Letting a beard grow is more than just stopping with shaving. It requires grooming and proper trimming to give yourself a nice full beard. Beard grooming is important, if only to make sure you don't look like a hermit. But how do you care for your beard and what are the best products to use for this? From beard oil to beard dandruff, we explain it to you here.
What is beard hair?
First, the basics; how is beard hair different from "regular" hair? Hair can be distinguished into vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is also called down. These are the small, almost invisible hairs found all over the body (except on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands). At puberty, the vellus hair changes in some places to the more visible terminal hair, which you naturally have on your head from birth. Unlike vellus hair, this is pigmented and is also firmer, thicker and therefore more visible. Men have more of this type of hair than women, for example on the chest, armpits and, of course, on the face. Head hair and beard hair are both versions of this terminal hair. Although they have similarities, there are some important differences between the two:
- The growth pattern of beard hair is influenced by your genes and the direction of hair growth can vary from one individual to another. This is different from the more even growth pattern on the scalp.
- Hormones such as testosterone play an important role in the development of beard hair. Hormonal factors can contribute to the differences in texture, thickness and growth patterns between hairs.
- Beard hair generally grows more slowly than hair on the head. Therefore, it may take longer for a beard to fully fill in.
- Beard hair is often coarser and squigglier than the hair on your head. This difference in texture is due to variations in the size and shape of the hair follicles.
- Hair density on the beard is usually lower than on the scalp.
Body hair is thus subject to the effects of an important hormone: testosterone. The big difference between head hair and your beard hair is that the skin of your face is more sensitive to testosterone. As a result, the hair follicles are more erratic and your beard hairs are thicker, more curly and uneven in thickness. Sometimes this is why they are even different in color from your head hair.
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How to care for your beard?
Letting a beard grow seems simple. You stop shaving and in no time you have a beard. However, and this may sound contradictory, proper cutting and trimming is essential in letting a beard stand. It makes the beard nice and full and grows into the shape you want it to be. This is because not every beard hair grows at the same rate. Some hairs take months to reach the desired length. And the hairs that do grow quickly, you have to restrain them from time to time. That way you'll get everything to the same length and your beard will look groomed.
The grooming
The proper grooming kills two birds with one stone. First, it helps with a common complaint of men; a beard can be itchy. Especially when you first grow it. Itching while growing a beard can be attributed to factors such as dry skin, accumulation of dead skin cells, growth of bacteria, fungi and the possible ingrown hairs. To relieve this itching, it is important to take care of your beard. So by doing this, you address your itchiness, but secondly, this care immediately ensures a healthy, good beard. What else is important?
Beard oil
Beard oil is one of the most important products for beard care. These are oils that moisturize and care for both the beard and the skin underneath. A good beard oil is also effective against beard itching, a common problem when you grow your beard.
Apply a few drops into your palm and spread it evenly over your dry or damp beard. Gently massage the oil into the beard and the skin underneath to moisturize it as well. Use the oil daily to keep your beard in top condition.
Experience the feeling of an optimally groomed beard with the high-quality Beard Brew. Made from natural ingredients, the beard oil softens, moisturises and softens your beard. A bottle of beard oil is indispensable in every beard owner's bathroom cabinet.
- Moisturises the beard.
- Softens the beard.
- Can relieve skin irritation under the beard.
Beard Balm (Hydrating Beard Wax)
Beard Balm can be described as a beard oil in solid form. The advantage of a balm over beard oil is that it offers more styling. It allows you to give a little more shape or model to the beard. A good beard balm provides a natural and polished look and, like beard oil, moisturizes and softens both the beard and the skin underneath.
Ensure a well-hydrated beard with the help of Beard Balm. The natural formula deeply moisturises and styles your beard, perfect for a groomed look. Beard Balm is suitable for beards from 2 cm.
- Beard Balm gives your beard a natural hold.
- It provides deep hydration.
- It cares for the sensitive skin under the beard.
Beard shaper
A beard shaper gives you even more options for styling your beard. It is perfect for men who want complete control over the appearance of their beard while keeping it fresh and well-groomed. This product is especially useful for taming stiff beard hairs and making them feel softer. Also use it to give your mustache that extra bit of schwung.
The Beard Shaper combines styling and hydration in a water-based formula, which is extremely easy to apply. You can use it as an individual product or as a finishing touch alongside beard oil or beard wax. It is most suitable for beards of about 2 cm or longer.
- Moisturises and shapes your beard.
- Makes your beard fuller.
- Beard shaper water-based instead of oil-based, making it easy to apply and remove.
Beard shampoo
As explained earlier, beard hairs are different from hairs on the head. Plus the skin on your face is different from your scalp, so it requires different care. Therefore, a special shampoo for the beard is no luxury. Because what can be an unpleasant surprise for a man growing a beard for the first time is beard dandruff. Dry skin under the beard can cause flaking and itching. Use a mild beard shampoo as part of your daily beard care routine to get rid of this. In doing so, it is important to avoid irritants such as sulfates. Apply a small amount to your wet beard, massage it in and rinse well. This will keep your beard fresh and ready for further care with other products.
Beard Wash is designed with a particularly mild formula, making it suitable for washing your beard, face and hands.
- Can be used for beard, face and hands.
- Moisturising.
- Very gentle on skin.
