How to take care of your beard like a pro

Like the hair on your scalp, a beard means putting in some TLC. Before you get put off, it’s worth the effort to keep it looking (and smelling) amazing, according to hairstylist Aaron Louw of Tanaz Hair. “Think of it as a maintenance plan; washing, trimming, conditioning, and yes, even brushing,” he explains. 

Keep it clean

Shun your regular in-shower body soap, and like you do for your face, invest in a beard-specific cleanser. “Luckily, there are now many beard shampoos in the grooming aisles and available at salons too – the best ones are those with hair-softening ingredients in the formulation,” says Aaron. 

Keep up the condition 

There’s nothing worse than a dry, scratchy beard (it could mean you give up and simply shave the whole thing off), so beard conditioner is a necessity. Aaron recommends you look for one that’s super moisturising and assists with facial hair health. “This type of product also serves as a styling gel of sorts,” he says. “That means you can tame your beard at the same time as treating it.” 

Oil up

Don’t fear a greasy jawline here; using beard oil translates to extra conditioning and a dose of feel-good fragrance. Is oil really needed if you’re using a conditioner? “The right beard oil will soften your beard even further, plus has the added advantage of keeping any beard dandruff at bay,” explains Aaron. “A good oil will also make your beard smell amazing, so think of it as a type of aftershave for the bearded guy.”

Make sure it’s sanitary 

Think of what your beard is subjected to – food, sweating, sneezing – and you’ll understand the need to disinfect it. While washing is essential, for added cleanliness reach for an antibacterial beard balm. As Aaron explains, this hygiene helper not only softens the hair further but also kills all of the microscopic organisms wanting to take up residence in your facial fur. 

Brush it

Avoid tangled hair and keep your beard looking as neat as possible with a soft beard brush. “This type of brush means the beard oil you’ve applied will be spread properly (ditto your natural face oils) so that your beard is kept as healthy as possible,” says Aaron. 
 

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