You may have seen and admired the lush, well-groomed beard of your favorite movie star and dreamed of getting that look, but not quite sure where to start. The ultimate secret to a great beard is care and maintenance.

While genetics play an important role in beard growth, there are various things that you can do to unlock your beard’s full potential. Just like the hair on your head, facial hair also requires regular upkeep to stay healthy.

So, are you ready to transform your beard? Here are 5 pro tips for a clean and well-groomed beard.

1. Wash it Regularly

Just like our scalp the skin on our face also produces natural oils or sebum to keep it moist. However, when there is an excess production of sebum, or it traps inside the hair follicles and skin pores can lead to other complications such as acne.

This is why it is essential to keep your beard clean. Just like we shampoo our scalp 2 to 3 times a week, it is equally important to shampoo your beard at least 2 to 3 times a week. However for beards always use a beard shampoo instead of a regular one as these are specially formulated according to the delicate skin of the face.

Keeping the beard clean also helps remove the excess dirt, bacteria, and pollution from it that may give it a greasy, sticky look. So next time you are taking a bath don’t forget to thoroughly clean your beard as well.

2. Keep it Hydrated and conditioned

Most of us use a conditioner to keep our hair soft and silky after shampooing or use a moisturizer to keep the skin moist. The same should be done for the beard as well to keep it hydrated, soft, and smooth.

The only difference is that instead of using a regular conditioner or a skin moisturizing cream, you should use a beard oil or balm. Hydrating the beard after a wash not only helps give it a healthy appearance, but also strengthens it and prevents itching, dryness, and irritation on the skin underneath it.

After shampooing, pat dry your beard with a soft towel, then take a small amount of beard oil into your palm. Then use your fingertips to gently massage that oil into the hair follicles of your beard. Then comb your beard to distribute the oil evenly.

If you are planning on styling your beard in a certain way then use the beard balm, apply it to the beard, and use a comb or brush to style.

Keeping the body hydrated is also essential to keep your skin moist. So make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your beard hydrated on the inside and outside.

3. Trim it Regularly

Trimming is one of the most essential steps in beard maintenance. Trimming it regularly helps keep it in the desired shape and prevents split ends. You must trim your beard every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your hair growth.

You can either invest in beard styling tools and do the trim at home or you can visit a barber shop near you. If you are planning to do it at home, here is how to trim your beard:

• Detangle your beard with a comb.
• Then brush it thoroughly and determine the length you want to maintain.
• Use a scissor to cut down the extra, long hair.
• Then use a beard trimmer, start from the sides, and work your way towards the chin.
• Then shape the neckline. Trim the hair below Adam’s apple to create a neat look.
• Now trim down your mustache. Comb it and cut away any overhanging hair on your lipline.

4. Don’t Forget to Brush it

We know that brushing your scalp hair regularly can help promote blood circulation in the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. The same goes with the beard as well. Regularly combing your hair with help promote healthy beard growth.

Make sure to brush or comb out your beard once daily, it will help keep it tangle-free and give it a more polished look. Brushing your beard will also help clean your beard by removing any food crumbs or dry dust on your non-shampooing day.

A boar-bristled brush is a great choice for thoroughly brushing the beard hair while a comb can only help detangle it.

5. Use Beard-Specific Products Only

Many people out there don’t pay much attention to the products they are using on their beards. They would just grab the regular shampoo and wash their scalp and beard with it. However, the truth is these shampoos often contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates that can strip away natural oils from the skin and cause irritation.

This is why you must invest in high-quality beard-specific products to take care of it. These products are specially formulated for the beard hair and the delicate skin underneath it.

Thanks to the latest technology, there are brands out there like Facial Fortress that have developed a beard wash, that can also be used as a face wash and a scalp shampoo. So if you are one of those who don’t want your bathroom shelf filled with products then you can use this.

Conclusion

Achieving a clean and well-groomed beard is not as complicated as it may sound. Just like maintaining the hair on your head your beard also requires a little care and attention. With the right beard care routine you can easily achieve a healthy, handsome beard.

All you have to do is regularly wash it, keep it hydrated, trim it, brush it, and make sure only to use beard-specific products to attain its full potential.

By following these pro tips and using high-quality beard products that are free from any skin-irritating chemicals such as fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and alcohol you can attain your desired beard look.