Maintaining facial hair is a part of each man’s daily routine.

Whether you are washing it every morning, adding some oils, or using a conditioner, it is all a part of the everyday ritual.

An important factor is washing the beard.

You need a suitable product in order to do it properly.

Getting any beard shampoo, or (God forbid!) a hair shampoo, to wash your beard simply won’t do.

You probably already had some experience with unsuitable beard shampoos.

This means that you also know the bad effects that they can have on your facial hair.

Your beard might get coarse, scruffy, or become weaker as it starts to lose its integrity.

Luckily, the solution exists and it comes in the form of specialized facial hair shampoo.

We have prepared a list of the best beard shampoos available on the market and added a detailed review of each one of them.

Top 5 Best Beard Shampoos (Summary)

These are unbiased opinions based on using products in our homes or barbershops. None of the reviews are sponsored or paid to be promoted. Beardoholic is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. Thank you.

Understanding how to properly care for the facial hair can go a long way in relieving that discomfort and producing a strong and healthy beard.

The hair on your face is not the same as that on your head and you should not be using traditional shampoo to clean your beard.

In the past, you could count on women to be the big spenders when it came to buying specific toiletries. For the first time in 2013, men actually spent more money on specific toiletries than they did on buying shaving products.

Men are not only caring more about their appearance, they are also getting better educated about the importance of utilizing the best beard wash to maintain a strong flowing beard.

Even though most men will reach that point where the discomfort is almost unbearable when growing out a beard, if you are making use of the right beard shampoo, you can nourish the hair follicles and the skin at the same time.

7 Best Beard Shampoos Reviewed

A good looking beard is a healthy one and what better way to get rid of debris and dirt than using a high-quality beard shampoo.

We know how the search for the best beard shampoo can be tedious with all the options out there. That’s why we’ve reviewed the best of them to help you find the shampoo that will suit all your needs.

Without further ado, here are 7 best beard shampoos that can be found today:

1. Best Beard Shampoo Overall

Premium quality, natural and organic ingredients among which are the Leatherwood beeswax, Tasmania’s Kunzea and lavender make the blend of Professor Fuzzworthy’s Shampoo.

They all work together in thoroughly cleansing your beard and keeping your face skin healthy too. In fact, the Kunzea is unique and only found in Tasmania in Australia.

This ingredient is known for its effectiveness in eliminating a beard itch and promoting a healthier, cleaner and softer facial hair.

You won’t run into any synthetic chemicals that are harsh on your skin and beard in this product. As a bonus, you can use it on your head and body too.

One bar of this shampoo equals approximately 2 liquid shampoo bottles, so it will last you for a while. Also, you will enjoy the masculine woody scent this item is known for.

 

2. Best Beard Shampoo Cleanser For Long Beards

Suitable for men who have sensitive skin, ZEUS Shampoo and Wash for beards includes the antioxidant blend of dragon’s blood, green tea and chamomile.

Dragon’s blood is a tree-based ingredient and will protect your skin from irritation and inflammation.

Together with the chamomile and green tea, it effectively eliminates beard itchiness and gets rid of beard dandruff.

After only a few uses of this product, your beard will be much softer and cleaner and will smell refreshing thanks to the verbena lime scent.

On the other hand, although the manufacturer states that this shampoo won’t strip your skin from its natural oils and dry out the beard, most men who used it claim the opposite.

 

3. Best Beard Shampoo and Conditioner

Hydrated, cleaner and softer facial hair is what you will get with Beard Wash & Beard Conditioner Set.

Both products work together perfectly to make your beard feel and look healthier and full of life. For the best conditioning possible, there is a natural beard oil that is included in the mix.

One of the main problems you will solve with the regular use of this item is the itchiness and irritation that are followed by the annoying beardruff.

Remember that a little amount of beard wash will be enough for your whole beard because a little goes a long way. Plus, this product is also safe to be used on your face.

The conditioner will soften your beard, leaving it smell minty and aromatic.

 

4. Best Beard Growth Shampoo

If boosting your beard’s growth and making it look fuller is your goal, Beard Growth and Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner Set should be part of your beard grooming products arsenal.

Both conditioner and shampoo are made with organic and natural ingredients, such as raw manuka honey, biotin, eucalyptus, argan, tea tree and rosemary oil.

Each of these ingredients has its own advantages and essential role in helping your facial hair grow healthier and stronger.

For example, biotin is known for soothing itchiness and eliminating beardruff, while argan oil is a great moisturizer and helps in preventing skin irritation.

Eucalyptus, tea tree and rosemary oils work together in improving your beard’s thickness and overall health, along with promoting and boosting its growth.

 

5. Best Smelling Beard Shampoo

Spartans Den Shampoo is made to be both cleansing and gentle. In other words, it’s designed to take care of your beard without irritating your skin.

This goal is helped along by using ingredients like coconut, shea and aloe vera. They will offer nourishment without leaving any heavy residue behind.

It’s also made with a pleasant, masculine scent and uses a blend of ingredients including bergamot, cardamom, amber and lavender. They will help leave you feeling fresh.

The seller also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This not only protects your purchase but demonstrates the faith the company has in what their product can offer to consumers.

 

6. Best Organic Beard Shampoo

Clean, soft, manageable and tangle-free beard is what you will get with the regular use of Beard Wash by Mountaineer Brand.

This shampoo doesn’t contain any heavy scents or perfumes and is actually very lightly scented. In case you still don’t like the smell, note that it will disappear rather quickly.

All the ingredients are entirely natural and organic, which is something vegans will appreciate the most. Organic soap is the base and a special blend of essential oils is added later.

This product won’t weigh your beard down or make it feel and look greasy because it’s pretty lightweight.

It will make your facial hair well-hydrated and clean by eliminating flakes and itching and all that at an extremely affordable price.

 

7. Cheapest Beard Shampoo

Aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea make the blend of Bulldog Original 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner.

The ingredients are carefully crafted to cleanse and condition your facial hair effectively. You can think of this product as more of a leave-in conditioner because of its lotion-like consistency.

With the regular application of 3 times a week, it will make your beard easier to brush and style throughout the day. Also, it will keep the stray hairs at bay and provide a light styling ability.

Even the coarsest beard doesn’t stand a chance against this shampoo and conditioner because of its powerful softening and cleansing properties.

Some men may not be the fans of the smell, but considering that it costs around $4, you can’t beat it. In addition, it won’t leave your facial hair look greasy or irritate your skin.

 

 

What Is Beard Shampoo

Beard shampoo is one of the beard care products that anyone who wants to grow a facial hair should invest in. It is a shampoo specifically made for beard, which makes it a vital part of comprehensive beard care.

The ingredients in a high-quality beard shampoo are all useful in growing the best-looking beard and prevent common side effects from growing one – among which are beard flakes, itchiness, and split ends.

This beard product is also what you need to remove dirt and grime from your beard gently. Aside from that, it has ingredients and components that can soften your beard and make it as great-looking as possible.

Benefits of Beard Shampoo

The use of beard shampoo regularly provides several benefits. Among the most incredible benefits of this beard grooming product are the following:

Preserves Natural Oils

Regular hair shampoo often has ingredients that can get rid of the natural oils found in your hair. It is not highly recommended for beards since they depend on natural oils to remain manageable, healthy, and strong.

If you use regular hair shampoo and remove the natural oils along the process, then your facial hair will be at risk of becoming brittle, dry, and coarse. You will also notice its roots weakening, resulting in patchy areas and split ends.

You can prevent all these issues with the aid of beard shampoo. It has various ingredients, like Shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil, that can preserve your facial hair’s natural oils. With that, you can expect your beard to stay in its best condition.

Prevents Itchiness and Odor

Another thing that the beard shampoo can do is prevent itchiness. You can use it to wash and clean your beard, thereby preventing the itch. This shampoo also has properties that can cleanse the skin beneath your facial hair and soften the actual strands. With that, it can prevent irritation that can lead to itchiness.

Another fantastic benefit of the shampoo is that it lowers the risk of your beard producing a foul and stinky smell. Remember that your facial hair can be a magnet for dust and dirt.

If you leave it unwashed for a long period, then it will most likely end up getting stinky. You can use the shampoo to clean and wash your beard and ensure that it smells great. In most cases, the smell will be zesty, spicy, or woody, further promoting masculinity.

Promotes Ease in Grooming

A good beard shampoo can also promote ease in terms of grooming your beard. It prevents you from dealing with the annoying problem of facial hair growing in various directions. A good beard shampoo ensures that your beard remains in check. It softens it and makes it more pliable for shaping, styling, and grooming.

How Does Beard Shampoo Work

The basics of growing a beard are quite simple. Once you decide to grow out a beard and stop shaving, the skin on the face and neck is going to produce more in the way of dead skin cells.

These dead cells get trapped in the beard and the hair follicles.

When you make use of a beard shampoo that contains all-natural ingredients, the shampoo will strip away those dead skin cells and replenish the area with oils that are being stripped away with soaps.

The shampoo containing conditioner will then help to protect the skin underneath and reduce that itching you feel as your beard begins to grow.

Avoid using regular hair shampoo because the harmful chemical ingredients will strip away the oils in the skin, leaving the hair in the beard lifeless and dry. The all-natural beard shampoo will also remove food particles and any odors trapped within.

Types of Beard Shampoos

Liquid Beard Shampoo

As its name suggests, the liquid beard shampoo comes in liquid form. It is a good choice for those who want to use a shampoo, which is easy to carry around, especially in the gym. However, it poses a huge concern for those who travel by air regularly because of the enforced restriction by the TSA when it comes to liquids.

Beard Shampoo Bar

If you often travel and need to bring your beard shampoo or wash with you, then it would be ideal to go for the solid beard shampoo bar, instead of the liquid one. Since it comes in solid form, you can prevent the possibility of having your carry-on luggage checked in case it goes over the size limitation. Aside from that, this solid bar form can eliminate the risk of leaks in your bag.

Beard Shampoo Ingredients

A high-quality beard shampoo contains several key ingredients that make it effective in performing its intended functions. Some of the ingredients that you can often see in a high-quality beard shampoo are:

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are mainly used as the beard shampoo’s conditioning agents. These oils work effectively in naturally mimicking the natural sebum oil production conducted by your skin.

The presence of these oils makes the beard shampoo even more effective in softening your facial hair and offering instant beard itch relief. Some of the most popular carrier oils you can see being used in this beard grooming product are argan oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are also key ingredients in beard shampoos because of their nice scent and therapeutic properties. With these oils around, a beard wash can avoid acne and beard flakes. It can also stimulate facial hair growth.

The scent produced by this oil in the product is also the most prominent reason why many providers of beard shampoo include it in their products. Among the essential oils that provide invigorating and nice scents to your shampoo are pine, cedarwood, and peppermint.

Vitamins

You can also see some vitamins added to a lot of high-quality beard shampoos. One of the most famous vitamins included in this product is biotin, otherwise referred to as Vitamin 12. It is an essential vitamin because it contributes to beard growth.

Moreover, it plays a major role in growing a long and thick beard. Another vitamin used as an ingredient in beard washes or shampoos is Vitamin E. With the help of this vitamin, you have an assurance that you will be growing a stronger beard.

Parabens/Chemicals

Parabens and some chemicals are also present in beard shampoos. Some of these ingredients are useful in further improving the performance of the beard shampoo. However, it is still advisable to do your research about the individual chemical as well as the parabens included in the product.

Look for trusted sources in determining if the ingredients included, especially the chemicals, are safe for you. Some of the sources that you can access for information are EWG (Environmental Working Group) and the FDA (Food & Drug Association).

How to Choose the Best Beard Shampoo

If you are seriously searching for the best and the most appropriate beard shampoo for your beard, then the following key factors have to be taken into account.

Shampoo + Conditioner in One

One thing you can do is to determine the specific functions that the product can do. It would be ideal to go for a beard shampoo, which also has conditioning properties (meaning, a shampoo plus conditioner in just one product).

This product is useful, especially if your beard often feels dry and requires more moisture than what a beard balm or oil can provide. A natural beard shampoo with natural moisturizers can solve such a problem with dryness.

Some of the ingredients you have to look for when planning to have a softer beard are jojoba oil, castor oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil. Having a conditioner in your chosen shampoo also contributes to smoothing cuticles or scales in your facial hair, resulting in a shiny yet non-greasy and smooth look.

Choosing a beard shampoo with a conditioner also prevents your facial hair from breaking. Moreover, it prevents split ends. It is a big help, especially for those who have thinner beards than usual.

Ingredients

Spend time scrutinizing the label of the beard shampoo you intend to buy. Check its ingredients since what composes this product plays a huge role in whether or not your beard will look great, soft, and well-groomed. Make sure that it contains safe and natural ingredients.

There should not be any harsh and harmful chemicals that might strip physical sebum oils. It should be able to wash and clean your beard without stripping it from its natural oil, moisture, and nutrients.

As much as possible, it should consist of natural ingredients instead of chemical properties. Identify the type of skin you have, too, as it also contributes to determining the kind of ingredients that it can safely take.

For instance, if you have oily or dry skin type, then you have to be extra cautious in the ingredients included in the shampoo. You need to stay even further from those with harsh chemicals, as such might only cause your beard to worsen its dryness and roughness.

Scent

Another deciding factor in your search for the best beard shampoo is the scent of the product. As much as possible, avoid those with extremely overwhelming smell as such might only irritate your nose and that of others. Go for natural and mild scents, those that ensure that your beard remains fresh the entire day.

In terms of scent, one thing you have to know is that those beard shampoos that use essential oils for their strengths are kind of strong, but most of these scents will hugely disperse within just an hour or so. Scents from essential oils are often safe for the majority of skin types, although those with extremely sensitive skin should be more careful.

Also, be extra careful about chemical scents. If possible, stay away from them, especially those with an ingredient’s list marked as fragrance or perfume. It is because these scents are usually very strong and tend to stay for hours. Avoid these chemical and strong scents as much as possible if you have sensitive skin and sense of smell.

Type of Shampoo

Determine the specific type of shampoo that will most likely work for you. As mentioned a while ago, your choices in terms of type are liquid beard shampoo and beard shampoo bar. Find out which between the two will work appropriately for you depending on the frequency of use, as well as which one is more convenient for you to use.

Application

This key factor in your final buying decision refers to the specific manner through which you can use the beard shampoo. The application matters because it contributes to your comfort.

If it seems to cause pain and discomfort, then you may not want to put it on. When it comes to this factor, one thing you have to consider and think about is the specific time and place you intend to shampoo your beard.

For instance, if you clean your beard every morning before you begin an extremely busy day, then choose one that you can easily use. It should lather quickly and do its job within just a few seconds.

If you are not in a rush, then going for a beard shampoo and conditioner combination containing the high-quality ingredients is a must.

Size

Another crucial factor in your final decision is the size of the beard shampoo. Note that this product is available in various sizes, so pick one that you think is enough to last for your desired length of time.

When choosing the right size, do not forget to go for one that can provide the right value for your money. This means its capacity should be suitable for its price.

One more thing you should take note of is that the shampoo’s consistency has an effect on how long the size will last. If the product’s consistency is a bit watery or thin, then it will spill easily. It might cause a large amount of the product to get wasted instead of being used on your beard.

Additional Benefits

You also have to check the additional functions or benefits provided by the beard shampoo. This product is specifically made for cleaning your beard, but it can also perform other essential/vital functions. If possible, go for one that can provide numerous benefits and perform multiple functions aside from just cleansing your beard.

For instance, you can go for a beard shampoo, which contains ingredients and vitamins, like biotin, peppermint, and saw palmetto that can support full and thick beard growth. With such ingredients, it is also possible for the shampoo to do important things, like adding volume to your facial hair or spurring growth.

You can also find a beard shampoo, which also acts as a moisturizing agent and conditioner for your beard. Some can even help in fighting acne on your skin’s surface, relieving itchiness, and keeping the oil production process more balanced.

Brand

If you are on a hunt for a high-quality beard shampoo, then make sure to look for a trusted and reliable brand. Going for a brand, which already earned a good reputation, can eliminate your concerns regarding the effectiveness of the product. Look for a brand, which is also known for setting quality controls in place.

Conduct good research about various brands and find out which one deserves your money and trust. Some of the things you have to research are the official website of your chosen brand as well as its contact info. That way, you can easily access the company in case you experience any skin reaction from the product.

Price

Of course, how much the beard shampoo costs is also one major factor in your final buying decision. High-quality beard shampoos are usually in the price range of $15 to $20.

However, you should not stick to that range as there are also products sold below and above such prices. Look for a beard shampoo that fits your budget while boasting of its impressive quality and amazing benefits to your beard.

How to Properly Apply Beard Shampoo

Applying the beard shampoo does not take a lot of your time. As a matter of fact, you will get it done in as little as 15 minutes. Here are the common steps involved in the beard shampoo application.

Step 1 – Wet your beard

It would be best to do this while you are having a hot shower. In that case, allow your pores to open up a bit while wetting your beard with the shower.

Step 2 – Put on a dollop of shampoo on your hands

Rub it on your beard to create a lather.

Step 3 – Let the shampoo lather

After that, work it thoroughly across your facial hair. This is a vital step, especially if your beard is long and thick. Spend more time during this step as you need to make the shampoo go deep to your skin. That way, both your beard and your skin can absorb all the ingredients in this product, including the essential oils.

Step 4 – Leave the shampoo for at least 2 to 3 minutes

Do this after massaging the shampoo completely beneath your beard.

Step 5 – Rinse then pat dry

Once it is dry enough, you should end the process by applying high-quality beard oil to ensure that it continues to look and feel fresh.

Products to Use Alongside Beard Shampoo

You can maximize the positive benefits of a beard shampoo if you use it together with other beard grooming products. Among those that you also have to invest in aside from the shampoo are:

Conditioner

A good beard conditioner is necessary because it can help ensure that your facial hair will look soft. It can also moisturize the skin beneath your beard.

A beard conditioner is even more useful if you suffer from beard itch or beard dandruff or if you presently live in a place with a dry climate. By using it together with a high-quality beard shampoo, you can expect to bring out the best from your facial hair.

Beard Oil and/or Beard Balm

It would also be best to invest in a beard oil or balm and use it together with a beard shampoo. It is because the oil or balm can keep your beard soft and moisturized. If the skin beneath and around your beard gets too dry, then the oil or balm will work wonders in hydrating it.

It provides a bit of shine to your facial hair while also offering extra styling properties. Aside from that, both products, especially the beard balm, can offer your beard with a light hold, thereby ensuring that it looks great the entire day.

Beard Comb and/or Beard Brush

Another grooming product that you should consider having around together with the shampoo is a comb or brush specifically designed for beards. It is designed in a way that can style your facial hair or beard even more effectively.

Aside from that, a good beard comb or brush distributes natural oils applied either through balm or oil. If possible, invest in the two because they tend to have different purposes. The beard comb focuses more on giving your beard better control and style.

Meanwhile, the brush, which is often created from boar’s hair bristles, work in training your beard in a way that it grows in a similar direction. The beard brush also does a great job of adding volume to a thin beard.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

An expensive beard shampoo does not necessarily mean that it is already the best in the industry. That is why you have to conduct thorough research before the final purchase. It is possible to learn and understand more about this product through customer reviews and its list of ingredients.

Avoid thinking that the one with the highest price is the best in terms of quality. Keep in mind that just because the beard shampoo is expensive, it does not necessarily mean that it already contains high-quality ingredients. Do your research and read reviews to determine if the product’s quality is truly worth its price.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Choose a shampoo that specifically suits your personal requirements. For instance, if you have beardruff, then go for a shampoo that can handle this problem. If you have frizzy or a bit brownish beard, then go for one that also conditions and nourishes it aside from just cleansing.
• Massage the shampoo gently. Let the major components of the product get fully absorbed by your beard and skin, too.
• Use a moisturizer. Apart from the shampoo, it is also necessary for you to use a moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer on your already dry beard so it can lock in the moisture.
• Don’t let any foam leftover get into your beard. You have to rinse your beard with the aid of lukewarm water thoroughly after the application. Ensure that no foam leftover can be seen. Rinse thoroughly to prevent it.
• Don’t pat your beard dry too vigorously. After rinsing your beard, it is highly recommended to pat it dry with a clean towel. However, you should avoid being too vigorous when drying your beard using the towel. It is because of the friction that may not be good for your beard.

FAQ

Why do I need a beard shampoo?

There are several reasons why a beard shampoo is a must for anyone growing facial hair. One is that it is the key to keeping your beard clean. It can get rid of any dirt and grime that have already accumulated on your beard.

Most of these shampoos also contain ingredients that can moisturize your beard, soften it, eliminate problems, like itchiness and dandruff, and condition it. With that, it is safe to say that this shampoo is a necessity.

Can I wash my beard with just water?

Yes, you can, but you can’t expect water to have the same cleansing, moisturizing, and conditioning benefits offered by a beard shampoo.

It is still best to use this shampoo, apart from just water, in cleansing your beard. With that, you will always have peace of mind knowing that your beard is clean and smells, looks, and feels good.

Should beard shampoo be used only in winter months?

No. It is highly recommended to use a high-quality beard shampoo not only during the winter but the entire year. No matter how short or long your beard is, the shampoo specifically designed for it can gently cleanse it without removing its natural oils.

How often should I wash my beard with a beard shampoo?

While beard shampoos offer plenty of amazing benefits, take note that you are not required to use it every day. It is not necessary to apply this product on a daily basis. A good rule followed by those who have a beard is to wash their facial hair once every 2-3 days.

This frequency of application can assure you that the sebum oil will remain inside your beard without drying it excessively. Avoid using the shampoo excessively as it might only result in skin irritations because of dryness. As much as possible, stick to the 2 to 3-day frequency.

Conclusion

Your decision to grow a beard requires dedication and commitment to groom and take care of it regularly. One way to do that is to use a beard shampoo regularly, at least every 2 to 3 days.

By doing that, your beard will surely be able to bring out its best. It will always look great because it is clean, fresh, well-groomed, and moisturized. With that, you will feel more confident about yourself, knowing that your beard makes you look even better and more masculine.