How to handle 5 common beard problems

5 COMMON BEARD PROBLEMS

Growing a beard might seem as simple as not shaving...

But any experienced beardsman will tell you that growing a beard comes with plenty of challenges. And in our experience, these five beard problems come up the most frequently. Fortunately, we've got over a decade's worth of experience handling these issues.

If you're growing a beard, you'll likely face one of these common problems at one point or another, so bookmark this email and Keep on Growing.

BEARD ITCH

Beard itch in the early phase of your beard growth is expected, but it doesn't have to be unbearable. As your beard grows, the hair starts to curl, and those sharp points prick the skin, causing itchiness. When you're just starting your beard, this itchy period will typically last one or two weeks and subside as the hair gets longer. Using Beard Oil or Utility Beard Balm from day one will help soften the hair as it grows in, easing the itchiness in the early stages.

BEARD ITCH WITH LONGER BEARDS

Beard itch with a longer beard is likely an indication of excessive dryness to both the skin and hair. The first step is to identify what you're using to wash your beard. Harsh soaps and hair shampoos can strip away too much oil from your face, leaving your beard feeling like a tumbleweed. Instead, use a Beard Wash & Beard Conditioner designed to be gentle enough for your face. The next step is to assess how frequently you're washing your beard. Most men only need to use Beard Wash two to three times per week, if not less. We also recommend co-washing. Lastly, if you're dealing with beard itch, you could probably benefit from some exfoliation. Use a stiff-bristled boar's hair Beard Brush to help remove any dead skin trapped under the hair and better distribute oil throughout the beard.

BEARDRUFF

Beardruff is what we call dandruff that comes from your beard. In most cases, beardruff signals that you need to exfoliate the skin beneath your beard. Treat it the same way you would for a longer beard that itches—use Beard Wash & Softener, brush and exfoliate with a Boar's Hair Brush, and add Beard Oil or Utility Beard Balm to your grooming routine. If you have excessive flaking and itching that you can't get under control, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that many beardsmen have and treat easily. That said, it won't go away unless you treat it correctly. If you've tried caring for flaking on your own to no avail, speak with your doctor or dermatologist.

BEARD WAVES

Some beards grow straight, some grow curly, and some grow wavy. Taming the wave in your beard is relatively easy. You'll need a blow dryer and a Round Brush. Start with a clean, slightly damp beard. Apply some Beard Oil to the beard. Use the Round Brush to curl the hair opposite of the wave and add heat from the blow dryer. Once the wave has been removed, switch the blow dryer to cold to lock the hair in place.

PATCHY BEARDS

So your beard doesn't connect fully or has bald spots? You're not alone. Be patient and give it more time. A patchy beard at thirty days can still be thick and full at 90 days and beyond. As your beard grows longer, those bald spots may get covered up. You may also need to give it more time in the sense that you're still young. For most men, beard growth doesn't really kick in until you are 25. But ultimately, a patchy beard may just be what your genetics allow. Patchy beards can still be cool when kept short—think James Franco.