Here’s What’s Best to Wash Your Beard

When it comes to maintaining facial hair, washing your beard correctly is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Whether you’re aiming for a rugged look with a long beard or prefer a clean and stylish short beard, having the right washing technique and using the right products will ensure you keep your beard looking and feeling fresh and healthy.

In this article, we will dive into the best practices for washing your beard, which products to use, how these practices may vary depending on beard length, and the 5 easy steps to clean and dry your beard.

Types of Beard Washes

Beard washes (or beard shampoos) are designed specifically for the unique needs of facial hair. Unlike regular shampoos, bar soap, or even body wash, they are formulated to cleanse both your beard and the skin underneath without stripping them of natural oils, reducing potential issues like flaking and dryness.

When buying a beard wash, you have two main choices: liquid or solid bar forms.

Here’s what you should know:

• Liquid: Beard shampoos are easy to apply and can get deep into the beard, ensuring a thorough cleanse. They create a rich lather that’s effective in removing dirt and oil from both the beard and the skin beneath.
• Bar: Like a bar of soap, a beard wash will be a more eco-friendly, no-waste option compared to liquid washes. These bars tend to be made from natural, beard-friendly ingredients and are usually free of harmful chemicals. They can last longer than liquid shampoos and are great for traveling due to their solid state.

The right product choice ultimately depends on your preferences and beard’s needs.

To save money, making your own homemade beard wash could also be an option as the process is straightforward, cost-effective, and allows you to tailor the ingredients to your specific requirements.

What Happens if You Don’t Wash Your Beard?

Washing your beard helps to keep it clean, healthy, and smelling good. Oil, dirt, and dead skin cells can accumulate in your beard over time, leading to issues like beard itch, dandruff, or even beard acne. Proper washing can reduce these issues and keep your beard in top condition.

However, the frequency of washing will depend on a variety of factors including your environment, daily activities, and beard length. For example, those living in polluted cities or those who sweat a lot due to physical activities may need to wash their beards more often than others.

Does Length Impact Washing?

Beard length plays a significant role in how you should wash your beard as you could have a short or stubble-like beard, a medium-sized beard, or a long, bushy beard. Each of these lengths requires a different technique and attention to detail.

• Short Beard: For short beards, washing is fairly simple since less hair means less trapped dirt and oil. You can wash a short beard every day with a gentle beard soap or facial cleanser. By regularly washing, you remove the excess oil and dirt that clings to the hair and skin beneath. However, avoid over-washing as it can strip the natural oils that maintain moisture in your skin and facial hair, leading to a dry, flaky beard and skin.
• Medium to Long Beard: Medium to long beards require a bit more care. Due to the larger surface area, these beards tend to accumulate more dirt and oil. Rather than using a face wash or regular soap, opt for a specialized beard shampoo. These are designed to penetrate the thicker hair and clean the skin underneath effectively. It’s recommended to wash a medium-long beard about 2-3 times a week, depending on your lifestyle and environment.

5 Steps for Washing & Drying Your Beard

When washing and drying your beard, you’ll want to follow these steps:

1. Wet your beard with warm water.
2. Apply a small amount of beard wash or gentle shampoo to your hands.
3. Work the soap into your beard, making sure to reach the skin underneath.
4. Rinse thoroughly to ensure all the soap is removed.
5. Pat your beard dry with a towel – don’t rub, as this can cause irritation and follicle breakage.