Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.
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If stroking your beard feels like running your hand across sandpaper, it may be time to take steps to soften it. Keeping your beard soft is mainly an issue of maintaining it properly. Wash your beard often, and trim your beard on a regular schedule to keep split ends from getting out of hand. To condition your beard, start using beard oil or beard balm to help soften your whiskers.
Steps
Wash your beard 3 to 5 times a week. Your beard needs as much or more washing than your regular hair. Your beard tends to pick up more debris from food and liquids, which can lead to a rougher beard.[1] Therefore, it's a good idea to wash your beard at least 3 times a week to remove grime and food particles.[2]
Use a mild shampoo to wash your beard. It's fine to use the same shampoo for your hair and your beard. However, keep in mind that milder is better, as the skin on your face is more sensitive to harsh soaps than your scalp. Suds up your beard when you do your hair, and then thoroughly rinse it out.[3]- Look for a mild shampoo made for sensitive skin. You can also find shampoos specifically for your beard if you prefer.[4] Another option is a natural soap like castile soap.
- Rather than just washing the surface of your beard, you should massage the shampoo into the roots of your beard. Slide your fingers into the outer edges then work your way down toward the tips of your beard.
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Try a shampoo and conditioner combo. For additional softness, consider using a beard product with a conditioner. You can also use a separate conditioner, but make sure it's a mild 1, as it may irritate your skin otherwise.[5]
Comb or brush your beard into place. When you get out of the shower, dry off your beard by patting it with a towel. Use a beard comb or brush to detangle your beard and shape it before leaving it to dry.[6]- Try a boar-bristle brush, which can encourage blood flow to the follicles and distribute oils throughout.[7]
Begin with a clean, dry beard. Before trimming, start with a clean beard. However, you don't want to trim your beard while it's wet. After cleaning, let your beard dry out before attempting to trim it.[10]
Trim your beard sparingly with scissors.[11] Clippers may seem like the easier option, but when it comes to your beard, scissors are actually a better idea. Clippers are overkill for your beard, especially since you're just wanting to round out the edges, usually. Pull out the straggly bits you see and trim them off with sharp scissors. Trim a bit around the edges if you want to control growth and split hairs.[12]
Clean up around your beard with clippers. While you don't want to use clippers on your actual beard, you can use them to define the edges of your beard. Shave around your beard on your neck and cheeks using a small clipper with a T-shaped blade, called an “edger.” This tool will allow you to create clean edges and is better for detail work than regular clippers.[13]
Pick a good beard oil. Applying oil to your beard will manage frizzy hairs and keep your beard soft and moisturized.[14] You can buy oil mixes specifically for your beard, but it's not absolutely necessary. You can also just buy straight oil, such as jojoba oil, and use that by itself. However, the mixes will provide different nutrients, so for the maximum effect, try a beard oil mix.- Look for mixes with jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and rosemary oil.
Clean your beard in the morning with warm water. Splash your beard with warm water, and use it to gently massage out the dirt. Add a bit more water to rinse it out.- Warm water is important because it helps open your pores.
Use a beard balm for styling. If you want to create particular shapes with your beard, try using a beard balm. These balms often contain the same oils as beard oils, but they also have beeswax in them, which moisturizes your beard while maintaining the desired shape.[17]
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat do you use beard balm for?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistBeard balm moisturizes your beard and helps to style it. Beard balm can be used daily for grooming and shaping. - QuestionWhat are the best beard care products?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistBeard balm and beard oil are the most essential products you need for grooming. A good pair of trimmers and a beard wash are also very useful. - QuestionIs it good to comb your beard?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, combing your beard helps to shape it. Combing also distributes oils and reduces tangling.
Tips
- Do your best not to pull, twist, tug, or play with your beard. The tension, along with the oil from your fingers, may irritate the hair follicles, leading to inflammation or hair loss.Thanks
References
- ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-to-make-your-beard-soft/
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-to-make-your-beard-soft/
- ↑ Marlon Rivas. Facial Hair Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2020.
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-to-make-your-beard-soft/
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-trim-your-beard-while-growing-it-out
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-to-make-your-beard-soft/
- ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
- ↑ https://www.shortlist.com/style/grooming/a-guide-to-beard-maintenance/25843
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-trim-your-beard-while-growing-it-out
- ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-trim-your-beard-while-growing-it-out
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-trim-your-beard-while-growing-it-out
- ↑ Marlon Rivas. Facial Hair Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2020.
- ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
- ↑ Marlon Rivas. Facial Hair Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2020.
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/best-beard-balm/
About This Article
To have a soft, healthy-looking beard, you'll want to keep it clean and moisturized. Remember to wash your beard 3 to 5 times a week with shampoo and conditioner. Use shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for beards or sensitive skin so you don't dry your beard out. To reduce the risk of split ends and roughness, trim your beard once a week with scissors. You should also apply oil to your beard every day to keep it hydrated. You can use jojoba, coconut, hemp seed, or commercial beard oil. Just rinse your beard with warm water first, then massage a couple drops of oil into it. Make sure you work the oil all the way through your beard and onto your skin. For more tips from our Barber co-author, including how to keep your beard untangled, read on!
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