The reasons for an itchy beard can range from dry skin to folliculitis, dermatitis, ingrown hairs, and many more.
Whether growing a beard for the first time or sporting one for a long time, it's not uncommon for beard hair to become itchy.
The itching on your beard can be mild; in some cases, you won't even be aware of it. At other times, it seems like every inch is itchy. It could wake you in the early morning hours or cause you to miss crucial events in your life.
Why Is My Beard Itchy?
The hair on your beard isn't as thick as the hair on your head. It's referred to as androgenic hair, meaning that the growth of this hair is driven by testosterone. The growth of this hair is linked to a testosterone-related by-product known as dihydrotestosterone. Increased testosterone leads to more development and thickness of the hairs.
This is why you must approach maintaining facial hair differently than other hair on your body.
What Causes Beard Itch?
Below, we outline common reasons why your beard might be itchy and how to treat the problem.
✅Dry skin
Dry or cold weather can cause dry skin, a condition called xerosis. Other causes of dry and flaky skin may include medications, shampoos, and soaps. Conditions like psoriasis or eczema, common skin disorders, can also cause dry skin and itching.
If you have dry skin, doctors recommend applying a facial moisturizer to your beard and the sensitive skin underneath it. Oil-based moisturizers generally provide more hydration than water-based ones.
✅Hair Ingrown
If you've recently cut or shaved your hair, you might experience hair growing inward. This happens when the hair curls back into its follicle, causing inflammation. While this can happen to any hair, curly hair is more prone to developing ingrown follicles.
Wash the affected area with a gentle or exfoliating cleanser to treat itchy, red bumps to remove dead skin cells. To prevent this issue in the future, use a clean razor blade and apply shaving cream to protect your skin.
Shaving hygiene is a critical component of facial skin care. Hot water is important to soften your facial hair before shaving. Consider using a warm, damp washcloth or taking a warm shower. Apply a moisturizing shaving gel or cream to smooth your face, and always use a clean, new blade.
Keep the razor blade dry between uses by storing it outside the shower. Replace the razor frequently. Replacing the blade monthly for those who shave regularly, while occasional shavers can go longer between replacements.
Several companies now offer specialized razors for those prone to ingrown hairs.
✅Seborrheic Dermatitis
If you tend to develop dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) on your scalp, you might experience similar itching and scaling in the beard area. This condition is caused by a yeast called Pityrosporum, which naturally exists on the skin.
Why doesn’t everyone develop it? It depends on your skin type, the amount of yeast present, your immune system, and how your body reacts to the yeast.
If you notice red, scaly, and itchy patches, over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos can be helpful.
✅Staph Infections
The bacteria that cause Staph-related diseases, staphylococcus aureus, are found on most people's skin in various places.
When you have a beard, with humidity and skin flaking, the conditions are ripe for staph to grow in the area. If your beard grows longer, it can develop folliculitis because staph is a major contributor to additional inflammation. Wash your face thoroughly with shampoo, and apply anti-itch cream if needed. In severe cases, you may require an antibiotic.
✅Sycosis barbae
It is also possible to contract an ongoing infection that can spread from person to person within the beard area.
If you get a beard trim at a salon or barbershop and they don't completely sanitize their razor, you can get sycosis barbae. It's a fungal or bacterial infection of the beard region where bacteria get absorbed into the hair follicles. It's not limited to your skin.
Washing your face with shampoo or an anti-acne wash and applying an anti-fungal cream is all that's required. However, more severe cases may need an oral antibiotic or anti-acne medication.
✅Lice
Yes, lice. Specifically, pubic lice can appear when you have curly beard hair.
Standard lice prefer straight hair. But if you have curly hair in your beard, you're more likely to get pubic lice (or crabs) in the beard area.
The appearance of lice in your beard is the same as in your hair. You'll notice nits or irritation due to the eggs.
Either use an over-the-counter anti-lice medication or shave your beard and regrow it.
How to Stop Beard Itch
It is possible to take some easy steps to grow a beard and simplify your life. Don't ignore or let the itching go, as it could lead to more serious issues. By following the steps listed below from the beginning, you can improve the look and feel of your beard right from day one.
Apply Beard Shampoo and Conditioner to Reduce Itchiness and Prevent Dry Skin
Beard shampoo is an excellent way to clean your skin and beard to ease itching. However, don't use it too often (1–2 times per week), as shampoos can strip your facial hair and skin of their natural oils if overused. Beard conditioner is a gentler alternative for washing your beard. You can condition your beard as often as you'd like; many people condition theirs three to four times a week.
It's important to use products specifically designed for beards, as the texture of beard hair differs from the hair on your head. Some shampoos and conditioners are formulated to cleanse and revitalize your beard while leaving it soft and smooth without stripping its natural oils. These products also prevent tangling, making your beard easier to style and manage.
Cleansing Your Beard Thoroughly Can Reduce Itching
Rinse all the shampoo and conditioner out of your beard thoroughly. Proper cleansing ensures no residue is left behind, which can otherwise cause dryness and irritation. It’s a simple step but essential for maintaining a healthy beard.
Drying Your Beard Properly Minimizes Itching
Dry your beard completely after washing it. Failing to do so can cause the skin beneath to dry out, leaving the hair rough or brittle. This, in turn, can lead to the annoying itch you’re trying to eliminate.
Gently pat your beard dry, ensuring you reach the roots to absorb any excess water. Avoid rough drying methods, which can damage the hair and irritate the skin.
Use Beard Oils and Balms to Treat Beard Itching
If there's one thing you need to combat itching, it’s beard oil. Beard oil is an all-purpose product that keeps your beard smooth, your skin moisturized, and your beard free of flakes and itch. It also ensures your beard remains well-maintained and healthy.
You can start using beard oil as soon as stubble begins to appear to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Beard balm is another excellent addition to your grooming routine. It uses plant-based waxes, oils, and butter to help protect your skin.
- Read Next: What is Beard Balm?
Be mindful of what you’re getting when buying beard oils, as numerous options are available. Some oils are excellent, while others are not as good. Argan oil is widely regarded as one of the best oils for hair, and combining it with jojoba oil creates a highly effective blend. Jojoba oil mimics the skin's natural sebum, forming a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents dryness.
Sweet almond oil is another great addition—it is light and enhances absorption into the beard. These oils create a rich blend of microelements, fatty acids, and nutrients to nourish your beard.
Keep in mind that not all beard oils are created equal. It’s important to research the company, its production methods, customer reviews (both on its platforms and third-party sites), and its choice of ingredients.
High-quality beard oils are thoroughly tested and professionally produced in controlled environments to ensure safety and effectiveness. Improperly made products, especially those with excessive essential oils, can irritate the skin or cause burns and allergic reactions.
Combing Your Beard Can Eliminate Itching In Your Beard
Combing your beard regularly to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow is important. This will help keep your beard healthy. A regular comb can be an excellent tool to eliminate weak hairs that can be irritating, but do not overdo it.
The cleanliness of your home and its importance in removing beard itching
Many people overlook the cleanliness of their linens. When was the last time you cleaned your pillowcase? Pillowcases collect dust, bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells daily. You lay your head and beard on them, so it’s natural for these elements to make their way into your beard and skin. Clean your linens regularly to maintain hygiene and keep your beard healthy.
Shaving Tips
Here are some suggestions on how to properly shave and reduce itching:
- Soak the hair and skin before shaving to soften them.
- Use shaving creams or gels. Products designed for sensitive skin are ideal for dry skin.
- Follow the direction in which the hair grows while shaving.
- Rinse your face after every use of the razor.
- Replace razor blades or razors every five to seven shaves and store them in a dry location.
Medications
If you suffer from an infection or another related skin problem, the doctor could prescribe medicated creams, ointments, or lotions. Some common medications include:
👍 To treat dry skin, begin by applying a high-quality facial moisturizer. Ointments are readily available; however, they could cause breakouts. Creams containing lactic acid and urea may help treat flaking but could also irritate.
👍 For treating folliculitis, Use mupirocin to treat bacterial infections, antifungal creams for fungal infections, or an anti-inflammatory cream if the skin is not infected. Keratolytics such as benzoyl peroxide applied to the skin can aid those prone to pseudofolliculitis and folliculitis. Topical keratolytics can include retinoids, salicylic acid, and beta hydroxy acids.
👍 Antifungal products can help prevent outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis. Also, a low-dose oral steroid such as hydrocortisone can temporarily help during acute inflammation. Clobetasol could be a suitable option for extreme cases.
👍 To treat the condition: Let the hair grow for 3 to 4 weeks without shaving or until the lesions disappear. Then, shave every other day instead of daily. Another option is applying glycolic acid.
👍 Treatment for tinea barbae: A topical antifungal may be a viable option for mild infections. Oral antifungal treatments such as itraconazole or terbinafine are typically required for effective treatment.
There are also oral forms of medication. Your treatment options will depend on your physician’s opinion regarding the best treatment for your situation. A board-certified dermatologist will help you determine the exact cause of your beard itching and recommend the best treatment.
👍 Surgery and Procedures
Your physician may suggest laser hair removal if you suffer from a chronic condition that causes your beard to itch due to frequent infections or other inflammation triggers.
Your doctor may also need to make an incision to drain any carbuncles or boils. Both are types of skin abscesses. Carbuncles consist of interconnected boils, which could cause infections or worsen your condition.
Hair removal is another alternative. Laser treatment is one method to accomplish this.
Does Beard Oil Stop Beard Itch?
It certainly does! Beard oils of natural and high-quality ingredients can ease beard itch by moisturizing and soothing irritation. Another benefit is that beard oil keeps the beard soft, hydrated, and moisturized while strengthening it.
Read Also: What is Beard Oil
Check Our Beard Oil Range
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Beard oils from antimicrobial, softening, and hydrating ingredients like coconut oil can also double as shaving oil. This is helpful if your beard itch is caused by fungus or bacteria!
Some beard oils also contain cinnamon and patchouli oil, which can transform your sad beard scratching into joyful beard sniffing in no time!
Ways to Prevent a Beard Rash
The best approach to managing beard-related rashes is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Although it's not always simple to stop a beard rash from forming, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Cleaning Your Razor
Dirty razors are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can cause skin irritation. To avoid this, make sure to clean your razors properly. Here’s how:
- Rinse the razor blades under water after every few strokes.
- Let the water flow through the blade to remove hairs and residue.
- Shake off excess water from the razor.
Once your razor is clean, store it in a hygienic location to prevent the buildup of germs. Alternatively, you can use disposable razors for a fresh and clean blade every time you shave.
Stick to a Beard Care Routine
A proper beard care routine involves three key steps:
- Cleanse your beard and face daily to remove dirt, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
- Moisturize the beard and the skin underneath after washing to keep them hydrated.
- Groom your beard regularly by combing, brushing, and trimming it when it gets too long.
What Otherwise Should You Do to Prevent Beard Rash?
In addition to the three-step routine, avoid touching or stroking your beard frequently, which can lead to skin issues.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you’re experiencing a painful beard rash that doesn’t improve after a few days or a week, or if it shows signs of infection or other skin problems, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments are effective only when you know the cause of the rash.
A medical professional can provide the correct diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Takeaway
A scaly or itchy beard is common, especially for those growing a beard for the first time. Maintaining a clean beard and allowing the hair to grow properly before shaving can help minimize itching.
If the itching is due to an infection or other issue, identifying the cause and seeking treatment can prevent further damage to the skin and hair follicles.
FAQ
How do you make your beard stop itching?
- Maintain proper beard hygiene.
- Shower or bathe frequently, at least once per day or every other day.
- Even if you don’t bathe, wash your beard daily with warm water.
- Use a beard or face wash specifically designed for beard care.
- Apply beard conditioners made from argan or jojoba oil to create a naturally moisturized beard.
How can you make your facial hair less scratchy?
- Regular Washing: Use a gentle beard shampoo or mild soap when washing your facial hair regularly. This helps remove dirt and oil, which can make your beard feel rough.
- Conditioning: Use a beard or leave-in conditioner to soften your beard after washing.
- Oil Application: Apply beard oil regularly to keep your beard hydrated and soft.
How can I stop beard rash?
Moisturize
Dry skin can cause itching, so it’s essential to moisturize as much as possible. Use a quality moisturizer that is fragrance-free and free of harmful ingredients. Look for products designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin.
Can coconut oil help reduce beard itching?
Yes, coconut oil can help. Rub a small amount onto your facial skin before bed to keep it hydrated. Brush or comb the oil through your beard, focusing on gently massaging it into the skin to ensure proper absorption.