How To: Remedy a Dry, Itchy Beard

Cleanse

Between grime, oil, stray hairs, and skin cells, your beard is a magnet for all manner of debris. A regular wash will keep it clean, but everyday shampoos werent made for use on facial hair, and can strip your strands of moisture. Instead, scrub every day or two with a gentle, hydrating beard wash, like Mr. Natty Face Forest Beard Soap.

Condition

Once your beard is clean, its time to soften it up. A specialized conditioner will infuse your beard with both moisture and nutrients, improving your hairs texture and making it less likely to irritate skin. Stubble & Stache Face Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner kills two birds with one stone, hydrating the skin beneath to sooth and prevent dryness. Use it twice daily for comprehensive moisture.

Moisturize

For daylong hydration, a good conditioner may not be enough. Augment your routine with a daily dose of beard oil, which can follow a conditioner or be used on its own. Brothers Artisan Oil is made with argan oil, a lightweight blend thats ideal for softening hair, and wont leave a greasy residue. Oh, did we mention it smells incredible?

Repair

Despite your best efforts, even the most resplendent of beards can cause a little damage. If you notice any ingrown hairs, remove them with a set of tweezers to prevent further irritation. For skin thats already inflamed, a light coat of Cortizone should help reduce the symptoms, though be sure not to overuse it. (Dare you shave, here are a few ingrown hair prevention tips to keep in mind.)

Brush

Trust us, youre going to enjoy this one. Regular brushing will not only give your beard a clean shape and smooth texture, but it will train hairs to grow in a single direction, reducing the risk of scratching and having more ingrown hairs. Any miniature mustache or beard comb will do, but particularly thick beards may merit a boar bristle brush.