How Should I Wash My Beard?

Growing a healthy and groomed beard comes down to maintaining and care for your beard. That means using specific products and techniques, as well as implementing a regular beard wash routine. Previously, we’ve covered (in detail) how to maintain, care for, and grow your beard. So, if you’ve found yourself now wondering “But how should I wash my beard?”, we’ve got you covered.

Within this guide, Jericho are going to teach you how to wash your beard the right way. If you’ve found yourself reaching for your partner’s shampoo or using supermarket three-in-one – we urge you to put down the bottle and read our fully-fledged guide on how to wash and care for your facial locks.

Washing a Beard in 5 Steps

Once you know what you’re doing, washing your beard becomes second nature. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be hard to know where to start. Washing a beard is simple once you know which beard care products and techniques to use.

Instead of stressing about this additional morning task, it'll become an integral part of your self-care routine. Because at Jericho, we’re all about self-care.

Here are the five steps required for washing your beard the RIGHT way:

Step 1: Choose the right products

You wouldn’t use shampoo to wash your face – so why would you use it on facial hair? Regular shampoo will not provide the moisture your beard needs, particularly when compared to a specifically designed beard product. Using a regular shampoo will strip the natural oils from your beard, leading to dry skin and hair, and hair damage. Always make sure to use a natural beard shampoo.

Step 2: Use warm water

When washing your beard, make sure to use warm water – not cold water. This will loosen any dirt, dead skin, food, or debris stuck in your facial hair, while also providing a gentle wash. Gently work a small portion of beard shampoo into your beard. Rinse it with warm water until all the suds are gone. Repeat the rinsing process once or twice, depending on the length of your beard. Once all the shampoo has been rinsed, massage a small amount of beard conditioner into the hair, and allow it to absorb for a minute before rinsing.

Step 3: Pat the hair dry – don’t rub!

When drying your now-clean beard, it is essential to not drag your beard hair through a towel or rub with pressure. Instead, pat your beard dry with a clean towel. Patting, not rubbing, will prevent damaging your facial hair and reduce frizz. 

Step 4: Moisturise your beard

Once dry, apply a light beard oil to keep your beard hydrated and soft. Working as a leave in conditioner and hydration agent, beard balm goes a long way in locking in the moisture of your beard and reducing frizz.

Step 5: Style it

The last step to treating your beard right is to style it. Comb your beard to ensure all the hairs are neat and even until they reach the shape you want. For the ultimate final step to your beard-care routine, use a beard balm that works as both a leave in conditioner and a styling product with hold.

Is Beard Shampoo Different to Regular Shampoo?

Washing a beard with a specifically designed beard shampoo makes a huge difference in keeping a beard clean, hydrated, and healthy. The hair follicles on your face differ very much from the hairs found on the top of your head - beard hair follicles are larger and flatter than on your heard, and your skin underneath is often quite sensitive. This is why beard hair is often coarser and curlier than on your scalp. As such, using a regular shampoo and conditioner on your beard can strip away natural oils, cause skin irritation, and dry out your facial hair.

How to choose your ideal beard wash

When choosing a beard wash product for yourself, there are multiple factors to consider. First and foremost, choose a product that is natural, good for sensitive skin, and will promote a healthy beard.

It’s also nice to choose a beard shampoo that smells appealing to you. As your beard is directly under your nose, selecting a product with an unpleasant smell is guaranteed to make your day less enjoyable.

 

How many times a week should you wash your beard?

If you’re here reading about how to wash your beard, you’re probably also considering “How many times a week should I wash my beard?". You’re not alone – this is a question that many of us beard brothers face.

Don't worry; there is no need to implement the above five steps into your everyday morning routine. Generally, it is recommended that you wash your beard about once or twice a week. Ultimately, the frequency of beard washing depends on the person's lifestyle. You may consider washing your beard more often if you’re someone who works on a construction site, if you’re a messy eater, or if you go to the gym a lot and get sweaty regularly.

Other factors to consider for your beard washing routine include:

Climate

The climate that you live in will play a significant role in how often and when you’ll need to wash your beard. In warmer, humid climates, you may need to wash your beard more often. Conversely, a dry environment means that washing your beard too regularly will dry your facial hair out.

Quality of products

The quality of beard shampoo will also make a major difference on your washing frequency. When using high-quality beard shampoo, the recommended 1-2 washes per week is enough to maintain facial hair. Low-quality products generally mean more beard washing. 

Regularly washing a beard is essential, nonetheless. It is crucial to maintain its groomed and healthy look and get rid of dirt, food, and leftover styling products like beard balm. 

What happens if you wash your beard too often?

As with the hair on the rest of your body, facial hair naturally produces oil to keep the area healthy and hydrated. Over-washing your beard or using the wrong products can strip your face of these natural oils, causing your beard to become damaged and dry.

Final thoughts

A good washing routine is one of the key elements to maintaining a well-groomed, healthy, luscious beard. However, this routine cannot be achieved without the right tools, and knowledge. If you’re looking for the best beard shampoo, beard oil, beard balm, and beard butters, look no further than Jericho Australia. Shipping across the AU and New Zealand, we are committed to helping more beard growers achieve the facial hair of their dreams. Keep calm and beard on!