The 3 best tips for beard hygiene
1. Wash it
As a barber, your facial hair will get messy from time to time. If left untreated, the daily buildup of grit and natural skin oil (sebum) can wreak havoc on the skin under your beard, leading to skin irritation or breakouts. That’s why the first and most important tip for a healthy beard is to wash it!
To start cleaning the beard, it is important to wash it with water. But be selective with the temperature of the water. Cold water might not be the best option as it tends to reduce the effectiveness of washing your beard. And very hot water dries out the hair follicles. Like Goldilocks, the perfect temperature is in the middle. Warm water improves blood circulation and opens the pores, ensuring that each wash is effective.
Pro Tip: Avoid washing your beard with body washes, facial soaps, or regular soap. These cleansers are too harsh and tend to strip the beard of its natural oils and awesomeness. Try using a mild soap, cleanser, or beard wash instead. They are designed to gently cleanse and keep fuzz away, while energizing the skin under the beard.
2. Hydrate it
Harsh weather conditions tend to drain the natural oils from the face, leading to dry, split-end beard hairs. To keep your beard soft and healthy, consider using a moisturizer or beard oil (beard oils have been used for centuries to help mimic the skin’s natural oil). Of course, you can also use natural oils. For example, coconut oil is widely known for its ability to moisturize and nourish hair and skin.
Pro tip: Did you know that beard balm is also a great way to moisturize and nourish your beard? High-quality balms contain some of the best natural ingredients, including coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E. These ingredients are included not only to feed facial follicles and nourish skin, but also to tame flyaways and give shape the beard
3. Cut it out
Another way to keep your beard healthy is to groom it regularly. Grooming and maintenance may not be your thing, but they help tame those split ends…and women like it.
Pro Tip: Trim your beard while it’s dry. This will help you get a better length estimate. Also brush or comb your beard every day to help distribute beard oils evenly, detangle and get rid of unexpected crumbs.
