Does your beard feel like sandpaper? Is your significant other constantly telling you to "Cut that beard" because she gets carpet burn anytime she kisses you? Well, that's because you've got your grooming game all wrong! Beards should be soft and luxurious to touch and should make the girls come running, not repel them. Keep reading to know how to transform your parched, coarse beard into smooth, polished tresses.
Wash and Condition Your Beard
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how often you wash your beard. But the aim is to wash it often enough, so it doesn't smell like last Sunday's roast dinner. But not too often, you end up with a dry beard and skin. In general, washing and conditioning depend on your skin type:
• Dry Skin: To prevent your skin from getting any dryer, wash your beard two to three times per week. If you're still experiencing flaky, tight skin, try three to four times per week.
• Oily Skin: When your skin produces excess sebum (the skin's natural oil), you may need to wash your beard daily, depending on whether your skin can tolerate it.
• Combination Skin: When you've got both oily and dry skin, try washing your beard every other day. Rinse your beard with water if it gets oily in between washes.
Comb and Brush Your Beard
Combing your beard daily helps dislodge trapped particles and keeps it free of knots, snags, and tangles. A tangled beard equals a rough beard, making it look thin and patchy. Additionally, combing your beard helps it grow because it stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles and skin, which provides the hair with the nutrients it needs to grow. Brushing your beard helps distribute the oils evenly throughout the hair and helps give it a smoother appearance.
Moisturize With Beard Oil
Your hair health depends on your skin health, and beard oil keeps the skin soft and hydrated. Use beard oil after shampooing because your pores are open, and your skin will absorb the oil better. It's not uncommon for men to overdo it with beard oil, hoping it will help them achieve the softness they desire, but less is more. All you need is between three to five drops distributed evenly throughout your beard.
Trim Your Beard
Trimming your beard removes split ends, making it feel softer and look healthier. Typically, you should trim your beard every six to eight weeks. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, go to the barbers.
Drink More Water
If you're not drinking enough water, your beard won't be as soft as it could be. Experts recommend drinking approximately two liters of water per day to keep yourself properly hydrated.
Final Thought
Achieving softness is probably the easiest part of growing a beard. Give it a trim, a wash, and apply some beard oil, and you're good to go. However, you'll need to maintain your grooming routine to ensure that your beard is consistently soft.