Beard care: 7 tips for a clean, full beard

A good beard frames your face and can completely change your look. But to look sharp, it needs a little care every day and a good barber every few weeks. Here are our seven essential tips.
1. Wash it, but not with regular shampoo every day
Wash your beard two or three times a week with a beard wash or gentle cleanser. Regular shampoo can dry out the skin underneath and cause itching and flakes.
2. Moisturize with beard oil or balm
After washing, while the beard is slightly damp, apply a few drops of beard oil and work it down to the skin. Balm adds a bit of hold for flyaways. This helps with itching, especially in the first weeks of growth and during New Jersey winters.
3. Brush or comb it every day
A boar-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb spreads the oil, trains the hair in one direction and makes the beard look fuller.
4. Keep the lines clean
The cheek line and the neckline make the biggest difference. A good rule for the neckline: about one to two fingers above your Adam's apple. If you're not sure, let your barber set the lines and just maintain them at home.
5. Prevent razor bumps
- Shave or trim in the direction of growth.
- Use a sharp, clean blade.
- Don't press too hard or go over the same area many times.
- Exfoliate gently a couple of times a week.
If you get bumps often, ask your barber for a cleaner technique or a slightly longer line.
6. Be patient while it grows
The first four to six weeks are the hardest: the beard can look patchy and feel itchy. Keep it moisturized and let your barber shape it instead of cutting it all off.
7. See your barber regularly
A professional trim every one to four weeks, depending on length, keeps the shape and symmetry. A hot towel finish opens the pores and leaves the skin fresh. See how often to get a haircut and beard trim.
Book your beard trim in Port Reading
At Alexa's Salon Barber Shop we do beard trims, line-ups and fades. Visit our barber shop page or book online. Se habla español.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop beard itch?
Wash with a gentle cleanser, not daily shampoo, and use beard oil on the skin underneath every day.
Where should my beard neckline be?
A common guide is about one to two fingers above your Adam's apple. Your barber can set it to fit your face.
