How to Make Your Beard Soft

Call it a return to the Mountain Man. Call it a resurgence of the rustic. Either way, beards are having a major moment and they’re here to stay. 

The only problem? They may start out soft and luscious, but it doesn’t take long for beards to become wiry and scratchy. Thankfully, you don’t have to resign yourself to a lifetime of coarseness and discomfort. 

Wondering how to make your beard soft and keep it that way? Today, we’re sharing all of the insider tips to learn and the products to try. 

Keep It Washed

Before we dive into all of the tips to help you combat a dry beard, let’s start with the simplest one. Keep it clean!

It might sound simple enough, but it’s easy enough to get off-track with your beard hygiene schedule. It’s not fun to think about, but dirt, dust, and even food can get trapped in your hair particles over the course of a single day. 

Not to mention, the hair follicles in your beard also secrete oil. If this oil isn’t washed away, it can clog your pores over time. 

For these reasons, we recommend washing your beard every day, just as you’d wash your face. Yet, it’s not that straightforward. Don’t use your face cleanser on your beard, and don’t use your regular shampoo, either. 

Instead, stick to a high-quality beard shampoo formulated especially for facial hair. Keep it by the sink and use it every night for best results. You can allow your beard to air-dry or use a hairdryer on the lowest setting. 

Keep It Trimmed

Another one of our basic beard grooming tips? Don’t let it grow unchecked. Even if you have ambitions of letting it reach your stomach, it still needs to be trimmed. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to book a visit with your barber every few days. Start by combing your beard upward, allowing it to naturally fan outward. Then, comb those hairs downward. 

When you do, a few stray hairs should stick out apart from the rest. These are the ones you should trim back. 

While this process doesn’t directly make your beard soft, it is an important part of your overall beard maintenance routine. By trimming your unruly hairs back routinely, you can keep your beard in great shape.

Invest in Beard Moisturizer

Any good dermatologist will wax poetic about the importance of investing in a great moisturizer. This is a simple product that should form the basis of your skincare routine. 

The same applies to your beard. You can find myriad different beard moisturizers on the market, but not all are well-suited for your facial hair. Look for ones designed to treat issues that you commonly struggle with, such as dryness or coarseness. 

One of the reasons why a good beard moisturizer is so important? Tap water is hard and alkalized, and can easily dry out your hair. Apply beard moisturizer right after you wash your beard, every day.

Try Beard Oil

Unlike cleansers and moisturizers, you don’t have to use beard oil every single day. Yet, it can infuse a ton of much-needed moisture into your facial hair. They also contain beneficial vitamins and nutrients that can help keep your beard soft.

In this way, it’s similar to face oil, which skincare experts claim can help your complexion maintain a hydrated glow. To choose a premium one, read the ingredients label on each oil carefully. If you have any concerns about how your skin may react to a particular ingredient, refer to your dermatologist. 

You’ll also notice that beard oil will make your hair shinier too! Use one to two drops with each application. If you’re in the market for a new one, check out this beard oil, which smells like decadent bay rum and has dozens of great reviews. 

Use Beard Balm

Beard balm is a little thicker than beard oil and can be used even more sparingly. However, it should still be in constant rotation in your hygiene routine. 

Think of beard balm as a lotion for your facial hair. You can apply it after you shampoo and condition your beard, and it can be used in lieu of or alongside your beard oil. Not only does it hydrate the strands of your beard, but it also moisturizes the skin underneath it.

You can also use beard balm to style your beard. It acts as a heavier-duty moisturizer and is great at locking your style into place. As a word of caution, be careful with how much you use!

A little bit of beard balm goes a long way, and a pea-sized amount is usually plenty. 

Apply Products With a Comb

Now that we’ve shared the top products that can moisturize beard hair, let’s talk about how to apply those products. You might be tempted to simply add the product to your hand, and then run your fingers through your facial hair.

Yet, that doesn’t evenly distribute the product in the right way. Instead, apply the products to your beard, and then use a comb to make sure all of your strands are coated. Comb your beard in an upward motion, starting below your chin. 

When you’re confident that all of the product is fully distributed with the comb, use your hands to smooth the hairs into place. 

Now You Know How to Make Your Beard Soft

You don’t have to submit yourself to a lifetime of dry skin and dry facial hair. You deserve to rock your look with confidence, and this means knowing how to make your beard soft. Beards can enhance your appearance and help showcase your personality, and it’s time to start taking care of yours. 

Follow these tips to transform your beard from the inside out. With regular maintenance and upkeep, you can make sure yours is always soft, shiny, and ultra-touchable.

Looking for more of our top skincare secrets? Check out the other guides under our Health section!