Every bearded person knows this: the skin underneath itches so much that you want to get rid of the hair. Before you rush to grab a razor, read our anti-itch tips
It’s maddening. You practiced patience for months and grew a stylish, full beard. And now? The skin underneath itches and itches almost unbearably.
Why is this so, and what should be done? Shave off? Please don’t! Here we reveal what exactly is responsible for itchy beards and what relieves the itching—without sacrificing the painstakingly cultivated beard.
Why does the beard itch?
No question, beards look casual and are very popular. But the fact is, a beard is also a battlefield for bacteria. And they are largely responsible for the annoying itching. In addition, there are dead skin cells that would otherwise simply fall off but can all too easily get caught in the hair and thus cause itching.
What helps? These are four tips.
1: If your beard itches: limit your intake of bacteria
Your hands offer bacteria the very best transport conditions. Whenever you fiddle with your beard hair, you are introducing the very same microbes that you previously came into contact with on the toilet, on the bus, or while shopping.
“Every time you run your fingers through your beard, bacteria and fungi are transferred,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. At a certain point, your beard becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, keep your hands out of your face. If you touch your itchy beard, it’s only to clean it.
By the way: This is how you care for a 3-day beard
2: Wash and oil regularly to prevent itching
“Skin flakes that get caught in the beard hair every day also contribute significantly to the dreaded itching,” says Richard Tucker, beard expert at the London barbershop Ruffians. “Men should pay attention to their beard care and wash their beard regularly; then you will get the problem under control.”
But be careful: washing does not mean applying shower gel to your beard in the shower. It’s better to invest in a proper beard shampoo. Shower gels degrease the hair, making it strawy and scratchy. No problem for a 3-day beard, but a problem for a full beard.
Beard oil and a beard brush are also worthwhile for longer beards; the tools not only make the hair shine but also nourish, invigorate, and soothe the facial skin at the same time.
3: Tame frizzy beard hair so that it doesn’t prick
Frizzy, irregularly grown beard hair, in particular, provides a good basis for microorganisms. “In the worst case, bacteria trapped in the hair bends cause infections,” says Zeichner.
“Curly and twisted beard hair can also grow towards the skin and cause pseudo-folliculitis there.” ‘Pseudofolliculitis barbae’, to use dermatological jargon, is an irritation of the skin caused by beard hair, which, in combination with bacteria, can cause itching, ingrown beard hair, and inflammation.
“If you tend to do this, you should develop a beard routine that promotes straight beard hair growth,” says barber Tucker. He advises:
- Wash your beard every second or third day.
- Not more often; otherwise, it will lose its elasticity and boost oil production unnecessarily.
- Blow-dry your beard at a maximum of medium heat to relax and straighten the beard hair.
- Men with a full beard should get a beard brush. It prevents the hair from tangling and smoothes it.
- Mild beard cleaning products and moisturizing styling products soften rough stubble so it pricks less.
- But use beard-styling products carefully. If there is too much oil and cream in the beard, bacteria and dirt particles can easily become trapped. By the way: It’s that easy to make your beard oil
4: Plane off the edges of the beard sharply
If your beard itches, it could also be because you are not shaving the contours correctly or are using the wrong device. “Electric razors in particular can cause skin irritation and, in the worst case, infections because they are harder to clean,” says Tucker. “Barbers recommend wet shaving around the beard.”
This can be done with a standard wet razor. But safety razors are the first choice for those with beards. “This creates precise contours. But above all, they cut the hair sharply without pulling on the hair root,” says the expert. This could lead to inflammation and itching again.
Sure, beard care and styling products are usually a little more expensive than shower gel and standard razors. But proper beard tools and care products will help keep your beard looking and feeling casual. And it’s worth it to you, right?
Frequently Asked Questions!
Why is my beard itchy?
If your beard is feeling itchy, you’re not alone! It can be annoying. There are a few reasons why this might happen.u003cbru003eFirst off, if you’ve just started growing out your beard or trying a new style like an undercut, the hair can feel prickly as it grows. This is normal and usually gets better with time.u003cbru003eAnother reason could be dryness. Just like our skin, facial hair needs moisture too. If you’re not using any conditioner or oil, your beard may end up feeling rough and cause itching. A good beard oil can help keep things smooth and comfy!u003cbru003eAlso, don’t forget about dead skin cells. They can build up under your beard and lead to irritation. Regular washing and exfoliating can make a big difference.u003cbru003eFinally, allergies or irritants from products like soap or shampoo might also trigger that itchiness. Make sure what you use is gentle on your skin.u003cbru003eSo, if your beard is itching, try moisturizing it, keeping it clean, and checking for any products that might not agree with you. Hang in there; it’ll get better!
How do you prevent an itchy beard?
Having an itchy beard can be super annoying, especially if you’re trying to rock that stylish undercut hairstyle. Here are some tips to help keep the itch away and make your beard feel more comfortable.u003cbru003e1. Wash Regularly: Make sure you wash your beard a few times a week with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove dirt and dead skin that can cause itching.u003cbru003e2. Moisturize: After washing, apply good beard oil or balm. 3. Brush It Out: Use a beard brush or comb to style your beard daily. This not only makes it look neat but also helps spread natural oils from your skin throughout your beard, reducing dryness.u003cbru003e4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin. When your body is well-hydrated, it reflects on your skin too!u003cbru003e5. Avoid Scratching: It might be tempting to scratch that itch, but try to resist! Scratching can make things worse by irritating the skin even more.u003cbru003e6. Be Mindful of Products: Some styling products may contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin
Is an itchy beard a sign that hair is growing?
An itchy beard can sometimes mean that your hair is growing, but it’s not a guarantee. When you’re growing out facial hair, the new hairs can push through the skin and irritate. This itchiness is pretty common, especially if you’re trying to grow a thicker beard or if you’ve just started letting it grow.u003cbru003eHowever, keep in mind that itchiness can also happen for other reasons, like dry skin or using certain products that don’t agree with your skin. So, while an itchy beard might signal some growth, it’s important to take care of your skin too! If the itch gets annoying, consider moisturizing or using gentle beard oils to soothe your skin. Remember, patience is key when growing out any hairstyle!
Is beard itch a bad thing?
Beard itch can be pretty annoying, especially if you’re trying to grow a stylish beard alongside an undercut hairstyle. It’s that uncomfortable feeling you get when your facial hair is still new and not fully grown yet.u003cbru003eBut here’s the good news: beard itch isn’t necessarily a bad thing! It’s mostly just a sign that your beard is still adjusting as it grows. Think of it like breaking into a new pair of shoes; it might hurt at first, but soon enough, everything will feel right.u003cbru003eTo make things easier, you can use some beard oil or moisturizer to soothe the itchy spots. That way, you can rock both your undercut and your growing beard without all the discomfort. So hang in there—the itchiness will pass, and you’ll have a great-looking beard in no time!
How do you get an itch-free beard?
Getting an itch-free beard can make a huge difference in how you feel about your facial hair. Here are some simple tips to help keep that annoying itch away:u003cbru003e1. Wash Your Beard: Use a gentle beard shampoo to clean your beard regularly. This helps remove dirt and dead skin, which can cause itching.u003cbru003e2. Moisturize: Just like your skin, your beard needs moisture too! Use a good quality beard oil or balm. It keeps the hair soft and nourishes the skin underneath.u003cbru003e3. Brush It Out: A soft bristle brush can help distribute oils throughout your beard and prevent tangles. Plus, it feels great on your skin!u003cbru003e4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Keeping yourself hydrated helps your skin stay healthy and reduces dryness.u003cbru003e5. Avoid Irritants: Some products might irritate your skin. Be careful with colognes or harsh soaps near your face, as they can make things worse.u003cbru003e6. Patience Is Key: If you’re growing out your beard for the first time, remember that it may take a few weeks for your skin to adjust. Stick with it!u003cbru003eBy following these steps, you’ll not only keep it
How long does it take for a beard to stop itching?
When you first grow a beard, it can feel super itchy. This usually happens because the hair is new and your skin isn’t used to it yet. Generally, most guys find that the itching starts to fade after about two to four weeks of growing their beard.u003cbru003eDuring this time, keeping your face clean and using some moisturizer or beard oil can really help soothe your skin. Remember, patience is key! Once your beard gets longer and softer, that annoying itch will likely go away for good. Just hang in there—it’ll be worth it!
