Beards can be both trendy and stylish. But growing and keeping a beard in great condition requires more than just the willingness to look a bit scruffy. An important part of growing your facial hair into a show-stopping beard is moisturizing. Whether you’re a bearded beginner or a seasoned veteran, here’s what you need to know about how often to hydrate your facial hair for optimum results.
Beard hair is thick and coarse, making it prone to dryness and irritation. The drier and more irritated your facial hair becomes, the more brittle it is likely to be. This can cause brittle follicles to easily break and lead to split ends and an uneven beard, something that most men would like to avoid. To help combat the challenges of a dry beard, it’s important to use a quality moisturizer as part of your daily grooming routine.
According to leading experts, moisturizing your beard should be done daily if it’s dry or damaged. But if you’re just starting out, you can get away with cleaning and moisturizing your beard every two to three days. The best time to moisturize is after washing your beard with a quality beard shampoo and conditioner. This will ensure the moisturizer can penetrate deep into the follicles.
The type of moisturizer you use is also a factor. Choose one that’s specifically designed for beards, as this will contain nutrients that your facial hair needs. A good beard moisturizer should include ingredients like natural oils, vitamins and minerals to nourish the skin beneath the beard and keep it healthy. Ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil are excellent for helping to retain moisture, while vitamin C and E are beneficial for preventing dryness and free radical damage.
Don’t forget to massage the moisturizer into the beard and skin with your fingertips, as this will help to distribute the product evenly throughout the facial hair. Once applied, comb the beard with a beard comb or brush to help further style and groom the beard.
If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your beard looking and feeling its best, you should also consider using a quality beard balm or beard oil. While they are not essential, they can add an extra layer of protection against dryness and help to style and groom the beard more effectively. However, sticking with a regular moisturizer is a good place to start and will ensure the beard is kept in top condition.
How to Choose the Best Beard Moisturizer
Knowing how often to moisturize your beard is only half the battle. When it comes to achieving a great looking beard, it’s also important to choose the best moisturizer for your facial hair. As we’ve already discussed, look for one that is specifically designed for beards and includes ingredients that help to nourish and hydrate the beard.
It’s also important to choose one that isn’t too heavy or too light. A heavy beard moisturizer can weigh down the beard and make it look greasy, while one that is too light will not be effective at hydrating the facial hair. Finding the right balance helps to ensure that your beard both looks and feels its best.
When it comes to cost, it pays to remember that you get what you pay for. A cheaper moisturizer may be tempting, but it is worth investing in a higher-quality product to ensure the beard is being properly nourished and hydrated throughout the day.
Tips for Applying Beard Moisturizer
Once you have chosen the right moisturizer for your beard, it’s time to think about the application. As with any product, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as this can help to ensure the best possible results. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your moisturizer:
- Start at the roots of the beard, massaging the moisturizer in with your fingertips.
- If it has been a few days since you last moisturized, give the beard a good brush first to help evenly distribute the product.
- Use a small amount of moisturizer. Too much can leave the beard looking greasy, so use a pea-sized amount and add more, if needed.
- Comb through the beard after applying the moisturizer for even coverage.
- Wash out the moisturizer after use so that it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Tips for Healthy Beard Care
Moisturizing your beard plays an important role in keeping it healthy and looking great. But there are other steps you can take to ensure your facial hair is in top condition. Here’s a few tips to keep in mind:
- Brush your beard every day. Brushing helps to remove dead skin cells and stimulates the skin beneath the beard.
- Trim the beard every two to three weeks for a neat and tidy look.
- Wash the beard regularly to help keep it clean and free from dirt, oil and grime.
- Avoid using too many styling products. This can lead to build-up and can make the beard look greasy.
- Try using a pre-shave oil to help soften the beard before shaving.
- Get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet. A good diet can h elp to support the health of the skin and beard.
Best Foods & Vitamins for Beard Growth
Diet is an important factor in maintaining overall hair health. Eating the right foods can promote healthy beard growth and help to keep the facial hair looking nourished and full of life. Here’s a list of some of the best foods and vitamins to add to your diet:
- Zinc – found in seafood, eggs and meat.
- Vitamins A and E – found in spinach, broccoli and salmon.
- Biotin – found in almonds, eggs and avocados.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – found in salmon and walnuts.
- Iron – found in red meat, spinach and lentils.
Top Tips for Maintaining a Soft & Supple Beard
A great looking beard needs more than just regular washing and moisturizing. To really help the beard look its best, you should also make sure it’s kept soft and supple. Here are some of our top tips to help keep your facial hair looking its best:
- Use warm, not hot, water when washing the beard. Hot water can strip away natural oils, causing the beard to become dry and brittle.
- Make sure the beard and skin are completely dry before applying moisturizer. Water left on the beard can prevent the product from penetrating the follicle.
- Choose a quality beard wash and conditioner. Products that are specifically designed for beards tend to be milder and contain natural ingredients that are less likely to irritate the skin.
- Be gentle when washing and styling the beard. Over-styling can cause irritations and breakages.
- Take special care in winter when cold temperatures can cause the beard to become extra dry.
How to Avoid Problems with Beard Skin Irritations
The skin beneath the beard is susceptible to irritation, caused largely by ingrown hairs, shaving and dryness. To help ensure you’re doing all you can to prevent irritations and the associated problems, here are a few tips to bear in mind:
- Use a quality pre-shave oil to help prepare the skin before shaving and to reduce the chances of irritation.
- Shave with a fresh razor in the direction of the growth and rinse after each stroke to help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- After shaving, use a facial scrub twice a week to help reduce the build-up of dead skin cells.
- Use a moisturizer daily to help keep the skin beneath the beard free from dryness.
- If the skin might be particularly sensitive, consider using natural and organic products.
