Sometimes the biggest challenge is just getting started. This is no different when it comes to caring for your beard regularly. Read below for 10 tips to help you start your beard care regimen.
I always recommend applying beard products after towel-drying your beard after a shower so my own regimen begins after my morning shower. You’re already saving some time by not having to shave, so take that time and use it to cultivate that beautiful beard and moustache you’re growing. I also have a pre-bedtime routine I go through – more on that below. Establishing a routine will make it easier to remember to condition and care for your beard consistently.
You’re going to need some beard products. It can be as much or as little as you like, but at the very least you’ll want to start with a leave-in conditioner like beard oil or a Beard Dry Oil. After that, consider adding in a beard soap and/or a moustache wax.
Again, you can pick as many or as few as you’d like. Starting off, you’ll need a solid brush like the Ergo Paddle Brush or a good comb like Can You Handlebar handmade wooden comb you see in the photo above, or a Kent Beard Comb. Handmade wooden combs offer the benefit of having smoother and often wider teeth than a standard off-the-shelf comb. Pro tip: Get a Can You Handlebar Beard Oil Brush® for applying your beard oil and Beard Dry Oil for a “hands-free”, no mess application.
Applying beard oil or Beard Dry Oil is a necessary step in your regimen, but following that up with a good brushing or combing is equally important. Brushing or combing will help get out any tangles and make sure that the product you just applied is evenly distributed.
Depending on your daily routine (especially if you touch your beard a lot), your beard may feel a little dried out and need some midday attention. A few drops of beard oil can be quickly applied to keep your beard in the best shape possible. I rarely apply product during the day, but my regular environment is not one that necessitates it.
Even though your moustache is likely much smaller than your beard, you still need to take care of it with the same attention to detail. Whenever you apply beard oil or Beard Dry Oil to your beard, be sure to apply some to your moustache as well, unless you’ll be waxing your moustache as the oils will break down the holding properties of the wax.
You may be saying to yourself “Wait, he just said think of them as a single entity”, and while that is true most of the time, there are times where you may need to give your moustache some extra attention. Whether you’re styling full handlebars or applying a lighter hold just to keep your moustache out of your way, this will take some separate focus. If you want to make styling your moustache part of your daily regimen, be sure to plan accordingly as this step will add some extra time.
Experiment when you’re first starting out to find out what works best for you. My personal preference is to use Wisdom beard oil in the morning and Wisdom Beard Dry Oil at night. After I apply them, I brush through my beard with my Ergo Paddle Brush. However, don’t be afraid to change it up from time to time. Try mixing up your application times, the amount of product you use, and whether you use a brush or a comb. You may find that your beard responds well to the change.
Think about how much money you used to spend on shaving cream, razors and blades. Take a small part of that savings and invest in some beard products and quality accessories. While the per-purchase costs may be higher, I think you’ll find that most of the products last longer than your typical shaving products, making them a better long term investment.
You have friends with beards, maybe your Dad had a beard, and obviously you have all of us here at TheBeardMentor.com. While everyone’s beard is different, those who have been there before know the struggle and have probably faced the same or similar issues to what you’re facing. Do a little experimenting, get tips from others, and find what works best for you. Your beard will thank you.
Tim says...
Hey Ralph,
Tim here. Thanks for checking out the blog post and for the question! As a general rule of thumb, beard oil is best absorbed when applied to a clean, towel dried beard. When applying during the day, you can get your beard damp before applying if you like. It comes down to personal preference really.
The main thing to keep in mind is that every time you do wash your beard, you want to be sure to follow up with some oil to replenish the natural oils.
My coworker says,
“I normally apply my beard oil after the shower when my beard is still warm and damp. I feel like I get the best absorption and performance when my beard is in this state, plus it’s part of my morning routine right after brushing my teeth.
Whenever I have to apply oil mid day, either way is fine but I feel like my beard is softer and has better volume if I put a little water into my beard before I apply the oil.
Keep in mind though that everybody’s hair is different so feel free to experiment and see which one gives you better results."
Hope that helps!
Stay bearded,
Tim
- Can You Handlebar
On February 28, 2019
Ralph L Cade says...
Hello my question is if I’m going to re apply beard oil during the day, do I apply the beard oil to my beard dry or do wet my beard pat dry and re apply the beard oil?
On February 28, 2019