Considering the time and patience, it takes to grow a beard, taking care of it must be a top priority. Unfortunately, most men tend to neglect their beards, especially when it comes to washing them. A clean beard is a healthy beard.
Read on to find out how often you should wash your mane and what considerations you need to make.
We suggest washing your beard with just water once in a while is okay but use beard shampoo at least twice or thrice a week.
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How Often Should I Wash My Beard
Beard dandruff, dirt, and gunk can accumulate in the beard, making it look unpresentable. Washing your mane plus the skin under your beard regularly should keep it clean and healthy. But here’s the thing; washing your beard too much can do more harm than good.
If you wash your beard too often, you risk washing off all the natural oils, which could leave your beard dry, brittle, and susceptible to dandruff and itching. On average, you should wash your beard twice a week with high-quality beard shampoo and conditioner.
Important Factors
Skin Type
You can have either normal, dry, oily, or combination skin. If you have normal skin, wash your beard using a non-comedogenic cleanser twice a week.
For oily skin, your beard needs frequent washing every day to remove excess oils that could build up inside the pores, leading to acne outbreaks. You need to be careful with dry skin since too much washing can further dry your skin, leading to flakes and even cracking.
If you have such a skin type, washing your beard every two to three days is more than okay. For combination skin, wash your beard twice or thrice a week with a hydrating, non-comedogenic cleanser.
Beard Length
Your beard length should determine how often you wash it. Stubble doesn’t require much washing – twice or thrice a week is more than enough. Washing twice a week is okay for short beards (past the stubble stage).
A medium beard or scruffy beard requires washing once or twice a week. On the other hand, a longer beard requires more maintenance but less washing. A 6-month beard falls in that category and should be washed once a week.
Beard Type
Beard types fall into two categories – thick and thin beards. Thick and curly beards tend to be on the drier side. So, consider washing every three days if you have a big beard and a thick mustache. Thin beards are greasier and need washing every day.
Washing a thin beard might even make it look fuller. For black men’s beard styles, wash your beard once a week with beard shampoo or beard soap. Side note: If you have a thin or slow-growing beard, using beard growth supplements like biotin and castor oil for the beard can stimulate growth.
Lifestyle
Sweat and grime can accumulate in the beard with a very active lifestyle. You don’t need to wash your beard daily, but you can rinse it with water after every workout. Likewise, wash your mane every two days if your job causes you to sweat or work in a place with a very active smell.
Other Factors
Factors like the environment also dictate how often you wash your beard. If you live in dry areas, wash your beard once or twice a week to prevent it from drying too much. And when you wash it, ensure you use a hydrating conditioner to lock in moisture.
Humid areas will lead to an excessively oily and dirty beard. Because of that, you need to wash it once or thrice a week to avoid ingrown hairs and inflammation.
FAQ
Why should I wash my beard?
Food particles, dirt, sweat, and grime can leave your beard looking dirty and unhealthy, so you must wash it.
Should I wash my beard every day if I work out?
No, you shouldn’t wash your beard every day after working out. Rinsing it with water will wash off any sweat and dirt.
Is it good to wash your beard every day?
No. Washing your beard daily will leave it prone to dryness and breakage.
Can I wash my beard with just water?
Washing your beard with just water once in a while is okay but use beard shampoo at least twice or thrice a week.
What happens when you over-wash your beard?
You strip your beard of natural oils, leaving it prone to damage.
Does washing your beard help it grow?
Washing your beard removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that could clog up the hair follicles, making it difficult for the beard to grow.
Conclusion
It takes a long time to grow a beard you can be proud of. Because of that, you need to ensure your beard is in top condition by washing it. But be careful not to over-wash it because that could damage it.
Michele Meesh Antunes is the lady of the Beardoholic writers team and a genius when it comes to hair and beard styles that suit any face shape. She’s been a barber for years now and, no matter your personal style, she knows exactly what beard, hairstyle and length suit you. She brings the women’s perspective on beards, beard care, haircuts and hairstyles and male grooming.