Maintaining a Man: How to Care for your Burly Beard
Maintaining a Man: How to Care for your Burly Beard
As men, we understand how much time and patience it takes to go from a little bit of scruff to a bold beard, and some of us have trouble even leaving the patchy stubble phase. Sure, it may be frustrating, the process is literally like watching hair grow (pun intended), but once you’ve finally grown out your preferred beard length, you feel like a whole new man.
When we look in the mirror and admire our hairy masterpiece, we feel proud of our facial hair and the hard work we put in to get it to where it is today. So, now, we deserve to have a little fun. Enter grooming and maintaining your sweet beard.
As if having a beard didn’t cause our confidence to skyrocket enough, having clean, well maintained, great smelling whiskers can make us feel unstoppable, untouchable… quite honestly, it can make us feel like the man. That’s why getting into a solid beard-maintenance routine is so key to owning your facial hair.
Maybe you’re wondering what exactly a beard-maintenance routine consists of? Like, what more could you possibly do than just wash the hair on your chin? Man to man, there’s a ton more you can do, but it’s all pretty simple. Luckily, we’ve got your back and want you to feel and look your best, so we’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: Shampoo & Condition
Just like you shampoo and (for longer haired men) condition your hair to keep it clean and healthy, you should be doing the same for your beard! Just think, throughout the day you definitely got some crumbs stuck in there while munching on that pizza you treated yourself to at lunch, so unless you want to leave them in there, a thorough wash in the morning is crucial.
Shampooing your beard helps to remove those crumbs, and other gross impurities that build up as well, and also helps to keep the skin underneath your facial hair irritation-free. Following your shampoo with conditioner does just that, it conditions your beard hair and restores any lost moisture. If you use a facial cleanser, be sure to keep it off of your beard as much as possible as it can dry out the hair (and then you just took a step back from step one, which isn’t a great way to start the day).
Step 2: Apply Beard Oil
While cleaning your beard is extremely important, the act of doing so, combined with just living your day-to-day bearded life, can lead to a fragile, not-so-hot beard. Do you want a rough, course looking beard? We didn’t think so.
The best beards are smooth, shiny, and well-kept, and beard oil is a huge part of creating that head-turning facial hair. A bonus? We have it in nineteen incredible scents, so you can suit your mood, the occasion, or your significant other’s preferred smell (because we know that’s usually the most important).
Regardless of scent, beard oil replenishes the natural oils that your skin and hair are dying for and moisturizes to prevent dryness, flaking and itching. To apply, simply work the oil into your beard using your fingertips and maybe give your chin and jaw a little massage while you’re at it, because, well, you just deserve it.
Step 3 (Circumstantial): Apply Beard Balm
Still struggling with a dry beard even after using beard oil? Or can’t seem to get your flyaway stray hairs under control? It’s all good, you still look great, your beard just might need a little extra TLC.
Using our bay essential oil beard balm, in combination with your beard oil scent of choice, is a fool-proof way to tackle these issues head on and get that ideal beard. Just like with the oil, all you have to do is put a small amount onto your fingers, rub them together, and massage it into your hair and skin, shaping and styling your beard as you see fit.
Step 4: Brush Your Beard
Ah, the final step to obtaining a bold and burly beard: brushing. Always brush your beard at the end of your maintenance routine. Why? It helps to distribute beard oil and beard balm evenly throughout your facial hair and also helps to stimulate natural oil production (aka what you need for a healthy beard!).
Now before you go and use that hairbrush you just picked up, please set it back down. Brush your beard with a brush that is specifically designed for beards. This is the best way to effectively comb through any tangles in your hair and move the oil and balm around.
Once you’re done, take a look in the mirror. Are you ready to take on the day and feeling calm, cool, confident, and devilishly handsome? The answer should be absolutely yes, because you’re the man and you’ve done what it takes to maintain that status.
Also in Sam's Natural Blog
What’s The Best Beard Oil?
Sam’s Definitive Guide to Applying Beard Oil
Your beard practically grows itself, so why do you need beard oil? To look and feel its best, your beard needs a little upkeep. Beard oil not only tames and moisturizes your beard, it is easy to use. It also helps calm that itchy growing-it-out phase by softening your skin and soothing your follicles without clogging your pores.
Why Is My Beard So Damn Itchy?
Let’s face it. A beard is a commitment. You don’t grow that facial glory without some effort and (sometimes) a little discomfort. So what’s up with that sudden (or persistent) beard itch?