Beards are one of the few features that help distinguish men from the rest and have now become an unwritten rule when it comes to fashion and style. However, like with all things, eventually moving on a forward track triggers some issues along the way. One such issue is a dry, itchy beard.
If you are unable to keep up with the maintenance of your beard properly, or if it has been looking a little unkempt lately, you will be glad to know that it only takes a few steps to combat dryness and get back to your deservedly dapper look.
Trim Regularly
Your first step should be to keep your beard hairs trimmed properly to avoid flakes and split ends. A good quality trimmer with replaceable blades of different sizes can help keep unruly hairs in check. Make sure to shake off the cut hairs from the trimmer before putting it away, to avoid them getting stuck inside.
Wash With Natural Oils
Most men have a tendency to use bar soaps or shower gels on their faces, but these soaps contain harsh chemicals that can damage the natural oils in your skin and lead to dryness. To get the best results, switch to using beard wash and conditioners that contain natural oils like jojoba oil and argan oil, which help to lock in moisture. Massaging the wash into your beard and rinsing it off with warm water will ensure that your beard is clean and dirt free.
Moisturize
Unlike facial skin, it can be tricky to keep your beard moisturized for long periods of time. Oils are the best way to keep your beard fresh and hydrated. Make sure to buy an oil specifically meant for beard care, as these contain additional ingredients to make them more effective. Rubbing a few drops of oil into your beard will help to nourish and condition it, and also help fight any dryness that may arise.
Brush Regularly
Brushing your beard regularly with a boar-bristle brush helps to spread the natural oils in your beard and keep it looking healthy. Brushing is also important to maintain the shape of your beard, and it helps to get rid of any tangles and knots that may have occurred while sleeping. When brushing, make sure to start from the neck and move upwards in gentle strokes, as this helps to evenly distribute the oils.
Use A Hairstyling Product
Most men use a styling product like a wax or a pomade to keep their beards in place for longer periods of time. Make sure to choose one that contains natural ingredients, as these are the best for your beard health. Natural waxes, like those made from shea butter, are especially beneficial and help to lock in moisture, providing long-term hydration.
Don’t Neglect Your Skin
Your beard health is closely tied to your skin’s health, and therefore any problems with one directly affect the other. Make sure to use a mild cleanser that specifically caters to beard health, as these are specifically designed to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. An effective face mask, used once a week, can also work wonders and help to keep your skin and beard looking smooth and healthy.
Limit Sun Exposure
Excessive exposure to sun can dry out your skin and beard, leading to a host of problems. To avoid this, make sure to avoid the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm and apply a light sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 during outings to protect your beard from the sun’s harmful rays.
Eat Right
What you eat directly affects the health of your skin and beard, and so it is important to choose the right foods. Stock up on foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and E as these essential nutrients help to keep your skin and beard hydrated, while foods like walnuts, flax seeds, eggs, beans and citrus fruits are also great for overall health.
Use Supplements
Supplements can be great for aiding general health, and get rid of nutritional deficiencies that can lead to beard dryness. Make sure to take a supplement with biotin in it, as this is essential for beard growth and health. Likewise, a multivitamin can also help to boost your beard health, as well as your overall health.
Stay Hydrated
The last and most important step for fixing a dry beard is to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink at least two litres of water every day to ensure that your body is getting enough hydration. This will not only help to condition your beard but will also help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Use Appropriate Tools
Using the right tools can help to maintain the health of your beard and get rid of any tangles that may have occurred. A boar-bristle brush is perfect for detangling the beard and a shampoo brush with soft bristles will help to deep clean the beard. A good quality comb with rounded tips is also essential, as this will help to evenly distribute the natural oils in your beard.
Give It Time
While there are many steps that you can take to fix dryness in your beard, it is important to remember that it does take some time for the solutions to take effect. Be patient and keep following these steps regularly for best results, and soon your beard will be healthy and lush again.
Add Oils In Your Diet
Adding certain oils to your diet can do wonders for your beard. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are ideal, such as salmon, tuna, anchovies and sardines. Coconut oil can also help to make your beard soft and shiny, while olive oil, castor oil, and sweet almond oil are all excellent choices as well. Adding these to your diet can help to strengthen your beard and keep it looking healthy.
Clean Your Beard Every Day
Like with your hair, it is important to keep your beard clean. A good quality shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for beard care is a must, and make sure to remove any tangles and knots that may have occurred while washing. Towel- drying your beard afterwards will help to remove any excess water, as this encourages growth and helps to keep moisture locked inside.
Regularly Trim Split Ends
Split ends can cause your beard to look scraggly and unkempt, and so it is important to take care of this problem. Use an electric trimmer or scissors to trim off any split ends. Some prefer to trim their beards themselves, while others prefer to leave this to a professional. This can be done once a month and will help to keep your beard looking in great shape.
