The age-old question of how often should I wash my beard is one that many men never think twice about. However, it is an important one to answer as beard hygiene can impact both the health and look of your facial hair.
A common misconception is that beards need to be washed with regular shampoo and conditioner, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is that regular shampoo specifically designed for your beard is often too harsh and can strip away essential oils, leaving facial hair dry, dull, and prone to frizz. Instead, co washing (or conditioner-washing as it’s commonly known) is becoming increasingly popular and many beard experts are now recommending it.
Co washing works by cleaning the beard without stripping away the essential oils. Instead of using harsh detergents and surfactants, conditioner-washing uses fatty acids and ingredients like shea butter and argan oil to thoroughly clean hair and skin without drying it out. This type of wash is gentler and helps to keep the beard and skin underneath moisturized and hydrated. Plus, it’s important to use a specialised beard shampoo and conditioner that is designed specifically for facial hair as opposed to regular hair. This helps nourish the hair and promote healthy beard growth.
But how often should you co wash your facial hair? According to independent clinical trichologist and founder of Man For Himself, Alan Forrest Smith, ‘It really depends on how you style your beard. If you use a product such as pomade or wax to help style your beard, it pays to co-wash more regularly, typically twice a week. On the other hand, if you have a short, no fuss goatee, you could get away with washing it just once a week.’
With this in mind, it’s important to be mindful of the type of products you use. If you use heavier styling products more frequently, it’s best to use a mild beard shampoo and aftercare conditioner and to co-wash more often. If you don’t use any heavy styling products, you can afford to co-wash less often, such as once a week. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the co-washing process should not take the place of an actual beard wash using a mild or natural shampoo.
How To Co Wash Your Beard
The actual process of co-washing your beard is relatively simple and straightforward. All you need is a good quality beard conditioner in either leave-in or rinse-out form.
For those with a long beard, you can use the conditioner in place of a leave-in styling product. Simply massage the conditioner into your beard and scalp thoroughly, ensuring it is distributed evenly. Rinse out the conditioner and use any aftercare styling products as usual.
For those with shorter beards, a rinse-out beard conditioner works best. Start by wetting your beard and massaging the conditioner into the facial hair and then rinse it out. To keep your beard hydrated, you may want to follow up with a leave-in conditioner afterwards.
The benefits of co-washing are numerous. Not only does it help keep your facial hair and skin healthy, it also helps make styling easier and makes your beard look and feel more hydrated and soft. Co-washing also encourages healthier growth by promoting natural oils and reducing the occurrence of split ends. As long as you use the right product for your skin and hair type, co-washing can be an effective way to maintain a healthy beard.
Essential Oils For Your Beard
In addition to co-washing, it’s important to feed your beard with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy. The best way to do this is by applying natural essential oils to your beard on a weekly basis.
For those with a long beard, you can apply a small amount of beard oil to the hair and then massage the scalp. This helps to nourish the skin and aid in the absorption of nutrients from the essential oils. You can also use a small amount of beard oil on just the ends of your beard to help condition the ends and reduce the occurrence of split ends.
For a shorter beard, you can apply a few drops of beard balm or beard butter to your hands and work it into the beard. This helps to nourish the hair and skin, as well as give your beard a glossy sheen. These balms and butters are usually made with natural plant-based oils and butters, which work to hydrate the skin and hair and make the beard more manageable.
Not only do essential oils help nourish your beard, they also help to keep the pH balanced, providing your facial hair with the protection it needs to stay healthy and strong.
Beard Trimming Basics
When it comes to beard grooming, there are a few basics that you should be aware of. To keep your beard looking tidy, it’s important to trim it regularly. Not only does this help to keep it looking neat, it also promotes new growth and helps prevent split ends. It’s also important to note that it’s best to use a pair of sharp scissors for this, as opposed to electric trimmers or beard clippers, as this will ensure a more precise cut.
To trim your beard, start by combing it thoroughly and then use the scissors to trim a small section at a time. To ensure an even finish, use a comb as a guide; simply hold the comb flush against your beard and then snip the tips that protrude over the top. Once you’ve finished one pass, comb through your beard again and trim any remaining strays until you are happy with the result.
Trimming your beard at least once a month will help your beard stay healthy and can also help to promote a thicker, fuller look. Remember that it’s best to remember to proceed with caution when trimming, as it’s easy to take too much off if you’re not careful.
Beard Products To Avoid
While there are many beard care products available on the market, there are also a few to avoid. This includes products that contain alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin beneath the beard, and can actually cause the beard to become dry and brittle.
It’s also important to avoid harsh beard dyes, as these can be damaging to the skin and hair. If you are looking for a subtle colour boost, opt for a natural-based beard tint, or try using a slightly darker shade of beard oil to give a natural-looking colour boost.
Finally, it’s important to avoid over-washing your beard. As mentioned earlier, it is important to wash your beard with a specialty beard shampoo, but it’s also important not to over-wash it. Over-washing can strip away natural oils and lead to dry, brittle hair, which can leave your beard looking dull and unhealthy.
Beard Care Routine
Developing a good beard care routine is the key to healthy and well-maintained facial hair. Start by finding a good quality soap and shampoo specifically formulated for the beard. Make sure to use warm water to open the pores and allow for better absorption of the shampoo. Massage your beard and scalp in a circular motion to ensure an even lather and rinse with cool water.
Be sure to use a good quality conditioner after shampooing to help keep your facial hair hydrated and to help minimize tangles and split ends. A beard oil is also great for helping to hydrate and condition the hair without weighing it down. If you use styling products such as wax or pomade, make sure to use natural-based products in order to nourish the hair.
Finally, make sure to brush your beard daily to help distribute natural oils and stimulate hair growth. A boar bristle brush is great for adding extra shine to the hair and is a gentle way to groom the beard. Keep in mind that the co-washing process should not take the place of an actual beard wash using a mild or natural shampoo.
