Growing out a bushy beard can be a gratifying experience. However, before you can bask in all your bearded glory, there may be some trials and tribulations to face on your journey.
After all, even the most enviable beards once started as stubble. While you can't get to wizard-length status over night, there are methods to make the process practically painless and itch-free. Whether you're in the beginning stages or already sporting a burly beard, a common problem men face at some point in their beard journey is beard rash. Luckily, solving the issue is easy if you know how to attack the root of the problem.
Here at Zeus Beard, we want your beard journey to be an enjoyable experience of reinventing yourself, not a dreaded part of your routine. To solve your beard rash issues, simply keep reading.
What is beard rash?
Typically a beard rash or beard burn appears when your face is too dry to protect your skin and hair. Oftentimes, using the wrong products can increase the friction between your hair and skin and lead to an itchy red rash.
Common causes of beard burn
Your shaving routine is cutting too deep.
One of the easiest ways to develop beard rash is using the wrong products.
Disposable razors may seem like a solid option because after all, they are cheaper than the electric alternative and can be tossed instead of cleaned. However, the harsh blade isn't always gentle on your skin or beard. Not only are you less likely to get an even shave using a throw-away razor, you are more likely to cut too deep, causing bumps, burn and irritation.
Luckily, there's an easy fix, the Zeus Beard Trimming Scissors. Use shaving products that focus on your comfort. This can mean switching to an electric trimmer that will glide effortlessly along your face or using facial hair scissors to trim hard-to-reach areas.
Dry strands need some moisture TLC.
Already using an electric trimmer or scissors and still experiencing beard rash? Your beard is likely too dry.
Think about the functions of the oil in your car for a second. Your engine needs oil to keep parts operating and not wearing out. In addition, it keeps your engine cleaner by warding off dirt build-up.
Your beard is very similar. Without proper moisture, having the right products won't matter because they can't operate to their full potential. Not only will your shaver likely snag and cause irritation and beard rash, but dirt and bacteria squeezing in to an already irritated area can lead to further burn, redness and a harder time healing.
Using beard balm and beard oil after showering will help lock in moisture and diminish signs of beard rash. Soft ingredients like Keratin oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E replenish any natural oils stripped away in the shower and help tame your beard so maintenance is smooth and easy.
Too much shampoo is making your beard weaker instead of cleaner.
Unfortunately, there is such thing as your beard being too clean. Your face and beard produce natural oils that are intended to protect you. While never washing your beard can lead to dirt and bacteria building up, washing your beard too much can lead to dryness and cracking.
When shampooing your hair, ditch the bar of soap immediately. This will definitely dry out your strands and cause damage. Opt for a shampoo intended for beards. Depending on your skin type, the weather where you live and your routine, the number of times you should shampoo your hair per week will vary.
For more help, consult the Zeus shampooing guide.
In general, if you are shampooing your beard twice a week, you should be conditioning it three to four times.
Think of shampoo as your degreaser and heavy-duty cleaner and conditioner as the moisturizing agent to keep your beard clean but also soft.
Proper maintenance will help you avoid beard rash and other uncomfortable issues.
Hot shower water is leading to beard burn.
Hot water can literally burn your beard. When washing your beard, avoid beard rash and bumps by treating your facial hair with cold water.Using your hair comb is harming beard health.
Not all combs are created equal. To further explain, the hair on your head is actually pretty different from the hair in your beard. This means you should be using different combs to care for each. Using the same comb is harmful to your budding beard because it can cause breakage, damage and the dreaded beard rash.
However your comb decision-making doesn't stop at opting for a beard comb instead of a hair comb. Moreover, you still have to consider the wideness of your comb's teeth and the material it is made from.
For longer beards, wide-tooth combs work best to work through stubborn tangles. In this case, a fine-toothed comb would easily get stuck in your luscious locks and therefore isn't a good option.
However, for short beards, fine-toothed combs are better to penetrate and smooth shorter strands because wide-tooth combs are too big to properly comb each section.
When it comes to material, it's time to put down the metal and plastic combs which can pull out hairs and irritate the skin. Instead, purchase combs that are wooden or use materials like horn.
Horn combs are great for your beard because they contain the keratin protein, which effectively aids in hair growth. It helps to massage your skin and close cuticles, rather than scratching it and causing beard rash.
Now that you have the proper tips to fix your routine, beard rash will simply be a problem of the past.
