A healthy and clean beard requires commitment to grooming and maintenance. Different beard types respond to different beard care rituals in unique ways. However, there is a standard routine that you should follow for basic hygiene and health. Here are ways that you can keep your beard clean and healthy:
- Wash Regularly
You must regularly wash your beard to get rid of any dirt and build-up that may collect from dust and food particles. Whether you keep a long or short beard, washing your beard must be as regular as washing your hair, if not more often because you have to wash your face daily. You can use natural-based shampoos such as coconut shampoo to avoid any reactions to chemical-based shampoos. Once you have thoroughly washed out the dirt from your beard, you can apply a natural-based conditioner that will soften your beard. Having left the conditioner in for a few minutes, rinse it out and dry your beard.
- Straighten Your Beard
You must straighten your beard regularly to avoid tangling. Tangles curbs growth and keeps your skin from breathing properly. Tangled hair also means dust and dirt particles collect faster and can encourage unpleasant odours. You can research the type of beard straightener comb that will work best for your beard. There are different straightener combs for various beard types. For example, thick and long beards may respond better to a type of comb that wouldn’t be so efficient for a short beard.
- Moisturise Your Beard
Having washed your beard, you must apply natural-based oils to keep the beard moisturised. Weather and climate conditions can dry up your beard, making it brittle and prone to breakage. Natural based oil also soothes your skin and may protect your skin from developing rashes and pimples as your beard grows out. You can try different products such as jojoba or argan oil. You can also seal in the moisture by using a beard balm.
- Brush Your Beard
Brushing your beard once a day helps to keep the hair straight after straightening it. Brushing also helps to maintain the gloss that will be a result of the natural oils and balms that you would have applied into the beard. Make sure to choose a soft brush that won’t pull your beard hair out when you comb. Gentle brushing also avoids hair loss and skin irritation.
- Trim Your Beard
Beard trimming may facilitate faster hair growth. If your beard is tangled at the ends, it means the overall growth is being curbed. Beard trimming also evens out split hair, making it look more presentable. You may also have particles stuck in the beard that need to be trimmed out. Make sure that you first use your beard straightener comb to avoid uneven trimming.
- Avoid Chemicals
You may have seen beard styles that work best if the hair is relaxed by chemicals. Other styles require you to colour or dye your beard hair which also involves chemicals. Chemicals, however, run the risk of burning your skin. You may negatively react to chemicals by developing sores, rash and swelling. If you wish to soften your beard hair, you can look for natural products, such as CBD hemp oil, which is believed to have health benefits for hair.
- Let It Grow
Constant tampering with your beard hair can lead to hair loss and skin irritation. For example, you may notice that you tug at your beard hair when you are thinking or when in a stressful situation. Such actions don’t facilitate healthy growth. You need to be mindful of such subconscious actions that may destroy healthy hair.
- Exercise
When you exercise you increase your testosterone levels, which may promote hair growth and health. The healthy blood circulation that results from exercising means that your hair will grow in a healthy state. You can figure out the different styles of exercise that may work best for you such as working out at a gym, walking, and cycling.
- Eat Right
The saying ‘you are what you eat’ holds true for your beard health as well. Foods that are rich in protein, whole grain, and vitamins promote healthy hair growth. You can also take natural-based supplements with your meals for additional nutrients.
- Avoid Stress
Chronic stress lowers testosterone levels, which are needed for hair growth and health. You need to find ways to navigate stress such as nature walks, deep breaths, meditation, and partaking in activities that you enjoy. You also need to make sure that you are getting plenty of rest because a lack of it leads to stress.
- Avoid Constant Styling
It is tempting to experiment different styles by shaving or twisting beard strands. Although these styles may be aesthetically appealing, these may curb beard growth and irritate your skin. Try sticking to a particular style or take breaks from styling to avoid hair loss and stress on the hair.
- Massage Your Face
Massaging your face encourages blood flow, which in turn facilitates growth. You can massage your face when you apply your beard oil or balm. You can also massage your face when you begin to feel stressed rather than pulling and tugging at your beard.
- Be Patient
Beautiful beards don’t appear overnight. You may notice when you are starting to grow your beard, you’ll experience phases where the beard appears stubby, rough, and patchy. Patiently apply the hair care required and wait a few weeks to see noticeable change.
Conclusion
Beard care requires a type of hair ritual that requires commitment and patience. You need to wash your beard regularly, apply natural moisturising oils as chemicals can destroy hair follicles and damage your skin, use a straightening comb, brush and trim regularly, massage your face, let it grow, avoid constant styling, and be patient throughout the process.
Keep in mind that hair types differ, meaning each person’s beard responds to hair care differently. You will need to try out different products to determine the one that works best for your hair type.