7 Ways To Take Care of Your Beard Without Expensive Products
I’ve had a beard for more than a decade now, and many people don’t realize how much goes into caring for your facial hair. That said, the market is oversaturated with high-end grooming kits and specialty oils. However, you don’t need these products to keep your beard healthy and soft. Here are seven ways to take care of your beard without buying these pricey items.
1. Wash Your Beard Regularly (With Gentle Soap)
Expensive beard shampoos can be nice, but they aren’t necessary. You can get the same (or better) results from using a mild facial cleanser or gentle natural soap. I honestly use my regular shampoo and conditioner on mine! These soaps will remove dirt, oil, and food particles from your beard. It’s recommended that you wash your beard two to three times a week, but I wash mine every day. Your need for washing your beard may differ. Individuals with drier skin might not be able to wash as often. You also should avoid extremely hot water when rinsing to avoid damaging your hair and skin.
2. Condition With Household Oils
You don’t need fancy beard oils when kitchen staples like coconut oil, olive oil, or even jojoba oil work wonders. These natural oils provide moisture, reduce itchiness, and add softness to your beard. Apply a small amount (just a few drops) and massage it into your beard and skin. Doing this a few times a week helps prevent split ends and dryness. These oils are often less expensive and free of synthetic fragrances or chemicals.
3. Trim With Precision—Not Price
Trimming your beard regularly helps maintain its shape and prevent split ends, and you don’t need an expensive barber visit every time. Invest in a basic pair of beard scissors or a budget-friendly trimmer with length guards. Trim your beard every two to three weeks to maintain your desired style. Always trim when your beard is dry so you can see the real length. Use a comb to straighten the hair before trimming for better accuracy.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin
Healthy skin beneath your beard is just as important as the beard itself. You can exfoliate using a homemade scrub made of sugar and olive oil or just use a soft toothbrush to gently lift dead skin cells. Exfoliating once a week reduces flakiness and promotes healthy beard growth. It also helps prevent ingrown hairs and clogged pores. Don’t scrub too hard—gentle is key.
5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Good beard health starts from within. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3s supports healthy hair growth. Leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and fish are all beard-friendly foods. Proper hydration keeps your skin from drying out, which in turn keeps your beard looking fuller and softer. You don’t need supplements—just smart nutrition.
6. Comb It Daily
Brushing or combing your beard every day helps train it to grow in the direction you want. It also distributes natural oils evenly and prevents tangles. You don’t need an expensive beard brush—a simple wide-tooth comb or plastic comb can work fine. Regular combing promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, which supports healthy growth. It also helps you spot any knots, debris, or uneven patches.
7. Let It Breathe at Night
Don’t overload your beard with products before bed. A simple rinse with warm water before sleep helps remove buildup and sweat. Sleeping on a clean pillowcase and avoiding tight fabrics against your beard will help reduce breakage. Letting your beard “breathe” overnight can help it stay softer and cleaner. You don’t need heavy overnight balms or conditioners.
Beards Thrive on Simplicity
While grooming kits and specialty oils are nice, they aren’t necessary to maintain a beard that you love. The key to healthy, soft facial hair is maintaining simple habits and understanding what your beard really needs. You don’t need expensive products. Just focus on the basic care that delivers the results you want to see.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.