But therein lies the paradox – while a beard is a pleasant companion when it’s cold and blistery, winter is also the most trying season on your beard. Low humidity and harsh elements dry out your hair, causing it to become brittle.
Winter is when you want to step up your beard care game. This calls for vigilant moisturizing and a couple changes to your daily routine that will optimize moisture retention.
Say no to hot water
We get it – it’s downright frigid outside, and there’s nothing like a hot shower to make you forget about it all. While a hot shower may feel good, hot water is Enemy No. 1 for your beard. Hot water strips hair and skin of natural oils (that would otherwise be moisturizing your hair and skin). This causes dry, brittle hair and itchy skin.
Instead, turn the water temperature down and take a cool shower whenever possible. Cool water seals cuticles to keep your beard moisturized and protected.
Shampoo less
You still need to keep your beard clean during the winter (especially with all those food and booze-filled holiday parties), but tone it down in the shampoo department. Cut back how often you shampoo to two times a week. Continue rinsing your face and beard daily, though, to remove superficial buildup.
When you do shampoo, avoid the following:
- Sulfates - Foaming agents that dehydrate and irritate skin. Zeus Beard Shampoo is sulfate-free and contains Dragon’s Blood Extract and Green Tea Extract to calm inflammation.
- Silicones – Minerals that help smooth and straighten hair, as well as it give it shine. While that may sound desirable, silicones build up on your beard, acting as a sealant. This means conditioners won’t be able to penetrate and your hair will dehydrate, resulting in a brittle, frizzy beard.
- Note: There are some water-soluble silicones that rinse out with water. These are okay to use. Look for: Dimethicone Copolyol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and Lauryl Methicone Copolyol.
Moisturize more
Conditioner
Conditioner should be your mainstay when the weather is crisp and cold. You should be using it on days even when you’re not using beard shampoo. Aim to condition your beard 3 – 4 times a week.
Beard oil
Right after your shower, take advantage of your still-moist skin by applying a few drops of beard oil. For a fresh but not overpowering scent, try Zeus Verbena Lime Beard Oil.
Depending on how dry your beard is, you can apply beard oil in the morning, reapply once during the day, and again at night. Test out the frequency to see what works for you.
Beard balm
Beard balm should come after the beard oil step. It’ll add an extra dose of moisture to your beard and skin, while sealing that moisture in with beeswax. In addition, beard balm can be used to lightly shape your beard and moustache, so you’ll look put together no matter how blistery the winds.
Do not skip the brushing/combing
Brushing your beard has a multitude of benefits. It keeps your beard clean, tidy, and in good form. It distributes beard oil evenly through your beard (goodbye, winter dryness). And did we mention it also stimulates circulation, promoting healthy beard growth?
Find the right beard brush or comb for you on our Grooming Tools page.
Score bonus points with a humidifier
Combat the dryness of the air – and consequently, of your beard – with a humidifier, which will keep your beard, skin, and significant other happy.
Take a spa day
…Or just hop into your gym’s steam room. Think of a steam bath as a deep conditioning treatment for your beard.
Cover your beard when you’re outside
#IceBeards are wicked, but other than being a cool photo op, they do serious damage to your beard, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage.
Prevent ice beard by doing the following:
- Cover your beard with a scarf.
- If your beard gets wet from snow, ice, or rain, wipe it off immediately to prevent it from dying out.
