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For most men around the world, caring for their beard is either equally important or more important than caring for their hairstyle. The maintenance and love the beard deserves are completely non-negotiable.
So, you can only imagine how one would feel when split ends appear in their beard. Many people might think it is a signal to part ways with their facial fuzz, but the truth is it is just a cue to understand the cause of the damage and work to fix it.
Split ends are a common concern for many people around the globe. They can occur in hair strands everywhere, from the head to the eyelashes to the beard.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to restore your beard’s flawless appearance. No need to go searching for your razor just yet!
What Can Cause Beard Split Ends?
Similar to split ends on the hair on your head, beard split ends occur when the protective cuticle layer of your hair strands is damaged, causing the hair ends to crack and split. (1) Many things contribute to this issue.
One key reason for split ends is the lack of proper nourishment due to insufficient sebum, which is the natural oil produced by your skin. This lack of sebum can make the beard hair follicles coarse and brittle, leading to fraying and split ends.
However, even if the sebaceous glands at the root of each beard follicle do produce enough sebum, you can still have split ends when your beard is very long. This is because when the beard grows too long, these glands struggle to supply enough oil to keep the entire hair shaft moisturized, leading to dryness and eventually split ends.
Bad hair care practices can also cause split ends. Blow-drying your beard is a big no as it dries out the hair shaft, increasing the risk of split ends and breakage.
Plus, using regular hair shampoos on your beard is equally damaging, as these products contain harsh chemicals that take away sebum and moisture. (1)(2)
How to Manage Beard Split Ends?
As your beard grows longer, split ends become more inevitable. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and care for your beard, keeping it silky and soft.
The truth is, once your beard hair is split, the only solution is a trim. Cut those damaged ends for a fresh start.
If you’re not ready for a trim, temporary fixes include using specially developed lotions to hold the split strands together. (3)
To prevent beard split ends from coming back, keep these points in mind:
- If you’re not keen on a full trim, use a pair of scissors to make clean and small snips focused on clearing the split ends. Trim split ends every week or two to maintain a good-looking beard.
- Keep your beard hydrated with beard oils and balms. These support your skin’s moisturization if natural sebum is not enough. (4)
- Use a beard shampoo instead of regular shampoo to prevent the removal of natural oils. Look for ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe for their moisturizing effects.
- Skip the blow-dryer after a beard wash as excessive heat dries out your beard, making it prone to split ends. Pat your beard dry and use a comb or brush after air-drying.
- Limit touching and pulling to reduce stress on your beard.
- Combing a couple of times a day is enough; do not go overboard.
- Choose the right tools for beard care such as a wide-toothed comb.
- Dyeing your beard exposes it to harmful chemicals, so try avoiding it.
How Should You Care for Your Beard?
For a healthy beard, prioritize proper skin and beard care. Dermatologists suggest a simple routine (4):
- Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to wash your beard and face. Make sure to massage the cleanser in and pat your beard dry afterward.
- Moisturize: Even for acne-prone or oily skin, moisturize to prevent dryness and itchiness.
- Groom: Apply beard conditioner, oil, or moisturizer and comb through for even distribution and detangling.
Experts also say you should:
- Invest in shaving oil.
- Change blades regularly.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Avoid excessively touching your beard.
Most-Asked Questions
Can I repair beard split ends?
Repairing existing split ends is challenging. Focus on prevention by maintaining a healthy beard care routine.
How do I care for damaged beard hair?
Let damaged hairs shed naturally. Nurture new hair growth by using nourishing oils, and make them part of your nightly beard care ritual.
Is heat safe for beard grooming?
Avoid using excessive heat on beard hair, as it can contribute to split ends. Go for gentler grooming methods.
What facial cleanser should I use?
Choose facial cleansers that are safe for beards or ensure they don’t linger on your facial hair for extended periods.
How should I dry my beard?
Always use clean towels and gently pat your beard dry to prevent unnecessary friction that could contribute to split ends.
Final Word
Caring for your beard is a non-negotiable act of love. Split ends, though disheartening, signal a need for understanding their causes and preventing them from happening, not a farewell to your facial fuzz.
Causes of beard split ends range from inadequate sebum production to bad grooming practices. To manage them, trim your beard regularly, use nourishing lotions, and adopt good beard care habits.
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