People with facial hair know how important it is to keep their beards clean and trimmed. It can make a big difference in how you look and feel throughout the day. However, there are lots of things you can do to keep your beard groomed beyond just shaving. Check out our guide to achieving trimmer, cleaner, healthier facial hair.

Wash Regularly

You shampoo and condition your hair as part of your shower routine, but do you take the time to wash your beard? You can either use the same products you already use on your hair or invest in a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for beard hair. Washing 2 to 4 times per week will help wash away buildup of sweat and debris that can happen over the course of your day. People with coarse beard hair can especially benefit from conditioning as often as possible. Distribute the conditioner throughout your entire beard, root to tip, and let it sit for 5-7 minutes for maximum hydration. Facial hair does not have the benefit of access to the same level of natural oils as head hair. That’s why it is extra important to boost hydration levels in order to keep facial hair from becoming dry and damaged.

Choose Products Based on Skin Type

While you can use your regular shampoo and conditioner, products intended for facial hair are preferable. Facial skin is sensitive, and everyone has a different skin type. For example, if you have extra sensitive skin, you can choose facial hair shampoos and conditioners that are extra gentle. Include washing your face in your daily routine to prevent oil and residue from beard care products from sitting on your skin.

Beard Balm and Leave-In Treatments

You can take beard hydration a step further by using beard balm. Beard balms are similar to beard oils in that they both leave facial hair feeling softer. However, beard balm is thicker and will last a bit longer throughout the day. Most leave-in products contain softening, moisturizing ingredients, such as sweet almond oil and shea butter, that will boost growth and leave your beard hydrated and soft. You can also opt for a leave-in conditioning lotion or spray.

Beard Oil

Beard oil is a popular way to tame and smooth facial hair. They offer the added bonus of moisturizing the skin around your beard. The best time to apply is right after washing your beard in the shower or washing your face, as this is when your facial pores are open and the moisturizing benefits can best be absorbed. It’s important not to use too much at a time, as it can leave your beard looking greasy.

Trim Regularly

Trimming your facial hair regularly is a great way to keep it healthy. Like head hair, facial hair can become damaged and dry and even get split ends. Split ends ultimately work their way up the shaft of the hair until the entire strand is damaged. That’s why it’s important to incorporate trimming your beard into your regular routine. Everyone’s facial hair grows at different rates, and some people like their beard longer than others, so how often you need to trim is on a case-by-case basis. Just make sure to stick to a pretty regular routine, and if you notice your beard looking particularly scruffy, it might be time for a trim.

Invest in a Good Trimmer

Every good beard needs a good trimmer. While it’s great to work with a barber, having a trimmer of your own for touchups is a crucial part of keeping your facial hair well-groomed. Choosing a quality trimmer will help ensure you get good results every time without a lot of snags and knicks. There are some big-name brands out there, like Braun and Philips, with which you probably can’t go wrong. Most trimmers come with adjustable combs that allow for different cutting lengths, so the fullness of your beard should be a consideration. You can also choose between a wet-hair trimmer or a dry-hair trimmer, or even one that accommodates both.

Find the Right Style

No two beards are exactly alike. Like your hairstyle, your facial hair is an opportunity for expression. It should be comfortable and make you feel confident and happy with your appearance. Talk to your barber about your ideal facial hair look and find out how you can maintain it over time. It is generally suggested that you grow your facial hair out naturally for a month before committing to a style. The natural texture and thickness of your beard will play a key role in determining what kind of style will work for you. You can choose based on factors like face shape, maintenance, lifestyle, and so forth. Make sure it’s a style that you have the time to upkeep as part of your daily routine.

Comb/Brush Your Beard

The same way you brush or comb your hair every day, you should be coming your beard. It is necessary not only for styling, but also for keeping your beard tame and tangle-free. Whenever you take the time to brush out your hair, make sure to include your facial hair. If you have sensitive skin, try to stick to using a comb, and don’t tug to hard while detangling. If you need one, pick up a detangling spray. Combing your beard every day can help train it in your desired direction. You can even incorporate a soft-hold styler that lends some sculpting power while cleaning up flyways.

Don’t Forget Your Mustache

Taking care of your beard means taking care of your mustache, too. It’s good to trim your mustache every 3-4 days, depending on your specific rate of hair growth. Consult with your barber about how often you should trim up stray mustache hairs. Whenever you are grooming your beard, you should be grooming your mustache as well.

Eat Healthy

One of the best and most important things you can do for the health of your hair, both facial and on your head, is maintain a good diet. Protein is a key building block of hair, as are other fatty acids and nutrients, such as:

• Zinc
• Selenium
• Biotin
• Iron
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• B vitamins
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Foods you can incorporate into your diet to promote healthier facial hair include:

• Lean proteins
• Whole grains
• Kale
• Gelatin
• Nuts
• Eggs
• Avocados
• Olive oil

Contact Us

If you are looking for hair replacement or hair restoration services in Maryland, Virginia, or the D.C. area, contact Eldorado today. Our licensed hair restoration specialists help men and women achieve their desired hair goals every day. Call us at (410) 343-4680 to schedule a hair analysis at our Baltimore hair restoration center.