How Often Should I Wash My Beard?

How Often Should I Wash My Beard? Should I Wash My Beard Every day? So, you got a few crumbs from yesterday’s dinner in your beard and thought “Huh, I just washed it yesterday, should I do it again?”

How Often Should I Wash My Beard
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How Often Should I Wash My Beard?

The answer is…. not so fast. Washing beards is a long-debated subject between men, some will tell you the more the better, and some will tell you less is more.

However, it’s not that simple. While generally, it’s advisable to wash your beard properly with beard wash (Beard shampoo) 1-3 times a week, washing your beard too often rids it of its natural oil (Sebum) and leaves it dry and brittle.

On the other hand, washing your beard too little can cause excess oil production which leaves it oily and can lead to acne. So, what should you do? What’s the magic number? Well, it varies according to a number of factors.

See Also: The Best Beard Trimmer for Black Men

SKIN TYPE

Your skin greatly changes the number of times you have to wash your beard. Remember that Sebum we were talking about?

Well, some people produce too much of it which builds up, clogs pores, and leads to acne, beard dandruff, inflammation, and ingrown hairs.

If you so happen to be one of those people, you might want to wash your beard more often, say 2-3 times a week (Or more, depending on the factors we have yet to discuss).

Ideally, you want to experiment first and see how your skin and beard can handle the routine. If you find your skin still too oily, then you can up it to daily, even. If it dries out, then easy on the wash. A trial period of a week or so is a must.

What about the opposite though, what if you’re from the opposite end of the spectrum with dry skin that produces too little sebum? Well, it’s simple, let that sebum flow. You’ll want to wash your beardless, while also trying and experimenting to see if it’s working.

If you get a few crumbs, just use some wet wipes or a quick pat with a wet napkin, or just rise it with some warm water until you properly wash it. You can go once every 3-4 days.

HAIR TYPE

Not all beards were created equal; some are thin and soft, some are thick and coarse, and some are curly. The thickness of hair strands affects the flow of sebum throughout your mane.

If you have thinner hair, your beard is more likely to be oiled and hydrated, and in some cases oily and too hydrated. If you’ve got thick, coarse, or curly hair, you might want to wash your beardless, so as not to strip it of its oils and dehydrate it. However, if you’ve got thin, greasy hair, you can wash it daily to keep it fluffy and full. 

THE WEATHER

The weather?! How can the weather possibly affect my beard? Well, more than you’d think. There’s a massive difference between a dry environment and a more humid environment.

If you live in a very hot, super dry environment, you’re less likely to have much moisture on your skin, which results in less sebum, and thus a dryer beard that needs to be washed less often. “But article writer, I don’t live in a very hot, super dry environment, I live up north in the freezing cold, so I’m good right?”

Ah, I wish you were, dear reader, but unfortunately, a really cold environment has the same effect and it can even break your beard hairs, so also wash less often; 1-2 times a week is enough.

On the opposite end, if you live in a humid, wet environment, you’ll have extra moisture on your beard and possible sticky skin, and you’ll have to wash more often to avoid clogged pores or inflammation. In both cases, you need a good beard shampoo, and don’t forget the conditioner.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN LIFE?
Source: Southpaw movie poster, Wanda Pictures

WHAT DO YOU DO IN LIFE?

Are you a gym rat? A rugged construction worker lifting tons of steel all day? Are you working with your hands doing heavy labor? Do you run marathons? All those lifestyle factors lead to wholly different beard routines.

If you’re exercising or sweating heavily every day, you might want to wash your beard and condition it daily; all the excess moisture has to go somewhere.

The same applies if you work in an environment where you’re constantly exposed to dirt or debris. A healthy diet and a good water intake are also needed in this case, since you can’t be dehydrated.

IF I WASH MY BEARD MORE OFTEN, IT WILL GROW FASTER, RIGHT?

Well… It depends. Washing your face daily and exfoliating twice a week removes dead skin and helps the follicles grow hair. You’ll want to wash it twice a day with a mild cleaner and warm water.

This will remove all the grime and dirt that clog pores and the luscious beard locks will flow. Using a facial moisturizer after washing also helps. Remember, all of this is in the growth phase or stubble phase.

Once you cross that bridge to the full beard phase, just follow the aforementioned instructions so you don’t hinder your beard growth through over-washing or drying out your skin.

Once you’re at a stage you’re comfortable at, just focus more on your grooming, your products: Beard shampoo, beard conditioner, beard oil, and your shaving necessities.

WAIT A MINUTE, BEARD WASH?

We’ve mentioned it so many times, but what exactly is beard wash or beard shampoo? Well, it’s a product made specifically for washing beards.

Normal shampoos and soap have harsh substances that are too extreme for your beard and might end up leaving it dry and brittle. A beard wash contains natural ingredients.

It cleanses, promotes growth conditions, eliminates dandruff and itchiness, and keeps your beard fresh and fluffy.

Apply it after wetting your face with warm water, spread it all over your beard, then rinse it. A good beard conditioner afterward is also advisable, to maintain smoothness and softness.

Read Also: Why Does My Beard Itch?