HOW DO I FIX MY BEARD ISSUES?

I do not know why I was surprised to learn that so many men encounter issues when it comes to grooming and maintaining their beards. I guess because men are typically not vocal about these issues, I assumed they do not exist!

Thank goodness I took the time to learn more from dermatologists and I am now able to provide valuable solutions! 

Here are the most common beard issues and how to solve them:

(1) Itchy Beard

This is common with short beards when first growing out and also with longer beards. Short beards can feel itchy because the coarse bristles of the growing hair often rub against the skin all day and night.

Whereas longer beards can feel itchy because your body is not producing enough oil to hydrate your beard and the skin underneath it. This is especially the case during cold weather.

Solution: 

(i) Keep your beard clean by washing it every day with lukewarm water. This will remove dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells which usually cause the itchiness. 

(ii) Moisturise your beard and the skin beneath it with a good beard oil or moisturiser. This will soothe the skin underneath and reduce the itching. Do this at least once every day!

(2) Patchy Beard Growth

This is very common. It is where the beard does not grow in particular areas, which make it look uneven. But don't loose hope just yet because there are plenty of grooming tips that can help your beard look fuller

Solution: 

(i) Be patient and let your beard grow out before trimming or shaving. Then use beard wax to style it and hold the hairs in place. This will give the impression of less patches

(ii) Regularly use conditioner because it will prevent thinning of your beard.

(iii) Beard oil can help to nourish your beard, which can therefore help it to grow healthy. Afoyo beard oil has had validated results from plenty of men about how nourishing it is and how it supports healthier beard growth.

(3) Beard Dandruff

A common question is, where does beard dandruff come from? Although it looks like a bad hygiene problem, it is actually not.

Beard dandruff is caused by the same issue as scalp dandruff - a yeast on the skin. Some people's immune systems have a very active response to this yeast which results in scaly flakes on the skin underneath the beard.

While there is no cure, there are ways to cope with it

Solution: 

(i) Wash and exfoliate your beard a few times a week. This will reduce some of the sebum that the yeast feeds on. It will also remove those dandruff flakes and soothe your skin underneath from any itching.

(ii) Apply beard oil or balm everyday to moisturise and protect your skin under the beard. Make sure you apply a very tiny amount as too much could make the problem worse. You need just enough to soften and tame the hair. You do not need to coat the hair in oil.

Favourite thing: One of my favourite things about beards is how they can keep you warm when it is cold and cool you down when it is hot as they act like an evaporative cooler!