A well-groomed beard never goes out of style for men, whether it’s during sweltering summer heat or frigid winter cold. Men’s commitment to their beards remains unwavering.
But grooming a beard goes beyond mere scissor tricks. It’s important to take care of the skin underneath to maintain a healthy and shiny stubble. Here are some simple yet essential tips to keep your beard in the best of health.
Maintain a shampoo schedule
Your daily facewash isn’t meant for your beard. Just like your hair, your beard requires regular shampooing and conditioning to retain its texture and shine.
As a rule of thumb, shampoo your beard 2 to 3 times a week with a beard shampoo. Such a product can hydrate your skin and prevent dandruff from developing in your beard. Men with oily skin may need to shampoo more frequently than those with dry skin.
If you spend most of your time outdoors or use public transport, you may consider shampooing your beard daily. However, make sure to use a gentle cleaner to avoid irritating your skin.
Pro tip: Hair oil always trumps styling gels. After shampooing your beard, add two drops of beard oil to water and style your hair the way you want to.
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Using colour for your beard
Colouring your facial hair differs from dyeing your hair. You must consider what suits the skin beneath your beard.
Before dyeing your beard, wash it with a gentle shampoo. If you’re using new products, perform a patch test for any adverse reactions or sensitivities on your skin. Fast-acting dyes that promise deeper, faster colour in three minutes or less often contain chemicals, so it’s better to avoid them.
Use dyes that are ammonia and paraben-free, without other harmful chemicals that can damage your beard and skin.
Pro tip: Applying curd on your face immediately after dyeing your beard can reduce the chances of inflammation and allergies.
Also read: Mundan or oiling won’t give you thicker hair. This is what you can do
Start a beard care routine
Similar to skincare, beard care depends on the type of facial hair you have.
Those who maintain long beards for religious or cultural reasons often use beard fixers or strong chemical sprays, which can lead to hair loss and damage the hair texture, making it brittle. A good alternative is chemical-free beard sprays, oils, or water.
The thickness of the beard also determines the need for upkeep. Those with thick, bushy beards are more prone to developing dandruff. In such cases, using cetrimide-medicated soaps with a 2% concentration can help. Men with thin beards often complain about patchy growth. Use sharp trimming scissors to achieve the desired shape and make sure to exfoliate before shaving.
Pro tip: Mix Cetrimide 2% solution with water and generously apply it to the beard with cotton pads.
Planning to go beardless? Don’t neglect your routine. Unkempt stubble is hard to maintain, and regular trims by a professional can ensure you put your best foot — and face — forward.
Pro tip: Use soothing balms to avoid rashes and bumps.
Don’t miss the forest for the trees
While taking care of your beard, don’t forget about your skin. Use daily moisturisers and eye creams to delay wrinkling around the eyes. Consume a protein and vitamin-rich diet to maintain overall skin and hair health.
Pro tip: Create face packs using natural products such as curd and turmeric to nourish the skin.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s an easy-to-follow beard care routine that isn’t too demanding.
Morning
1. Wash your face well thoroughly with a gentle cleanser or soap. Using warm water helps open up the pores.
- Exfoliate your skin with a scrub, butno more than three times a week to remove dead cells. Pay attention not only to the area underneath the beard but also the forehead and nose (the T zone).
- Apply moisturiser daily for a fresh and dewy look.
Night
Repeat the morning steps at night, but add an eye cream and toner after washing your face to keep your skin young and firm.
Sunscreen is your best friend. Never leave your house without applying a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wash your face as soon as you return home.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeeq)