Winter really is the most magical season. We’ve got the Holidays to look forward to, and seasonal activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Although the cold season is a time of joy, our facial hair and skin might not share our enthusiasm when facing low temperatures.
The severe drop in temperature and humidity can play absolute havoc on our beards. If you’ve noticed some changes like dryness, beardruff, or itchiness, you are not the only one. Prepare yourself to face the freezing cold with us. Find out how to make your beard winter ready.
1. Avoid Using Hot Water When Washing Your Beard
Many of us love jumping out of our nice warm beds and right into a steaming hot shower on those frosty early mornings. But try to avoid having the water set too hot because that only contributes to the winter dryness bearded men experience.
Hot water strips your skin and beard of natural oils, allowing water to evaporate and causing your skin and hair to dry out. And when you leave your home and face the low humidity levels outside, your beard will continue to lose moisture, causing it to become very brittle and rough to the touch.
So, if you want to protect your beard hair and avoid breakage, keep your winter showers as cool as possible. The showers don’t have to be ice cold, but they shouldn’t be steaming hot either.
2. Choose the Right Beard Care Products for Moisturizing
Moisturizing products are the foundation of any beard care routine, but they become indispensable during the winter months, especially if you’re a man who constantly faces wind, low air temperatures, or snow. You should use gentle products that keep your hair hydrated and nourished. You might also need to reapply your moisturizing products if you feel like your skin and beard need a bit more love.
Beard Wash
Keep your beard clean with a shampoo that’s specifically formulated for facial hair use. Washing your beard will ensure better absorption of your moisturizing products and will help create a fuller and more natural look.
One of the other benefits of using a beard wash is that it will also remove the dead skin cells and grime buildup on your face, so it promotes healthy blood circulation and beard growth.
Beard Conditioner
Another great product to have in your arsenal is the beard conditioner. It creates a literal barrier coating on the surface of your hair, and it helps to deeply moisturize and feed your beard. You’ll end up with a healthy-looking, soft beard that’s smooth to the touch, easy to style with a beard brush, and frizz-free.
Beard Balm
Beard balm is a great styling product and the perfect alternative to beard wax. It provides a medium hold and keeps your beard soft and hydrated.
Beard balms usually contain natural ingredients like beeswax that are awesome during the winter for those of us with sensitive skin and in need of a moisturizing boost.
Beard Oil
This OG moisturizer is a must-have in any beard care routine. You can use your regular beard oil, or opt for a product with a more nourishing and hydrating formulation, like an evening-care beard oil.
Try out our Essential Beard Kit and keep your beard moisturized and happy during the harsh winter months.
3. Dry Your Beard Properly
One mistake we’re all guilty of making is rubbing our beard with a towel. The vigorous motions may be satisfying, but the excessive force is definitely harmful to your beard. It can damage your hair fibres, pull out hair and cause frizziness.
The proper way to dry your beard is by using a microfiber towel to pat your hair dry. It might be less refreshing, but it gets the job done, and your beard will be better off.
4. Brush and Comb Your Beard Regularly ---------------------------------------
Regular brushing will help keep your beard healthy and you looking your best. Using your favourite comb or brush not only keeps you looking a million dollars, but helps keep your beard clean, tidy and in top condition. Combing also helps even out any product you might be using throughout your beard which will prove highly beneficial, especially in the colder months of the year.
5. Cover Your Beard When Going Out
The best way to protect your beard is to avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions. Since staying indoors all winter is not a good option, you can try covering up your beard every time you leave the house. You can use a cool scarf or even a beard-appropraite mask.
6. Give Your Beard a Winter Trim
Regular trimming is a must, but it’s even more important during winter. Cold weather damage can lead to moisture loss, which may cause permanent damage like split ends. You can keep your beard looking healthy and stylish by giving it a routine trim with a good-quality pair of scissors to get rid of unruly hairs and split ends.
Wage War On The Elements And Take Pride In Your Amazing Winter Beard
Check out The Beard Struggle’s collection of winter beard care products & guides so you can grow a proper Viking beard.