Growing a beard for winter will make your winter much better. Your mug rug offers protection from windburn, UV rays, and frigid temperatures. It can even save your life. 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 of 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.
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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 gives 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.
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. For brothers with sensitive skin, we recommend our Zeus Unscented Beard Oil, which is fragrance-free. 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 mustache, so you’ll look put together with 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?
