How to Wash Your Beard
Beards are popular today, and it’s easy to see why. They provide a distinctive look and, depending on their length, they can provide warmth on cold winter days. But like with all other things, when it comes to beards, it’s essential to take proper care of them in order for them to look their best. For starters, beard washes shouldn’t be ignored, as this is necessary to keep the skin underneath the beard healthy and hydrated.
When it comes to beard washes, it’s important to understand that you don’t need to use shampoo – shampoo, like hand soaps, contains ingredients that will strip away the natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle.
What’s more, beards are usually populated with bacteria and fungus who, when coupled with sweat and other dirt, can lead to itchy and flaky skin. So then it’s important to use a special beard wash. A beard wash is a type of soap specifically formulated for facial hair. It will not only remove all dirt and bacteria, but also keep your beard hydrated and healthy.
Another important aspect is to understand the different steps a beard wash can have in relation to facial skin health. A good rule of thumb to follow when washing your beard is to use a beard wash twice per week at the most. When choosing a wash for your beard, make sure that the product of your choice will fit the skin type you have, as some washes are specially designed for those with sensitive skin.
When it’s time actually to wash your beard, you should follow these guidelines: start by wetting your beard with warm water and rub the beard wash gently into your skin. Go in a circular motion before you pull your fingers downwards to make the suds on just the hairs. After a few minutes you can rinse it with water until all the suds are gone. As a final step, you can apply a good beard oil or balm, which will help to keep the beard moisturized and prevent split ends.
All things considered, it’s important to develop a good beard-washing routine if you plan to have a long and healthy beard. As with all other things, nothing can be overstated when it comes to taking proper care of your beard. So, be sure to take the time to make sure you’re following a good beard-washing plan.
Beard Maintenance After Washing
After you have washed your beard, there are many more steps you can take in order to achieve the maximum health, look and feel of your beard. These steps include exfoliating, deep conditioning, and trimming. Exfoliating your skin with a gentle scrub once a month can help remove dead skin cells, which can make your beard appear dull. You should also deep condition your beard at least once a month using a moisturizing deep conditioner to nourish and add shine. Finally, Trimming your beard will help maintain its overall shape, as well as giving your beard a more polished and professional look.
Beard Grooming Products
To further help you reach the desire look and feel of your beard, there are a number of products available today specifically designed for beard grooming. These include, beard balm and beard wax. Beard balm is a pomade-like product that helps condition, shape, and untangle facial hair. Plus, it also helps lock in moisture and add volume. Beard wax, on the other hand, adds control to the beard and helps minimize fly-aways by providing a strong hold.
If you are looking to add extra volume to your beard, you can find a variety of styling products designed to do just that. Volumizing mousse is a great way to add a bit of lift to your beard and helps it to look fuller. If a thicker beard is desired, a hair thickening product can help make that dream come true.
Beard Brushes and Combs
When it comes to getting that perfectly groomed beard, a good beard brush and comb are the tools to have. Look for products that have natural bristles, such as boar bristles, as these are the best for brushing face hair. On the other hand, for neatening, look for combs that have medium to wide teeth. Steer clear of using regular plastic combs, as these can cause static, breakage and even split ends to your precious facial hair.
How Often to Wash Your Beard
Now that you’ve learned the basics of washing and grooming your beard, you may be wondering how often you should wash it. The answer to this question largely depends on how long you wear your beard, and how active you are. If you keep your beard short, then once or twice a week should be plenty. If you prefer to keep it longer and coarser, then twice a week is a good goal. If you are active, such as for exercise, then you may need to wash your beard a bit more often.
Signs of an Unhealthy Beard
Sometimes, washing and at-home grooming may not be enough to ensure the health of your beard. There are certain signs that can tell you when it’s time to see a professional. Some signs of an unhealthy beard include excessive brittle, discoloration, or split ends. Another sign that your beard is unhealthy is if it looks rough or dry, and does not have that healthy shine.
Benefits of a Maintained Beard
The great thing about having a tidy and healthy looking beard is that it can help attract attention from people around you. A well-groomed beard says a great deal about a man’s character; it speaks of his confidence, his masculinity and his respect for himself. Furthermore, grooming your beard helps improve the circulation of your facial skin and makes it softer. It also eliminates beardruff, and helps spread the natural oils on your face to keep the skin hydrated.
