When I was a little kid, my dad would play this little game with my brother and I. We would run around our home until he captured us. Then, he would rub his rough beard on us. I’ll never forget the scratchiness on my skin.
We loved it and hated it at the same time.
When I was growing up, probably due to that experience, I always thought that if a man had a rough beard it was a sign of manliness. Almost as if it was a sign that you were strong and rugged. A real man.
And although it is partially true, it doesn’t paint the whole picture. Sure, your beard is more prone to be rough if you are continually working in the elements and harsh weather, but it doesn’t have to be.
And modern masculinity isn’t always about men being rough and rugged. Sure, they can be when needed, but modern men are also in touch with their softer side. He cares about his health and about how he impacts the world and those around him.
A softer beard shows that you care about your girlfriend and her concerns, because we know that women like beards that are soft.
We now know that a soft beard is a healthy beard. All that it takes to make your beard softer is a few minor changes to your grooming routine.
So, if you are wondering how to make my beard soft, then this guide will go over all the relevant information. First, we will look at all the reasons why your beard is rough. Then, we will give you the specific steps to turn that steel wool on your face into a fluffy cotton ball.
6 Reasons Why Your Beard Is Rough
There are several reasons that beards aren’t soft. Fortunately, by being aware of these things, you can take steps to protect your beard and keep it healthy.
1. Lack of Hydration
Beards are a part of our integumentary system, which is made up of hair, skin, and nails. And just like our skin, for our hair to be softer, we need to be properly hydrated.
When the hairs lack hydration, they become rough and brittle. Not only will this cause your beard to be rough, but it can also lead to breakage which will make your beard thin and patchy.
2. Not Enough Nutrients
Our skin and hair is our external signal of vitality. So, when you aren’t getting a nutrient-rich diet, it is reflected in your appearance.
Some essential vitamins that you could be lacking in your diet include biotin, vitamin E, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients not only serve to produce high-quality hair but also help to lock in moisture to keep them hydrated.
Also, if the nutrients aren’t getting to the follicles, that could be another problem. Using things like castor oil for beards can help to cleanse the follicles and increase blood flow to allow the nutrients to get where they are needed.
3. Tangled
Most people overlook this one, but it is very important.
If your beard isn’t straight, it is most likely tangled up and full of knots. These points create thick and rigid edges that can easily scratch your partner’s skin.
4. Split Ends
The only thing that most guys know about split ends is that their girlfriend is always talking about them. Well, it is definitely something that guys with beards should be aware of as well.
A split end happens when a hair strand is dry and damaged. At this point, the hair shaft could split in half, creating a “Y” shape at the end. Split ends are typically very rough and should be taken care of.
5. It is Dirty
Like your skin, hair can accumulate buildup, which is a mix of oils and dirt and grime.
Your body is always producing oil to help moisturize and protect it. In your beard, this oil is also known as sebum. While it is great for protection, it also has a drawback that dirt and debris can also stick to it.
When larger particles like sand and dirt get stuck in your beard, it will give you a rough feel. This is especially relevant to people that are always outdoors and work in places with a lot of dust and particles floating around.
6. Exposure to Extreme Environments
Constant exposure to harsh weather could harm your beard. Things like wind, snow, cold temperatures, and extreme heat often dry out your facial hair faster. As mentioned above, these things can lead to other factors that will make your beard rough.
But don’t worry. If you are in these conditions, you can still soften your beard. You just have to be more mindful about it and follow the following tips to protect it even more.
7 Steps For a Soft Beard
Now that you know all the things that help to damage your beard, let’s take a look at the best things that soften your beard up.
1. Eat Healthy
Diet is an enormous factor in our beard’s health and will go a long way in making it soft. As mentioned above, nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, and Omega-3’s are crucial in a complete beard healthy diet.
So make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet filled with a variety of foods. Eggs, fish, and seeds are often high in biotin, while leafy greens and nuts are high in vitamin E. To ensure that you are getting enough Omega-3, eat cold-water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
If you find it hard to get the proper nutrition, supplementing with vitamins and Omega-3’s are an easy way to boost vital nutrients. They will also help to grow a beard faster.
2. Wash It
Be sure to clean your beard correctly, but not too often. Excessive washing could strip the hairs and reduce critical moisture to ensure it is soft. Also, avoid harsh soaps filled with dangerous chemicals.
For optimal softness, wash your beard with a high-quality beard shampoo 2-3 times per week. These beard washes are filled with great ingredients to clean your beard gently. Plus, using a beard wash this frequent will allow your body’s natural oils to do their job to soften your beard, and as an extra benefit it will help to stop beard itch.
3. Condition It
For extra course beards, you would want to follow up on your grooming routine with a beard conditioner. All of the best beard conditioners contain high-quality moisturizing ingredients to repair the hair shafts and keep them in good shape.
Many beard conditioners contain oils like argan oil. There are many other benefits of using argan oil for beard health.
Some companies make a 2-in-1 product that contains a beard wash and conditioner for easier usage.
4. Beard Oil
Have you ever wondered, what does beard oil do? Well, here is one of the many benefits.
All men should be using beard oil daily. After washing your beard, dry your beard before applying beard oil.
The best beard oils will provide essential nutrients to your beard while also protecting your beard from the elements. Because it is a product that you leave in, it helps soften your beard all day. Think of it as an extra layer of protection that will also help soften your beard.
5. Beard Balm
If you want a little more hold in your beard, follow up the beard oil with a beard balm. Beard balms are excellent to use in conjunction with a beard oil if you are looking for something to style and hydrate your beard at the same time.
That is because beard balm contains key oils like coconut oil and jojoba plus thickening agents for hold. Most men apply beard balm after right after applying beard oil.
6. Brush It
Brushing your beard daily will help to detangle your beard and prevent the buildup of knots. Also, it will help to keep your facial hair straight and fluffy.
Brushing your beard after applying beard balm and beard oil will also help to distribute the products evenly.
Try to use a specific beard brush or a wooden comb. Plastic brushes and combs can increase breakage and lead to more split ends.
7. Trim It
Finally, make sure to trim your beard periodically. This will help get rid of those split ends that give your beard that steel wool feeling.
Aside from helping to soften it, trimming your beard will keep it even as it is growing, which will help to give it a better shape and feel.
Conclusion
Having a dry and rough beard is a thing of the past, and soft beards are the way to go. Not only does a soft beard feel light and fluffy to the touch, but it is also a sign of your beard’s health.
If you don’t have a grooming routine, now is the time to start. By following these simple tips and incorporating them into your grooming routine, you will have a softer beard in no time. With so many awesome beard grooming kits on the market that contain many of these items, you have no excuse.
In the end, it will look amazing, grow better, and your significant other won’t complain about it scratching their skin. That sounds like a win for everyone, so what are you waiting for?