Whether you're rocking a struggle beard or are #beardgoalsAF, taking care of your facial hair is a must. For decades, a clean shaven face has been the expectation of “well kept” men. The tides have turned. Beards are now a trendy look for the everyday man whether they are one with nature, pushing through at a white collar job, or somewhere in between.

Taking good care of your beard is essential regardless of what stage in the process you are at. A good beard is a cared for beard. This is especially important for the curly/coily beards. Just like our hair needs intentional care, curly/coily beards do too. We’ve got the 411 in this week’s article: Beard Care 101. It takes at least 21 days to build a habit, so why not start today?

The Essentials

All good routines have key products: the essentials. Here are some essentials for our Beard Care 101 routine.

Beard Wash
Beard Conditioner
Beard Oil
Beard Balm (Optional)
Beard Brush
Beard Comb

We recommend the Scotch Porter Ultimate Beard Collection if you’re starting out or looking to try some new products. You can find this collection here.

The Routine

Now that you know your essentials, what are you going to do with them? Before getting into your routine, let’s get some things clear: A good, healthy beard doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency and patience. “You have to know what you want,” says Trajuan Briggs. He sports one of the best beards we’ve seen, and it’s all thanks to prioritizing health and remaining patient throughout his journey. The journey is different for everyone Trajuan warned, “when I give suggestions I make sure to frame everything as a contributing factor.” It’s all about what works for you.

Beard Care 101 Routine

Gently Wash. It is important to use a beard wash that hydrates both your skin and facial hair. Curly and coily hair is very susceptible to becoming dry, brittle, and getting trapped under the skin. This holds true for the hair on your face as well. Use your chosen beard wash to gently lather your beard and rinse out any residue or build up.
Thoroughly Condition. Likewise with your beard wash, you need to be mindful of the beard conditioner that you incorporate into this routine and for the same reasons. Hydration, hydration, hydration! A thirsty beard is not a good look or feel. Massage your beard conditioner into your beard and use your beard comb to gently detangle. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing it out completely.
Remember to Moisturize and Seal. When your beard is almost dry, apply a bit of your chosen oil lightly. Make sure that you spread it evenly throughout your hairs. We recommend using a beard oil that won’t irritate your skin. Vitamin E, Jojoba oil, and Argan Oil are our top choices. Avoid any added fragrances or harsh chemicals. Keep it natural.

For added moisture, a fuller beard, or both, use a good beard balm. Adopt the same guidelines you use for all of your other products when it comes to a beard balm. Make sure it promotes beard health and skin health. Again, keep it natural!

When you’re all done, brush your beard downward. Trajaun recommends a hard bristle brush for a short beard and consistent trimming to sustain a longer beard.

Remember to stay consistent with your routine. You should have a “wash-day” for your beard at least twice a week for the best results. Our bodies love a good routine. We thrive when these routines become habits. This holds true for your facial hair as well. The best results are always achieved with discipline and intention.

Keep your environment in mind as well. If you live in an area with dry heat for example, your beard will be way more susceptible to dryness and dandruff. Make sure you account for your environment and other factors with intentional changes to our routine here and there.

Try out our Beard Care 101 Routine for 21 days and let us know how it goes!