Everyone with a beard has faced it at least once. You wake up, look in the mirror, and your beard is a tangled mess. Hair is sticking out in all directions, knots have formed overnight, and it feels like your chin has sprouted octopus limbs. Whether your beard is short or long, beard bedhead can be a frustrating experience. While some might be lucky enough to wake up with their beard intact, most of us have to deal with the morning mess. But don’t worry, there are a few easy ways to fix it.
The Struggles of Beard Bedhead
Beard bedhead isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can be mentally and physically uncomfortable too. A tangled beard can pull at your skin, causing irritation and discomfort. Plus, no one wants to spend their morning wrestling with their beard when they’d rather be getting on with their day. Fortunately, you can tame that unruly beard without too much hassle.
Start Your Day with a Shower
If you’re someone who takes a shower every morning, you’re already halfway to solving the problem. A shower is one of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of beard bedhead. The steady stream of water will calm those stray hairs and bring your beard back to a uniform state. It’s like hitting the reset button on your beard.
When you shower, lather up with some beard shampoo. The water and shampoo will work together to remove any tangles and knots. Once you’re done, gently pat your beard dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can create more tangles. Patting your beard dry will help maintain its shape and texture, leaving you with a neat, manageable beard that’s ready for the day ahead.
Switch Up Your Pillowcase & Blankets
If you don’t have time for a morning shower or prefer to shower at night, consider making some changes to your bedding. One of the main reasons we wake up with beard bedhead is due to the way we sleep. Throughout the night, we toss and turn, and our beard gets caught in the fabric of our pillowcase. Regular pillowcases, especially those made from rough fabrics like cotton, can grab onto your beard hair, causing it to become frizzy and dry.
To reduce beard bedhead, try switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are much gentler on your beard and won’t absorb its natural oils. If silk or satin isn’t your style, you can still avoid bedhead by making sure your beard is dry before you go to bed. After a nighttime shower, towel-dry your beard thoroughly to prevent it from getting tangled as you sleep.
Take Preemptive Measures
Taking care of your beard before bed can also help prevent bedhead. A little bit of beard balm or oil applied at night can go a long way in keeping your beard in shape while you sleep. The balm will hold your beard’s style overnight, while the oil will keep it moisturized and healthy. This way, you’ll wake up with a beard that’s easier to manage and less prone to tangling.
Brush Out & Oil Up
Brushing your beard isn’t just about looking good; it’s about keeping your beard healthy too. A good brush in the morning can work wonders in getting rid of tangles and the mess left over from the night before. But not just any brush will do you need a boar bristle brush. This type of brush is great for evenly distributing oils and smoothing out your beard.
Before you start brushing, apply a bit of beard oil. Beard oil is essential for replenishing the natural oils that your beard may have lost overnight from all the tossing and turning. By brushing after applying beard oil, you ensure that the oil is evenly spread throughout your beard, leaving it soft, shiny, and ready to take on the day.
Wash Your Face
If you don’t have time for a full shower in the morning, you can still take care of your beard with a quick wash at the sink often referred to as a “sink shower.” Start by getting the water to a lukewarm temperature. Then, cup your hands and soak your beard until it’s completely wet. This method gives your beard the same benefits as a full shower but focuses solely on your facial hair.
After soaking your beard, gently towel dry it to remove excess water. Follow up with your usual beard care routine, applying your preferred beard oil or balm. This quick and easy method will leave your beard looking fresh and feeling comfortable without the need for a full shower.
Style Before Bed
One of the best ways to prevent beard bedhead is by taking a few minutes to style your beard before you go to sleep. Applying a bit of beard balm before bed can help maintain your beard’s shape overnight. The balm will hold your style in place, so you wake up with a neat and manageable beard.
If you’re not a fan of using balm, you can opt for a beard cream or oil instead. These products will keep your beard moisturized throughout the night, preventing it from becoming dry and tangled. A well-moisturized beard is less likely to develop knots and is much easier to style in the morning.
Conclusion
Beard bedhead doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With a few simple adjustments to your grooming routine and bedtime habits, you can wake up with a beard that’s ready to face the day. Whether it’s taking a morning shower, switching up your pillowcases, or applying beard oil before bed, these tips will help you keep your beard looking its best. Embrace these techniques and make beard bedhead a thing of the past.
FAQs
Q1: What is beard bedhead?
Beard bedhead is the term used to describe the messy, tangled state your beard can get into after a night of sleep. It happens when your beard rubs against your pillowcase and blankets, causing the hair to become frizzy and knotted.
Q2: Can I prevent beard bedhead entirely?
While it may not be possible to prevent beard bedhead entirely, you can significantly reduce it by using silk or satin pillowcases, keeping your beard dry before bed, and applying beard balm or oil before sleeping.
Q3: Is it necessary to shower every morning to fix beard bedhead?
No, it’s not necessary to shower every morning. A quick face wash or “sink shower” can be just as effective in taming beard bedhead, especially if you follow up with proper beard care products.
Q4: What type of brush should I use on my beard?
A boar bristle brush is recommended for beard care. It’s gentle on your beard and helps evenly distribute oils, keeping your beard smooth and healthy.
Q5: How often should I apply beard oil?
It’s best to apply beard oil daily, especially in the morning after waking up and possibly before bed. This keeps your beard moisturized, reduces dryness, and helps prevent tangling.
Q6: How to deal with bed beard?
- To deal with a bed beard, start by hydrating it in the morning with water or a beard-specific spray to make it more manageable. Use a wide-tooth comb or beard brush to detangle any knots, and apply beard oil or balm to moisturize and soften the hair. For stubborn bed beard, consider a quick rinse in the shower followed by a gentle blow-dry on low heat while brushing it into shape. Regular grooming before bed, such as applying beard oil and brushing it, can also help prevent bed beard.
Q7: How to fix bed head hair?
- Fixing bed head hair can be as simple as wetting the hair slightly to reset it. Use a spray bottle or a quick rinse under the shower, then towel dry and style as usual. For short hair, running a comb or fingers through damp hair and adding a small amount of styling product can do the trick. For longer hair, a blow-dry on low heat with a round brush can help smooth out any kinks or cowlicks. If bed head is a frequent issue, consider switching to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent tangles.
Q8: Can you fix beard cowlick?
- Yes, you can fix a beard cowlick by using a combination of grooming techniques. Start by applying beard oil or balm to soften the hair. Use a beard brush or comb to direct the hairs in the desired direction. For stubborn cowlicks, use a blow dryer on low heat while brushing the beard into place. If the cowlick persists, you may need to trim the area to reduce its appearance or style the beard in a way that incorporates the cowlick naturally.
Q9: How do you fix beard imbalance?
- To fix a beard imbalance, assess the areas that are uneven or patchy. Regular trimming can help maintain symmetry, and using a beard comb or brush will ensure that the hairs are styled consistently. If one side is thicker or longer, trim it down to match the other side. For areas with thinner growth, consider using a beard filler or styling products to add volume and fullness. Additionally, adopting a consistent grooming routine, including the use of beard oil and balm, can promote healthier growth and reduce imbalances over time.