How to Use Beard Softeners (Conditioners)?
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This is a quick how-to-use beard softeners/ conditioners guide to getting a healthy and nice beard that you have time to read while waiting for the bus. If you want to get started right away, we can recommend a starter kit for beard care! Also, read our beard guide for more info.
Challenge
- The beard itches
- The beard is flaking
- The beard tangles
- The beard does not shape nicely
Causes
- The beard is more exposed to food, weather, and wind than the hair on the head
- The facial skin is drier than the scalp
- Beard hair is drier than head hair
- Beard hair is thicker than scalp hair
Solution
As you can see, the beard is quite different from the hair on the head and therefore needs completely different products so as not to get dry, flake, and get split ends.
Step 1: Beard Shampoo
Beard shampoo is the most important product to get a soft and nice beard. If you get a (too) dry beard due to using a normal hair shampoo/ facial soap/ only water, you will not be able to repair it afterward with beard oil or other moisturizers.
Beard shampoo removes far less sebum (oil) than hair shampoos and thus preserves the elasticity of the beard. The scent disappears almost completely when the shower is done.
Use: Insert a small amount into the beard in the shower and rinse with lukewarm water. 2-4 times a week.
Step 2: Moisturizer
In a dry climate, beards and facial skin need to be moisturized after a wash. Since the beard is in the way, face cream is just a mess, so you can choose between three types of moisturizers specially formulated for beards.
Few people use all three, it is common to use one or two of them.
1. Beard Oil
The beard oil is an all-rounder. Go for beard oil if in doubt. Contains natural fatty acids that seal the gaps between skin and hair cells and soften facial skin and beard. Counteracts dandruff and itching and makes the beard easier to shape. Often has a little scent to prevent the beard from smelling raw. Works best on beards that are at least a few cm long.
Use: Massage a few drops into towel-dried hair (should not be completely dry), be sure to reach into the skin below. Best after a shower. Can be used every day – 7 times a week.
2. Beard Balm
Beard balms are for long/ strong beards. A good beard balm (pomade) contains the same as beard oils, but in addition also natural wax and vegetable butter.
Slower than beard oil and also gives hold without stiffening. Great for keeping your tips inside a strong beard.
Related reading: What is Beard Balm & Who Should Use It?
Use: Rub a small amount into your hands until it melts. Apply just like beard oil, up to 7 days a week.
3. Beard Lotion
The beard lotion is for short beards/ cold days. Beard lotion is a moisturizer that is thin enough to reach the facial skin.
Perfect for short beard lengths, but can also be used in addition to beard oil before going out on a winter day. Also good for you with oily skin that will avoid oils. Since it weighs a little more than beard oil, it gives a little hold.
Use: Massage into the facial skin under the beard, preferably after a shower. Can be applied several times during the day as needed.
Step 3: Shaping
Now that the beard is softened, we can shape it.
Beard Brush
The beard brush is indispensable for all beards. A good quality beard brush lowers the tips and brushes away loose hair. Be especially careful to lay the beard down so it doesn’t stick out on the sides.
Beard Comb
A beard comb becomes more important the longer the beard is. It straightens tangles and creates volume. Most beard combs have rough teeth so as not to get stuck. Long beards should be blow-dried while straightening with the beard comb. Read more about the best beard straighteners here.
Dryer
Drying is a must before trimming a long beard, otherwise, you have no idea how long each hair is in reality and risk cutting it crooked. A blow-dried beard is also the perfect starting point for styling. Read more here about how to blow-dry your beard.
Mustache Wax
Most people do not use mustache wax to make a handlebar mustache, but to place the mustache sideways into the beard. It must be combed for a good result. A mustache that has a little length is also much easier to put in place. Avoid trimming it in the middle, the goal is for each hair to be able to fold and point towards the rest of the beard.
