No matter what stage of beard growth you’re at, you owe it to yourself (and those around you) to keep that thing clean. Read on for part 1 of our tips for a streamlined beard care routine that will make growing and maintaining a beard far more comfortable. A beard is a commitment, but one that is well worth it.
Shampoo and Condition
You should shampoo and condition your facial hair and skin regularly. Doing so will rid your beard of all the stuff that can fall into it on a daily basis and cause it to stink. Had a pizza for lunch? You should probably shampoo your beard that night. In fact, if you eat food at all we suggest you stick to a good cleaning regimen – after all, in most growth stages your beard is basically a food strainer.
While you might be tempted to use soap, regular soap dries out your hair, giving it a brittle texture. That’s because most soaps contain lye, which strips your hair and skin’s natural oils without replacing them. That squeaky clean feeling you like after using bar soap? That’s your skin stripped of its moisture barrier. Soap can also damage your hair and leave the skin beneath dry and irritated, causing itchiness and beardruff (beard dandruff).
This is why we recommend you shampoo your beard with products specifically formulated for beards as needed, from several times a week to daily. Follow up with conditioner to replenish hair follicles with moisture so they stay soft. Conditioner is especially vital if you live in a drier, cooler environment or frequently participate in outdoor activities, since climate and weather put a huge strain on your hair and skin.
While there are many beard care lines popping up these days, we recommend sticking to products that are as close to nature as possible. Look for essential oils that simultaneously freshen and moisturize (such as Jojoba Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Aloe leaf Extract). Also keep your eye out for antioxidants like Vitamin A, E, and C, which protect your skin and beard from the elements.
Gentlemen - this is the part of your face the ladies like to kiss, so make sure it feels nice and smooth!
Our Product Recommendations
Beardition Really Good Beard Shampoo $15.00
Formulated for the most sensitive areas on your face, Beardition Really Good Beard Shampoo is a gentle way to both clean and hydrate your beard. Natural ingredients like Organic Aloe Leaf Extract and a light Cucumber and Mint fragrance make this shampoo enjoyable to use. Suitable for the hair on top of your head too!
Zeus Beard Shampoo in Verbena Lime $16.00
This light shampoo won’t strip your beard’s natural oils, even if you use it daily. A 100% natural essential oil blend hydrates skin without chemicals and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Zeus Beard Shampoo is paraben free, sulfate free, and formulated right here in the USA.
Beardsley Ultra Conditioner for Beards $13.00
The Soap Bark Extract, Wild Cherry Fruit Extract, Henna Extract, and Jojoba Seed Oil in this rich beard shampoo moisturize facial hair without weighing it down. Pro-Vitamin B5 stimulates cellular regeneration and acts as antioxidant, which means a stronger, smoother beard.
Stubble & Stache Face Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner $35.00
Stubble & ‘Stache was created in honor of US Marine Sergeant Justin Hansen, an elite Special Ops marine known for his epic beard. The Stubble & ‘Stache Face Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner is a hybrid face moisturizer and beard conditioner (so no need to wash out this one). Formulated to combat beard itch and irritation, this product boasts skin-soothing Argan Oil and Vitamins A and E.
Stubble & ‘Stache donates a portion of the proceeds to wounded hero charities.
