’s important to use a shampoo specifically made for beards as regular shampoos can strip away the natural oils, leaving the beard dry and brittle. Leave the shampoo in for 2 –3 minutes to allow it to fully clean the beard.
Once the beard is clean, rinse it off with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can strip away the natural oils, leaving the beard dry and brittle. The last step is to apply the conditioner and leave it in the beard for 2 –3 minutes. This will help to nourish and hydrate the beard, making it soft and easy to manage.
After letting the conditioner sit in the beard for a few minutes, rinse it out with cold water. Cold water helps to lock in the moisture and adds shine to the beard. Finally, take the towel and pat dry the beard. Do not rub the beard with the towel, as this can cause breakage.
Beard Care Tips to Remember
Once the cleaning process is done, there are a few basic tips that should be followed to keep the beard healthy and looking its best. First, brush or comb the beard each day. This helps to evenly distribute the natural oils and can help to detangle unruly strands. Next, apply beard oil every day to help keep the beard hydrated and to give it a healthy shine. Finally, trim the beard regularly to remove split ends and keep it looking clean and neat.
Using Heat to Style Your Beard
After the beard is cleaned and taken care of, you may want to style it. There are several different tools on the market designed to help you style the beard. One of the most popular tools is a blow dryer. Blow dryers allow you to shape the beard while also adding a bit of volume. To use a blow dryer properly, use a low setting and start at the bottom of the beard and work your way up, as this will help to shape the beard and make it more manageable.
You can also use a straightening or curling iron to shape the beard. To use a flat iron, it is recommended to use a heat protectant spray, as this will help to protect the beard from damage caused by the heat. To use the iron, start at the bottom and work your way up, slowly shaping the hair into the desired shape.
Be careful when using heat tools though, as too much heat can damage the hair, leaving it brittle and unmanageable. It’s recommended to start low and increase the heat gradually as needed.
Beard Drying Precautions
When drying the beard after cleaning it, it’s important to be mindful of the heat and use precautions to avoid damaging the beard. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid using a blow dryer altogether and let the beard air dry. If you must use a blow dryer, use the low setting and a brush to help shape the beard. Additionally, use a heat protectant spray to protect the beard from damage caused by the heat.
General Beard Care Tips
As a final note, there are several general beard care tips to keep in mind. First, always use a mild, beard-specific cleanser and conditioner, as regular shampoos can strip away natural oils, leaving the beard dry and brittle. Additionally, use a beard oil every day to help keep the beard healthy and looking its best. Finally, trim the beard regularly to remove split ends and keep it looking neat and tidy.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to properly clean your beard. You also now know what supplies to use, how to use them properly, and have some helpful tips to keep the beard healthy and looking its best. Remember, proper beard care is the key to having a well-manicured and healthy beard. So, take the time to care for your beard and you will be rewarded with a great-looking beard.