Beards are gaining in popularity amongst both men and women, and a short beard is often a great way to accessorize your facial appearance. While growing your facial hair can look great, it needs to be kept soft and well groomed in order to maintain the desired look. Men’s skin is more prone to dryness than women’s, and this can cause itchiness in the beard area. Fortunately, there’s no lack of options when it comes to keeping your beard soft. It all starts with adopting a few daily practices that can help to improve the texture and condition of your facial hair.
Regular Shampooing and Conditioning
A daily shampooing and conditioning routine is essential for keeping facial hair soft. Using a specialized beard shampoo and conditioner is a great way to ensure you are targeting the right areas. Products specifically designed for the beard hair will remove the build-up of dirt, oil and other debris, while conditioning it to hold the desired shape and texture.
When showering to wash your beard, always use lukewarm water. This will ensure that the water is not too shocking to the facial hair, as well as preserve the natural oils. Make sure to rinse off the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly, and use a light spray of cold water afterwards to close the follicles.
Exfoliation
As with your scalp, gently exfoliating your skin is important to help reduce scalp buildup. A beard scrub is designed to have a high concentration of natural oils, and when used in combination with a synthetic facial brush, will help to promote the circulation of necessary nutrients and hydration. This in turn helps to nourish the beard and leave it soft to the touch.
When choosing a beard scrub, look for natural ingredients like aloe vera or jojoba oil, which will help to soften the facial hair and reduce itching. Additionally, look for a beard scrub that has natural fragrances, such as peppermint or sandalwood, which will help you not only exfoliate your skin but also be gentle on your olfactory senses.
Frequent Oiling
Beard oil is another great way to keep your facial hair soft and healthy. A few drops of beard oil will help to provide hydration to your facial hair and skin, and can help reduce the frizz and brittle texture that comes from lack of moisture. To apply the beard oil, use your fingertips and gently massage it into the beard, taking care to reach the skin beneath. When done correctly, beard oil can help protect your facial hair from the elements and will keep it soft and smooth.
Look for a beard oil that has a blend of natural oils, such as argan, jojoba, and almond oil. These are all lightweight options that absorb quickly into the facial hair and skin and help to provide moisture without leaving a greasy residue.
Brushing
Brushing the beard is one of the most important steps in ensuring a soft and healthy beard. Regularly brushing out the facial hair will distribute the natural oils throughout your beard, create a denser look, and give it a healthier appearance. Additionally, brushing the beard regularly will help to reduce split ends.
When brushing your beard, you should be sure to use a brush specifically designed for facial hair. This will help to evenly spread the natural oils throughout the length of your beard, and will help the beard to keep its shape. Additionally, you should use longer, slow strokes when combing and brushing, as this will help to prevent breakage.
Protection
The sun has a direct effect on the health of your beard hair, so it is important to keep this in mind when styling your facial hair. UV rays can cause excessive dryness and brittleness to the hair, which will leave your beard feeling rough and lifeless. When spending time outdoors, it is important to use a sunscreen specifically designed for the face to help protect the beard hair.
Additionally, when styling your beard, avoid using any products that contain alcohol. These ingredients can dry out the beard hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
Trimming
Trimming your beard regularly is important for maintaining the desired shape and texture of your facial hair. This helps to keep it looking healthy and well-groomed. You should trim your beard every few weeks, or whenever you notice split ends or flyaways in the beard. A good pair of professional quality scissors is essential for trimming the beard, as you need to have precise control over trimming the facial hair to the desired length.
Advanced Techniques For Keeping Your Short Beard Soft
Regular use of a hot towel is an advanced technique that many barbers recommend for keeping a short beard soft. To do this, wet a towel and microwave it for a few minutes, until it is hot but not scalding. Then, drape it over your beard and leave it on for a few minutes. This will help to open up the pores and soften the facial hair, making it more manageable.
Additionally, it is important to use a high quality, mild shampoo that is formulated specifically for the beard. This is because the skin beneath the beard is more sensitive than the average scalp and needs additional nourishment to stay soft. You should also look for a shampoo or conditioner with natural oils, such as Argan oil or Jojoba oil, which can help to further soften the beard hair.
Natural Products
Using natural products is a great way to help keep your short beard soft. Homemade masks and cream-based treatments are a popular choice, as they contain natural ingredients that can help to nourish the hair follicles and give the beard a softer texture. For example, an avocado mask can be made by blending one avocado with a few tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey, which can then be applied to the beard and left on for 30 minutes.
You can also try making your own conditioner by mixing one egg white, one tablespoon of honey, and one teaspoon of almond oil. This can be applied to the beard and allowed to sit for five minutes before being thoroughly rinsed off.
Using Moisturizers
Using a facial moisturizer is another great way to keep your short beard soft. When choosing a moisturizer, select an option that is specially designed for men’s skin and contains nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil. This will provide essential hydration and nourishment to the beard hair and skin.
When applying the moisturizer, use your fingertips and massage it gently into the beard and skin. This will help to deliver the necessary moisture to the facial hair and keep it hydrated and looking soft.
Grooming Tools
Having the right grooming tools can make a huge difference when it comes to maintaining a short beard. A good pair of beard scissors will help you trim the facial hair to the desired length with precision, while a beard comb or brush will help to distribute the natural oils throughout the beard and promote circulation.
When choosing a beard comb or brush, it is important to select one that is made from natural materials and designed specifically for facial hair. This will ensure that it is gentle on the beard hair and not too harsh.
Conclusion
Keeping a short beard soft and healthy is an achievable goal with a few simple steps. Adopting a daily grooming routine, using natural and specialized products, and using the right grooming tools can help to ensure that your facial hair is kept soft and manageable. With a bit of effort, you can be sure that your beard will continue to look great.
