Old Man Winter is no friend of beards. He can wreak havoc on the health of facial hair in many ways and not just from the cold. Even in milder winters, extra dryness or moisture in the air can cause coarseness, flaking, itching, unwanted frizz, excess oil, beard acne, and more.
Why Does Winter Cause Beard Problems?
Cold weather is a problem for both beard hair and skin – and so is the accompanying drop in humidity. Whether the outside air has become dryer or you’ve got the inside heat cranked up (or both), your skin loses moisture in winter, causing it to contract, become tighter, and even start cracking and flaking. Suddenly, you have itchy, unsightly beard dandruff – beard ruff.
The dryer atmosphere also strips your beard of its moisture, weakening strands and causing them to become crisp, brittle, coarse, and wiry.
Some Like It Hot – But Your Beard Doesn’t
tach the heat in winter. Yes, you read that right. While you need heat to feel comfortable, cranking up the warmth in your home or workplace can worsen the dehydration problem in your face and beard. Space heaters are especially bad for this.
Really hot showers, while they feel amazing, are also a problem, leaving your skin dried out like a raisin. Warm showers are better.
Wash – But Don’t Overdo It
Never let a commercial head shampoo anywhere near your beloved beard. The wrong shampoo will strip your beard of the essential moisture and natural oils that keep everything nourished and supple. A combo of harsh chemicals and dry air can make your bristles brittle, spelling disaster for winter beard health.
Use only a specially formulated beard wash that’s free of silicone, mineral oils, parabens, and foaming agents (sulfates) that strip off too much. Silicone might sound slick, but it seals hairs off from nutrients.
Use a dedicated beard wash only about twice a week. In between times, rinse out any build-up with warm water and then brush.
Dry Carefully
After washing or rinsing, gently pat your beard dry with a towel. Never rub it vigorously – unless you’re into pulling follicles, irritation, brittleness, and split ends.
If you can avoid using a blow dryer, then avoid it like the plague. You simply don’t need the dehydration. But if it’s an emergency situation, use it on the cool setting only. Then don’t skimp on the next two tips.
Mob Rule
MOB stands for Moisturize, Oil, and Balm. Yep, all three are a must for winter beard care. The balanced hydration, nourishment, and conditioning provided by all three as a combo will go a long way to resolving your dryness issues in the colder months.
- A small amount of beard moisturizer, rubbing it right down to the skin
- A few drops of beard oil, rubbing it right down to the skin – then brush
- A little beard balm for shaping and also for added nourishment and locking in moisture in a non-greasy way
Winter Beard Care
Using a quality wild boar bristle beard brush, stroke in a downward motion. This spreads the beard oil and beard moisturizer evenly through your whiskers, and right down to your skin. The boar bristles are stiff enough to ensure good beard shaping and an even spread, yet soft enough to gently stimulate skin.
Avoid Excessive Dampness
When you’re out in the worst of it for an extended time give your beard the kind of protection you’d give the rest of you. Take an umbrella, use coats and jackets and hoodies with high collars, even wear a scarf.
First, too much direct moisture can make your beard scraggly and frizzy. Second, hairs can be weakened if they carry the water weight for an extended time, especially in the cold.
If your beard does get wet in winter, pat it gently dry and bring out the brush again. If need be, add another drop or two of beard oil.
Don’t Ice It
You know those rugged challenges to post selfies with your hair and beard all frosted and crazy? Yeah, don’t do that. A frozen beard is a brittle, breakable beard. That frozen condensation also ends up drying the hell out of your face and beard.
If you can’t avoid being out in the brutal chill, use a scarf and a good coat with a high collar to keep your face locks as snug and warm as the rest of you. A good winter beard is one that is protected and pampered.
Never Pick
Love touching your beard? It feels awesome, right? Go ahead, but in winter don’t pick or scratch at the skin underneath, even if it itches. Picking can inflame the skin, bring on an infection, and even contribute to painful ingrown hairs.
Conclusion
And that’s it for winter beard care. Simple. Follow these tips and you’ll keep your pride and joy proud and joyful throughout the chilly season. Stay warm and beard proud, my man.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I wash my beard in winter?
Wash your beard with a specially formulated beard wash only about twice a week. In between times, rinse out any build-up with warm water and then brush.
Q2: Can I use regular shampoo on my beard?
No, you should avoid using regular shampoo on your beard as it can strip essential moisture and natural oils. Use a beard wash that is free of silicone, mineral oils, parabens, and sulfates.
Q3: Is it okay to use a blow dryer on my beard?
If possible, avoid using a blow dryer as it can cause dehydration. If you must use one, set it on cool to minimize damage.
Q4: What should I apply to my beard to keep it moisturized in winter?
Apply a small amount of beard moisturizer, a few drops of beard oil, and a little beard balm for shaping and nourishment. This combination helps maintain balanced hydration and conditioning.
Q5: How can I protect my beard from winter weather?
When going out in harsh winter weather, use an umbrella, wear jackets and hoodies with high collars, or even a scarf to protect your beard from excessive dampness and freezing temperatures.
Q6: Why is brushing important for winter beard care?
Brushing with a quality wild boar bristle beard brush helps spread beard oil and moisturizer evenly through your whiskers and down to your skin. It ensures good shaping and stimulates your skin gently.
Q7: What should I avoid doing to my beard in winter?
Avoid picking or scratching at the skin under your beard, as this can cause inflammation, infections, and ingrown hairs. Also, avoid over-washing and using regular shampoo, as well as exposing your beard to excessive heat or freezing conditions.
Q8: How Can I Protect My Beard from Heat?
To protect your beard from heat, consider the following tips:
- Use a Beard Oil or Balm: These products help to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against heat. Look for ones with natural ingredients like jojoba oil or argan oil.
- Avoid Excessive Heat Styling: Minimize the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and other heat-styling tools. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your beard hydrated from within, making it less prone to dryness and damage from heat.
- Wear a Hat or Scarf: If you’re going to be exposed to the sun for long periods, consider wearing a hat or scarf to shield your beard from direct sunlight.
- Regular Trimming: Keep your beard trimmed to avoid split ends and reduce the amount of hair exposed to heat.
Q9: Does My Beard Make Me Hot?
Yes, your beard can contribute to making you feel warmer, especially in hot weather. A thick beard can trap heat close to your skin, increasing the sensation of warmth. However, beards also have the advantage of providing some protection against the sun’s rays, potentially preventing sunburn on your face.
Q10: What Is the Best Beard for Winter?
For winter, a fuller and thicker beard is ideal. It acts as a natural barrier against the cold, protecting your face from harsh winds and chilly temperatures. Styles like the full beard, lumberjack beard, or even a Viking beard are popular choices during the winter months as they provide extra warmth.
Q11: How to Make a Beard Soft for Kissing?
To make your beard soft and kissable, follow these steps:
- Regular Washing: Clean your beard with a gentle beard shampoo to remove dirt and excess oils.
- Conditioning: Use a beard conditioner or a leave-in conditioner to keep the hair soft and manageable.
- Beard Oil: Apply beard oil daily to moisturize and soften the beard, giving it a pleasant scent and smooth texture.
- Brushing: Regularly brush your beard to distribute natural oils evenly and keep it free of tangles.
- Trim Regularly: Keep your beard well-trimmed to maintain a neat and soft appearance.