Beard Care Basics - What Do You Really Need?

When it comes to growing and taking care of your beard, there are so many options for products out here on the market-- Beard Oil, Beard Butter, Beard Balm, Beard Wash, Beard Conditioner, Beard Supplements... the list goes on.  But, do you actually NEED tons of beard products in order to grow a full, thick, healthy beard? 

The answer? Not really.  Yea, we said it out loud, and we make and sell a variety of beard care products!  So, what does a bearded man really need to ensure their beard and face looks and feels healthy, without going all out? 

• A high quality, natural Beard Oil
• A PH-balanced, made for-the-beard Beard Wash

Yes, it can be that simple.  For a basic beard care routine, all you really need is a natural beard oil and a quality beard wash. With these two products, you can establish an effective routine that keeps your beard looking and feeling its best. Beyond these essentials, other products like beard balm, butter, conditioner, and supplements can be added for conditioning, styling, and added beard health. Here’s a breakdown of each product and its role in a solid beard care routine.

Step 1: Beard Wash - Cleanliness is Key

A clean beard is the foundation of a healthy beard. Regular head-hair shampoo or body wash is simply too harsh and drying, so it’s important to use a beard wash specifically PH-balanced and formulated for facial hair and the skin underneath. Beard wash helps remove dirt, excess oil, and buildup without stripping the beard of natural oils that keep it soft and manageable.

Routine: Aim to wash your beard 2-3 times a week, depending on your lifestyle and skin type. If you have oily skin, have a really 'dirty job' or sweat frequently, you might want to wash daily.  

How to Use Beard Wash:

1. Wet your beard with warm water to open the pores and make cleansing more effective.
2. Apply a small amount of beard wash, working it into a lather in your hands first. (Hint, you only need a dime-sized amount of our Lather Conditioning Wash)
3. Massage it into your beard and down to the skin, which helps prevent clogged pores and dandruff (aka beardruff).
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your beard dry with a towel. (don't aggressively rub the beard, this can lead to hair loss)

Step 2: Beard Oil - Moisturize & Nourish

After washing, it’s essential to replenish moisture with a high quality, natural beard oil. Beard oil hydrates and conditions both the beard and the skin underneath, preventing dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. It also helps soften your beard, making it easier to manage and style.

Routine: Use beard oil daily, even on days when you don’t wash your beard.

How to Use Beard Oil:

1. Start with a few drops of beard oil in the palm of your hand (use more for longer or thicker beards).
2. Rub your hands together to evenly distribute the oil.
3. Massage the oil into your beard, focusing on the roots and working your way to the ends.
4. Use a beard comb or brush to evenly distribute the oil and detangle any knots.

That's it!  That's all you need at the minimum to properly care for your bead, and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

However, once you have the basics down, you may find that other products can help to enhance the look and feel of your beard. It is different for everybody.  Here’s what these other beard products do and how to incorporate them into your routines:

Optional Products for Enhanced Beard Care

Beard Balm and Beard Butter - Conditioning and Styling

Beard balm and beard butter provide extra conditioning and hold (in the case of balm) for those who want to shape or style their beard. Beard balm is typically a firmer product that includes wax, giving a light hold, while beard butter is creamier, offering extra conditioning without adding hold.

Routine: Apply beard balm or butter after using beard oil to add shine, shape, and softness. These products are particularly helpful for coarse or particularly unruly beards.

How to Use Beard Balm or Butter:

1. After applying beard oil, scoop out a small amount of butter or balm, warm it between your palms until it softens.
2. Apply it throughout your beard, focusing on the areas that need extra hold or conditioning.  Do not apply directly to the skin at the base of the beard-- these products are for your beard, not your face!
3. Style as desired using your hands or a comb.

Beard Conditioner - In-Shower Detangling and Repair

A beard conditioner, used after beard wash in the shower, can keep your beard soft, smooth, and tangle-free. It helps repair and hydrate the hair while making it easier to manage.

Routine: Use beard conditioner 2-3 times a week after washing.  We don't recommend using beard conditioner daily!

How to Use Beard Conditioner:

1. Apply a small amount to your clean, wet beard. (You only need a dime-sized amount for the average sized beard)
2. Let it sit for up to 5 minutes to deeply hydrate and detangle.
3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Beard Supplements - Nourishment For Thicker, Fuller Beard Growth

If you want to support your beard growth from the inside, beard supplements can provide vitamins and minerals that promote healthier hair. Supplements containing biotin, collagen, and other nutrients can help strengthen hair and boost growth.

Routine: Follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label. Be consistent, as it may take a few weeks to see results. If you have questions if a supplement is right for you, always ask your Doctor or Pharmacist ahead of time.

In Summary? Simple Is Totally Fine!

Starting a beard care routine doesn’t need to be complex. Begin with a natural beard oil and quality beard wash, and follow a simple routine to keep your beard clean, moisturized, and manageable. If you want to take it a step further, adding products like beard balm, conditioner, or supplements can enhance your beard’s health, softness, and style. With a little effort and the right products, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, impressive beard.

As always, if you have questions-- we are here to help!  Check out our Contact Us and one of our Beard Technicians will be there for ya!