A guide to: Caring for your beard
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Jan 2015 Fashion & Beauty
Did you know the average beard grows by 5.5 inches every year? That's a lot of facial fuzz to maintain, so here are our top tips on keeping your beard big, bushy and beautiful.
Keep it clean
The hair on your face is not the same as the hair on your head—so don’t treat it the same. Using your normal shampoo can be too harsh for the delicate skin on your face. All you need to use is a gentle cleanser and conditioner.
Cleanser will wash away any grease or dirt, while the conditioner will aid itching and keep the hair soft. After washing, pat dry; if you’re too vigorous with your towel you could cause frizz and split ends.
It’s important to remember that you still have skin beneath all that fuzz. Facial hair has a tendency to take moisture away from the skin. This means keeping your face hydrated is even more important than normal. Be sure to massage your moisturiser thoroughly, to ensure it really soaks into the skin beneath and isn’t lost in the hair.
Strike oil
Beard oils are an essential for every beard sporting man. Without it, you can suffer from itching, your hair can become coarse and you may even find you develop split ends.
If you contract a cold during the winter months, try using one infused with tea tree oil, which boasts natural antibacterial properties. Good oils are light and non-greasy, so it’s worth investing in a decent product.
Oils can also be a solution if you suffer from beard dandruff however standard over the counter anti-dandruff shampoo is probably the most effective option. Leave the product on your beard for five minutes to allow it to fully penetrate the hair, and then rinse off. Don’t forget to regularly moisturise your face however, or this shampoo treatment could make your skin more sensitive.
Finishing touches
If you notice any in-grown hairs, don’t squeeze them as this can lead to infection and make the problem worse. Instead, remove them with tweezers. If you struggle with in-grown hairs regularly, try a mild facial exfoliator. This will buff away the pesky dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores.
If you have a particularly thick beard, regular brushing will provide you with a clean shape and smooth texture. Hairs will be redirected so that they all face the same direction. This reduces itching and the onset of ingrown hairs.
